Sometimes sophomores experience difficulty finding their academic focus. If this describes you, or if you feel your intellectual and academic engagement is not what you hoped it would be, you might consider taking some time away from your studies. While students don’t generally take a leave in their third semester, there are instances in which it makes sense, and even more instances in which a planned leave in the fourth semester is very desirable. If you are considering a leave, you should discuss the possibility with a dean in the Office of the Dean of the College, and speak to a staff person in the Curricular Resource Center (now on the third floor of J. Walter Wilson) about leave-taking options and opportunities.