Auditing vs. Withdrawing a Class

Started by RT2DO
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RT2DO

RT2DO

ASA Member
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10+ Year Member
I am not doing well in my Calculus class and am considering dropping it. However I have 2 options I can choose from. I can either audit the class and get a Au on the transcript or withdraw and get a W. I already have a 2-3 withdrawals from my freshman year. Do medical school's look at audits and withdrawals on the transcripts differently and is one any better than the other? Any advice will be helpful.
 
Do you plan on retaking it again? From what I know an audit is usually for classes that you do not want to be assesssed but are only taking it for personal interest in learning the subject material. If you plan on retaking it then withdraw and take it again.
 
wxman393 said:
I think for the best advice, I'd contact the individual schools that you plan on applying to and just ask! Many schools that I have talked to on the phone and via email (about 24 of them this cycle) have been very helpful.

For what it's worth (n=1), I had several W's on my transcripts from undergrad (about 8 years ago) and I was never questioned about it (even two W's in Chemistry during my senior year). Before calling the cycle quits, I had 12 interviews and 4 acceptances. Never audited any class though so not much help there.
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Thank you for that motivating reply, I needed it lol. I know for most people it will not be a difficult decision to make. But i have already taken Calculus once and got a D, now the second time its not going any better. I will only be applying to DO schools and the grade replacement will help me. And i do plan on retaking it as it is a requirement in my university. How do adcoms view students against taking the same class (non essential class for med school like calc) multiple times before getting a good grade or should I just withdraw to get a W and retake it at a CC?
 
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I would get the W and then figure out why you are doing poorly. Then take it elsewhere over the summer maybe so you can really focus on it.

Most importantly though, figure out why you're doing poorly the second time around as well. It may come up that it took you three tries to get a good grade... maybe. Maybe not.
 
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