How much will a "W" in Anatomy hurt?

[Mr_Churchill]

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To start, here are my stats:

Current 2nd semester Freshman. First semester GPA was 3.762 with 4 classes (14 credits). Currently enrolled in 6 classes (18 credits). The courses I'm in now are Anatomy, Chem 1, Bio 2, Pre-calc Trig, and 2 miscellaneous classes.

I'm struggling to get the handle on Anatomy currently and my Chem and Bio classes are being neglected because of it. I sincerely think I can pull off the same if not a better GPA this semester if I withdraw from Anatomy.

Here are some additional questions:
How much will a "W" in Anatomy hurt my chances?
Will a "W" in a recommended course be heavily scrutinized?

 

[Turkishking]

To start, here are my stats:

Current 2nd semester Freshman. First semester GPA was 3.762 with 4 classes (14 credits). Currently enrolled in 6 classes (18 credits). The courses I'm in now are Anatomy, Chem 1, Bio 2, Pre-calc Trig, and 2 miscellaneous classes.

I'm struggling to get the handle on Anatomy currently and my Chem and Bio classes are being neglected because of it. I sincerely think I can pull off the same if not a better GPA this semester if I withdraw from Anatomy.

Here are some additional questions:
How much will a "W" in Anatomy hurt my chances?
Will a "W" in a recommended course be heavily scrutinized?

One W will not destroy you. Just don't make a habit.

 

[Mr_Churchill]

One W will not destroy you. Just don't make a habit.

That's what I'm nervous about. I keep telling myself that I have to just work through it and do the best I can because it's not going to be getting any easier in the future. On the other hand it sounds really appealing not to have to deal with a non-required course.

 

[WunderMay]

Withdraw. A&P will only get worse. As already mentioned, it is only 1 W, but you need to make sure you don't end up in this predicament again.

Your pre-reqs are more important. If you need A&P for your major (like myself >.<), then take it later on when you have most of your pre-reqs done. Thank me later.

 

[Mr_Churchill]

Withdraw. A&P will only get worse. As already mentioned, it is only 1 W, but you need to make sure you don't end up in this predicament again.

Your pre-reqs are more important. If you need A&P for your major (like myself >.<), then take it later on when you have most of your pre-reqs done. Thank me later.

Thankfully it's not 🙂. I'm currently a General Biology major but I may be switching out of this (but staying pre-med) because if I decided not to go to med school, what good would a Bachelors in Biology do for me? Not much unless I went to grad school.

Back on topic, tho, switching majors would also get me out of some of the harder science classes that are completely unnecessary for entry to med school (genetics, etc). I'm reviewing my 4 year plan right now and seeing where I can make adjustments to lighten the load but still stay on track.

 

[WunderMay]

Thankfully it's not 🙂. I'm currently a General Biology major but I may be switching out of this (but staying pre-med) because if I decided not to go to med school, what good would a Bachelors in Biology do for me? Not much unless I went to grad school.

Back on topic, tho, switching majors would also get me out of some of the harder science classes that are completely unnecessary for entry to med school (genetics, etc). I'm reviewing my 4 year plan right now and seeing where I can make adjustments to lighten the load but still stay on track.

Great! Being proactive is good. I wish I had utilized the resources here in the pre-med forum a little better, but such is life. Now, I am picking my classes more strategically. Good luck!

 

[Fluffy123]

Genetics is still heavily recommended for the MCAT. Other courses can vary on how helpful they would be.

I would listen to others and withdraw. The one W will not kill you, especially because it is freshman year. If you do well in your other semesters, you are good to go!

 

[Go_Pokes_11]

You will be fine with a W, retake for an A later. Although, anatomy was my favorite class by far; well maybe besides biochem I.. Do not end up like me with a stupid D for ochem I the first time when I thought I could pull it out, when I could have just the B from the second time on my transcript.

 

[Scrizzy]

Agree with everyone else. I had to withdraw from 2 classes, retook them to get As in both. No problems on the interview invites.

 

[Mr_Churchill]

You will be fine with a W, retake for an A later. Although, anatomy was my favorite class by far; well maybe besides biochem I.. Do not end up like me with a stupid D for ochem I the first time when I thought I could pull it out, when I could have just the B from the second time on my transcript.

Agree with everyone else. I had to withdraw from 2 classes, retook them to get As in both. No problems on the interview invites.

I noticed both of you mentioned retaking the class later. If I cannot fit it within the next 4 years, would it be detrimental to my chances? What's the advantage of retaking it?

 

[deleted738762]

I agree I don't think 1 W even matters. 1 W in a span of over 4 years? Don't even worry about that.

 

[Scrizzy]

I noticed both of you mentioned retaking the class later. If I cannot fit it within the next 4 years, would it be detrimental to my chances? What's the advantage of retaking it?

Anatomy is not one of the pre requisite for med school, so you can probably get away with not retaking it at all. However, it is very unlikely that you will not be able to fit it in your schedule in the next coming years, simply because that is a lot of time.
There's not much of an advantage, since med schools will see that W no matter what. Although they may overlook it much easier if you retake and get an A, the chances of them caring about 1 W is slim to none anyway. For me, I just had to retake those courses because they dealt with med school or my major.

 

[tantacles]

I noticed both of you mentioned retaking the class later. If I cannot fit it within the next 4 years, would it be detrimental to my chances? What's the advantage of retaking it?

You don't have to retake it. It won't affect your application.

 

[Mr_Churchill]

Thanks for everyones input. I apologize for being so in-depth with my questions; I simply want to make an informed decision. I'm going to withdraw from it as long as the Office of Financial Aid at my university says it will not affect my scholarship.