As a senior in college I have skipped many a class over the years. Some may think that it is easy to just skip a class, to those people I say there is much more to it than that. There are several factors at play when it comes to skipping class, and all factors must be considered before making your decision.

First things first, is the class important to you?

When I say important I mean is it important for your major/what you plan to do with the rest of your life. It is important to only skip the classes that really have no effect on you in any way, shape, or form (Mom if you're reading this I've never skipped class). Because if you skip classes that are actually important you will be missing out on information that is crucial to you. You can miss a lecture of Philosophy, because if you think about it is anyone really even there?

Second, make sure you have a killer excuse.

When coming up with your excuse to email your professor it is important to keep it short and sweet. Don't try and blow them away with some Chronicles of Narnia type story. Something as simple as "I have a migraine" or "I had a meeting" or "The apes have finally taken over" will do nicely.

Third, make sure you have friends in the class.

It is important that in your absence you have a comrade in the class to take the notes you missed. However, use caution when picking your friend to take notes. There is nothing worse than not getting notes you missed in class...other than actually going to class. Also, make sure this person does not have a habit of skipping classes as well, otherwise you are both screwed and may God have mercy on your soul.

Fourth, be concious of number of excused absences.

Nothing is worse than taking a few day ciesta from a class only to find out you have two excused absences. Because after that the skips start having an effect on your grades, and that is bad. Even worse than that if you use up your absences too quickly then you have no choice but to got class...consistently.

Fifth, be concious of any assignments/tests you may be missing when skipping.

This is college and as everyone knows that means there's a lot of crap going on in class. You could miss one class and be screwed for a week because of what you missed. Also, make sure you know your syllabus so you are not missing any tests/ know when your tests are coming. I'm speaking from personal experience because I have skipped classes (no I haven't mom) and missed important assignments and it has bit me in the butt (but I always pull it off because I'm a legend).

I hope this post may help my other college friends, and the youngsters out there, the next time it comes to skipping a class.

Yours Truly,

Ryan Jordan