Dropping/Adding a Course Inquiry
A student contacts the advisor after registration opens or during the add/drop period, inquiring about the process and implications of changing their registered courses.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
prerequisites
Courses or skills you must complete before taking a more advanced class. For example, you need basic math before advanced data science.
add/drop period
The specific time during a semester when students can add new courses or drop existing ones without big penalties. It's usually the first few weeks.
course ID
A unique code or number given to identify a specific class, like DS301 for Introduction to Data Science. Use it when registering.
semester
One half of the academic year, usually 15-18 weeks long. For example, fall semester or spring semester.
major
Your main field of study in university, like business or computer science. It determines your core courses.
elective
An optional course you choose to take for credit, not required for your major. It helps fulfill degree requirements flexibly.
transcript
An official record of all your courses, grades, and credits from school. It's important for job applications or transfers.
withdrawal
Officially dropping a course after the add/drop period, which may leave a 'W' mark on your transcript instead of a grade.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, Professor Michael? I was hoping to discuss adding a new course and possibly dropping one.
This is a polite way to start a conversation with a teacher. 'I was hoping to' softens the request, making it more courteous. Use it when seeking advice on academic changes.
We're still in the add/drop period, so it's a good time to sort things out.
This explains timing for course changes. 'Sort things out' means to organize or fix issues. Useful for advising when to act on schedules.
Have you checked the prerequisites for that course?
A question to confirm readiness. Present perfect 'have you checked' shows recent action. Ask this when discussing course eligibility.
I've reviewed my degree audit, and I believe I have enough credits in marketing already.
This shows preparation. 'I've reviewed' uses present perfect for completed recent actions. Use when explaining decisions based on academic records.
Sounds like you've done your homework.
An idiomatic praise meaning you've prepared well. Informal and encouraging. Use it to acknowledge someone's research or effort.
To proceed, fill out the Add/Drop form online.
Gives instructions for next steps. 'To proceed' means to continue. Useful in formal advice for administrative processes.
And remember, the last day to add or drop courses without a 'W' on your transcript is next Friday.
A reminder with deadline. 'Without a 'W'' explains avoiding penalties. Use to warn about important dates in academic contexts.