Audit or withdrawal

[Mopsd]

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Feeling a bit overwhelmed in my biochem lecture and lab courses currently. I am considering either withdrawing or auditing both if I don't turn things around within the next month. I plan to retake both next semester.

Both would result in marks on my transcript: Withdrawing would result in two Ws (lecture+lab) on my transcript. If I decide on auditing instead, notations (also one each for lecture and lab) will be marked.

If it came to the point where I had to choose between a withdrawal or audit, is one better than the other?

 

[chemdoctor]

I think audit is better.

I mean both won't really make a difference but I feel like Audit might be better than a W.

Audit would allow you to still go to lecture and absorb the material which will help you when you retake it next semester, right?

 

[Dr panda]

How bad are you doing there? If you are going to get B- and you have that 4.0 OCD then withdrawal is not worth it. And remember, if you withdraw and then retake the class, you will have to get an A, I don't know your circumstances, but I would do whatever I can to continue the class, one B or even C will not kill you.

 

[Mopsd]

Yes, if I audit, I plan to continue to attend the lecture. I am taking 16 credits (all sciences) currently plus working just under 40 hours a week. It's just driving me nuts. So far I have an A, but we have an upcoming test that I am studying for and it doesn't look promising.

As for grades, they sort of do factor into my decision of wanting to withdraw/audit. I had a few Bs in my early college years and want to continue the upward trend I started since returning to school a few years ago. I assume that it'd look bad to have that one B or C in the upward trend I started?

The concern I have with the audit is just what you mentioned... an expectation of getting an A the next time I take it - due to the perceived understanding that an audit means the student attended all the lecture without wanting to be graded.

I would think the W would have the opposite affect; student withdrew and never attended lecture thereafter.