dilemma

[virajpatel]

Hey everyone,

I am a Post-bacc student at Oakland University and am currently taking anatomy, Genetics with lab and Virology. I recently hurt my back and the MRI revealed that I have a herniated disc in the L5-S1 region of the lower back. This is made it extremely difficult for me to be at school all the time due to the numerous visits to the doctor and pain that I am in. I am concerned about my virology course because it is extremely demanding so if I am to withdraw, I know it will get calculated into my GPA but would I be able to explain why I withdrew? Also, if I drop it I will only be taking 9 credits this semester so that is another issue. What do you guys think I should do in this situation?

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[Meowmixers]

That sounds really painful. I'm sorry you're going through that.

Have you spoken with your Dean? I'm wondering if perhaps they can make a medical exception in your case (or if they even make medical exceptions). Either way, they'll have a better idea of what your school can do for you, regarding your post-bac's credit requirements and withdraws. If you don't have a dean (and I'm not sure if post-bacs do), then go and speak to the admissions office in person, and they might be able to direct you. It might be good to bring documentation of your injury (I can only see it helping your case, not hurting it). If you're worried it shows you can't take a full course load, you can perhaps do something else in the mean-time (part-time job, volunteering... ). Either way, I'm glad you're taking care of yourself.

As for taking a W -- well, it isn't great, but it's better than a D/F and you do get to explain external hardships.


About your back.. how is your back healing? As a dentist, you're sitting and bending over a mouth -- ergonomics can help to an extent, but most everyone lapses time to time. Dentists/dental assistants have told me that their work can be hard on their body, and especially the back. I'm glad you're being proactive about seeking help. Have you spoken with your doctor/dentist about your future plans?

 

[virajpatel]

I'm not in a post-bacc program I am doing an informal post-bacc and they do have medical exceptions that I could undergo. It's hard for me to be in class so I know for a fact I won't be able to work.

It's healing very slowly but I have bee recommended to get surgery. As of now I am proceeding with a physical therapy route but a surgery may be in order if that doesn't help relieve the pain.

 

[ICUrunning]

Withdrawals are not calculated into the GPA so it will not affect it in any way. Your transcripts will just show a W, or however your school does it.

My school has medical withdrawals for people with special circumstances or health issues. Although people usually use it for whole semesters not just one class. See if your school has something similar.

 

[virajpatel]

According to AADSAS a W is calculated.

 

[ICUrunning]

According to AADSAS a W is calculated.

No they are not.

From the website: http://www.adea.org/AADSASapp/Instructions/GPA-calculations.aspx

Ctrl+F

• The following course types are not included in ADEA AADSAS GPA calculations:
  • Advanced Placement/CLEP.
  • Institutional Department Exam.
  • Audit.
  • International Baccalaureate.
  • Incomplete.
  • Pass/Fail.
  • Withdraw/withdraw passing.

 

[doc toothache]

There is a difference between WP and WF.

 

[virajpatel]

@ICUrunning Thanks so much for that. Atleast if it doesn't go on my GPA then I can explain it if they ask. But I am still hoping to just a medical withdrawal. I am post bacc so its pointless to take just 9 credits even with my back pain or do you think that will look favorable if I am persistent even with my injury? I just want the best advice I don't mean to be annoying.

Thank you all

 

[ICUrunning]

@ICUrunning Thanks so much for that. Atleast if it doesn't go on my GPA then I can explain it if they ask. But I am still hoping to just a medical withdrawal. I am post bacc so its pointless to take just 9 credits even with my back pain or do you think that will look favorable if I am persistent even with my injury? I just want the best advice I don't mean to be annoying.

Thank you all

Go ahead and find out if medically withdrawing from a course is an option at your school. If it is then great. How much of a GPA jump/boost are we talking about here once you complete these courses?

 

[wildzodiac]

I'm in quite literally the same position you're in. I have lower back pain and I can't sit in lecture. The pain really sucks so I'm going to a specialist next week. The thing is that I was accepted to schools this cycle and will be starting in the fall. I'm taking a pre req course plus 4 other courses, so I really have to tough it out until I get my diploma and finish that pre req.

Overall, lower back pain sucks major ass.

 

[virajpatel]

@ICUrunning its going to be a very small improvement since I have a ton of credits already.

 

[ICUrunning]

@ICUrunning its going to be a very small improvement since I have a ton of credits already.

Yeah man go ahead and withdraw if you can. If you want to stick it out, more power to you, but I wouldn't exacerbate a hernia. My postbacc classes didn't make much of a dent for me either.