[julie234332]

hi everyone. i am a sophomore in college, and for the past month i have been having symptoms of depression. last week i made an appointment with a college counselor and my appointment is this thursday. i have been tired, lethargic, and upset for no reason. it has hindered my ability to put effort into my studies. for example, in the beginning of the semester, before my depressive symptoms, i received an 89 on my organic chemistry test. on the second test, i received a 55, which does not show my true abilities. i am doing better in my other classes only because they require less studying. I am getting marks in the B range, but i would normally be getting A grades in these classes. I want to withdraw from the organic chemistry course, but the withdrawal date passed (it was on april 5th). i also want to declare my major as psychology, so i would not need organic chem anyway, so i would not care about retaking the class for a better grade. ( I thought i wanted to major in neuroscience and go to med school, but i have changed my mind). do you think there is anyway i can still withdraw from organic chemistry, instead of the professor giving me an F. Withdrawing looks bad, but at least it won't bring down my GPA. Thanks.

[Leed]

Hi Julie ~ If the withdrawal date has passed, I don't believe you can -- but you need to speak with your counselor about that. I'm sorry you're having a rough time. Maybe they'll make an exception -- but I kinda doubt it. You never know, though.

I'm glad you ARE going to see your counselor. Be open and honest. It will be kept confidential, UNLESS you express feelings about harming yourself. Then they may contact your parents. But if you DO feel like that you need to say so. It's important because your parents could arrange for you to see a professional -- a psychiatrist or psychologist. It does sound like you need therapy. Unfortunately, that might mean withdrawing from school for the rest of this term. But who knows. You'll just have to wait and see, honey.

Please keep us informed, will you. When you see the counselor this Thursday, will you let me know? I'm really concerned about you and would like to know. Would you message me? I'd appreciate it. Hope to hear from you. God bless & please take care. Hugs, Lee

I agree with Leed about probably not being able to eliminate an F on the organic
chemistry course, but there might be a way to pass the course if you can get
a tutor through the counseling department. Often colleges will have people who
volunteer to tutor when a student is having difficulty.

Why not ask your professor about help in that course? It may get you though
it without the F on your finals.

I think psychology is a wonderful major.

You'll be fine academically; if you need a little medication to help with the mild
depression, please talk to your personal physician. He could help a lot with that.

Take care and have a good academic year.

[julie234332]

Hi. Counseling was not very helpful therapy wise, but the counselor said he is more than willing to give academic advising documentation of my issue. He also told me to see a psychiatrist on campus, so I did, and made an appointment for this tuesday. I am waiting to see what the psychiatrist says before I give in my petition for a late withdrawal of the course. I am not doing as well as I should in any course, but it has affected me the most in chem because it requires to the most concentration, and that is what I am lacking right now. I am getting B's in my other classes, when I should be getting A's if i felt okay. I'll take B's this semester, considering my circumstances, but an F is not acceptable on my transcript, ever.

All the Best Julie. Psychiatrist will definitely give you certificate to withdraw from the course.