Input needed! Had to take a W:(

[bambam92]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hi guys, as the title says I had to take a W. There were significant circumstances; my mom has been in a hospital for a month (has type 1 bipolar). She is getting divorced and it has thrown her over the edge. I have been visiting her whenever I can and helping take care of my little bros in spare time. The class was chem 2, reason I chose to drop this one is because it is an hour ride for me to get to class. I go to URI with main campus in Narragansett but the chem class is at prov campus-what a pain in the ass. Her condition has been a big part of my life, and I plan to talk about it extensively in personal statement. Is this going to affect my chances? I have a 3.83 GPA btw and am sophomore-planning on going into psych cause of the affects her condition has had on me. I didn't drop cause I was failing as many kids do, just way too much going on. Please give input guys. Thanks. And this is my only W btw.

 

[IncognitoGuy]

One W won't be a problem for the vast, vast majority of schools. It will raise eyebrows if you habitually withdraw from classes, but that doesn't apply here. Secondaries will also have a place for you to explain extenuating circumstances or unusual things, so if you happen to change your PS topic, you can talk about it there.

Carry on as usual, and best wishes for your situation!

 

[ZeaL6]

Calm down, it's just a W. No one will care unless you have a bad track record and it becomes a habit. You also will probably have room on a secondary somewhere to explain it if you feel the need or if you're asked about it.

 

[bambam92]

One W won't be a problem for the vast, vast majority of schools. It will raise eyebrows if you habitually withdraw from classes, but that doesn't apply here. Secondaries will also have a place for you to explain extenuating circumstances or unusual things, so if you happen to change your PS topic, you can talk about it there.

Carry on as usual, and best wishes for your situation!

Thanks for input. Will top schools frown on this? My friend who attends Brown med seems to think it will strengthen my app to discuss all of this with adcoms. Would you agree? Thanks again.

 

[IncognitoGuy]

Thanks for input. Will top schools frown on this? My friend who attends Brown med seems to think it will strengthen my app to discuss all of this with adcoms. Would you agree? Thanks again.

I'm not sure - I'm definitely not qualified to speak authoritatively about it. My suggestion is, if you're really worried you could contact the schools you're interested in/forage around SDN for anything on them for insight. They're all different and will definitely have varying opinions about a W.

 

[Silo004]

I'm not sure - I'm definitely not qualified to speak authoritatively about it. My suggestion is, if you're really worried you could contact the schools you're interested in/forage around SDN for anything on them for insight. They're all different and will definitely have varying opinions about a W.

Not a big deal at all.

 

[bambam92]

Not a big deal at all.

Have you talked to adcoms about this? Thanks

 

[prado]

Hi guys, as the title says I had to take a W. There were significant circumstances; my mom has been in a hospital for a month (has type 1 bipolar). She is getting divorced and it has thrown her over the edge. I have been visiting her whenever I can and helping take care of my little bros in spare time. The class was chem 2, reason I chose to drop this one is because it is an hour ride for me to get to class. I go to URI with main campus in Narragansett but the chem class is at prov campus-what a pain in the ass. Her condition has been a big part of my life, and I plan to talk about it extensively in personal statement. Is this going to affect my chances? I have a 3.83 GPA btw and am sophomore-planning on going into psych cause of the affects her condition has had on me. I didn't drop cause I was failing as many kids do, just way too much going on. Please give input guys. Thanks. And this is my only W btw.

I would tread lightly there if I were you. You are only allowed a certain amount of characters; you'll want to make sure you give the adcoms a good picture of yourself rather than the entirety of your mother's illness. As for the W, like others have mentioned, it's just one, move on.

 

[byaaaaaaah23]

Not judging, just wondering: why did you sign up for a class that was so far away?

Agree with above that this sounds like a good reason for a W and it shouldn't hurt you in applications.

 

[bambam92]

Not judging, just wondering: why did you sign up for a class that was so far away?

Agree with above that this sounds like a good reason for a W and it shouldn't hurt you in applications.

All sections were filled at main campus, so I thought I would tough it out. And its probably closer to 45 mins if there is no traffic. But still a hike for sure.

 

[Lollygag]

You're fine OP, wishing the best for you and your mother!

 

[bambam92]

You're fine OP, wishing the best for you and your mother!

Thanks!