Dropping a Government Class versus getting a C

[docta_docta]

I'm a Junior and plan on applying to medical school next summer. Right now I'm a physics major with a 3.47 GPA and a 3.43 science GPA.

I currently have a C in a Government class, and am planning on dropping it. Would this be a good idea? (I think I'm going to get an A in all my classes except for 1 other which I think I'll get a B or B+).

Thanks!

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[Lamel]

I'd drop it. Your GPA is already on the low side, and you need to get it as high as possible before applying.

 

[docta_docta]

Will medical schools see a W as an F though? Don't they recalculate the applicant's GPA?

 

[ski89]

Calculate what the difference in your GPA would be if you took a C. Then we can better advise you.

 

[Osteoth]

No, I had 3 Ws on my transcript (1 freshman year, 1 sophomore, 1 senior), and it did not hinder my GPA calculation at all.

 

[Lamel]

Will medical schools see a W as an F though? Don't they recalculate the applicant's GPA?

No, W does not mean F. A couple W's here and there are fine, just don't make a habit of it; in this case, I think it is justified.

 

[Mad Jack]

Drop it.

 

[knv2u]

I'm a Junior and plan on applying to medical school next summer. Right now I'm a physics major with a 3.47 GPA and a 3.43 science GPA.

I currently have a C in a Government class, and am planning on dropping it. Would this be a good idea? (I think I'm going to get an A in all my classes except for 1 other which I think I'll get a B or B+).

Thanks!

Drop it; protect your GPA. One or two withdrawals won't matter in the grander scheme of things.

 

[knv2u]

Will medical schools see a W as an F though? Don't they recalculate the applicant's GPA?

The withdrawal will not affect your GPA unless you are failing when you withdraw and your school as a WF notation on your transcript. Not every school does this. Otherwise, a withdrawal will not enter into the GPA calculation. At least 2 or 3 adcoms have posted here that one withdrawal likely won't matter. This is especially true, in my opinion, when it is a government class.

 

[docta_docta]

Thanks for the advise guys, definitely dropping it. Also Ski89, it, alone, will drop my GPA to a 3.41, while if do well the rest of the semester my GPA would remain relatively unchanged (while if I drop it and do well this semester I could get around a 3.516

 

[ProudMD]

Will medical schools see a W as an F though? Don't they recalculate the applicant's GPA?

No to both questions. You made the right decision dropping the course.

Isolated W's won't do anything to harm your application, so relax!

 

[Lamel]

Thanks for the advise guys, definitely dropping it. Also Ski89, it, alone, will drop my GPA to a 3.41, while if do well the rest of the semester my GPA would remain relatively unchanged (while if I drop it and do well this semester I could get around a 3.516

Good decision. Getting that GPA above 3.5 will help come application time.

 

[Holmwood]

"Grades of "IF" or unauthorized/unofficial/administrative withdrawal may be treated as "F" in the GPA depending on how they are considered by your school."

https://services.aamc.org/AMCAS2_2009/WebApp/Help/WebHelp/GPA_Calculations.htm


If you can get a W for it, then it's good. Tread carefully, and ask your advisor.