Should I audit a class?

[sacklunch]

I am considering auditing a class this fall, but I am unsure what this exactly means. I understand you are required to show up to class and participate without actually turning in homework, papers, ect. My question then, is it going to look good when I apply to PhD programs? Is it worth it?

thanks

[MeanderingPhD]

Look in your graduate handbook. You will not get credit for the course. Some professors still make you participate.

[rising_star]

No, it won't. If you want something to look good, take the course for credit and do well in it.

[pangur-ban]

Auditing a class is useful if it allows you to develop your research interests or if it leads you to write a good paper you can use as a writing sample. But, because the professor won't be giving you a grade or looking at your work (presumably), they won't be available to write an LOR for you, and the class won't mean much (if anything) on a transcript. If you can't afford to enroll fully in the class, but think you can still get something out of the discussions, it would be a good idea to take it anyway. Often professors are fairly open to giving feedback on your work anyway, depending on how busy they are, and this can be a valuable service.

[aginath]

I can think of only one reason why I would audit a class as opposed to enrolling in it and that's if I've already taken it, but need a refresher.

For example, I've taken Analysis of Variance (this past summer, actually). I even got an A in the class. However, I had a terrible instructor who really didn't teach me anything. I honestly can't tell you ANYTHING about the research method. Yet, I'll likely need to use it when conducting my dissertation research. As such, I'm considering auditing the class from another instructor.

[breakfast]

The only reason you should ever audit a class instead of taking it for credit is if you have already completed the coursework component of your PhD, but still want to sit in on a course closely related to your work. Even then, you could just as easily ask for the syllabus and do the readings on your own (if you are studying for your comps).