Should I drop this class and take a W?

[enfuego]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I'm a non-science major, and I'm taking Cell Bio this semester even though it's not required. Science classes at my school are terrible, and Cell Bio is all open book for the firs time this semester, and everyone's averages are super low (our raw score average for the first test was a 46 out of 100). Since everything curved, your grade depends not just on your own score but on how well you do relative to everyone else in class.

With the curve, I got a 75 and a 71 on the first two tests. I only have one more test and then the cumulative final in Cell Bio, and unfortunatly, I also have an Orgo test and Orgo final on the same exact days as the Cell Bio tests. Our professors are condescending and impatient with students, and my TF didn't know what to tell me when I asked her for help on studying for open book tests. So basically the things that got me A's in gen chem and intro bio aren't paying off, and no one in charge of the class either isn't willing to help or doesn't know how to help.

The last day to drop a class (with a W) is Monday, so I'm looking for some advice.

I currently have a 3.55 overall GPA and a 3.57 science GPA. I'm a junior, but not applying until senior year. The other classes I'm taking this semester are Orgo 1, Physiological Psychology (basically neuroscience), and Statistics - all of them require a lot of work. Should I take the possible C/C- in Cell Bio, or should I drop and take the W? Which would be better? If I took a C in Cell Bio, my science GPA would drop down from a 3.57 to a 3.38. But I don't know if a W in a 200 level bio class would show that I can't handle the workload. And Cell Bio is "recommended" for Microbiology, which I was planning on taking.

Any help on what I should do??

 

[MKD1960]

According to my pre-dent adviser it is better to stick with the class and possibly have to retake than to drop with the W. He said it looks like you are willing to stick it out even when it is difficult instead of taking the easy way out with the W. That's his take on it. Anybody else hear the same type of advise?

 

[DrReo]

I'm a non-science major, and I'm taking Cell Bio this semester even though it's not required. Science classes at my school are terrible, and Cell Bio is all open book for the firs time this semester, and everyone's averages are super low (our raw score average for the first test was a 46 out of 100). Since everything curved, your grade depends not just on your own score but on how well you do relative to everyone else in class.

With the curve, I got a 75 and a 71 on the first two tests. I only have one more test and then the cumulative final in Cell Bio, and unfortunatly, I also have an Orgo test and Orgo final on the same exact days as the Cell Bio tests. Our professors are condescending and impatient with students, and my TF didn't know what to tell me when I asked her for help on studying for open book tests. So basically the things that got me A's in gen chem and intro bio aren't paying off, and no one in charge of the class either isn't willing to help or doesn't know how to help.

The last day to drop a class (with a W) is Monday, so I'm looking for some advice.

I currently have a 3.55 overall GPA and a 3.57 science GPA. I'm a junior, but not applying until senior year. The other classes I'm taking this semester are Orgo 1, Physiological Psychology (basically neuroscience), and Statistics - all of them require a lot of work. Should I take the possible C/C- in Cell Bio, or should I drop and take the W? Which would be better? If I took a C in Cell Bio, my science GPA would drop down from a 3.57 to a 3.38. But I don't know if a W in a 200 level bio class would show that I can't handle the workload. And Cell Bio is "recommended" for Microbiology, which I was planning on taking.

Any help on what I should do??

You know that there will be two exams on the same day. So go to the plate prepaired. That isn't a justifiable excuse.

Does your university have pass/fail grading? Your course load isn't really that heavy, though.

 

[shoombol tallah]

I'd take the W and keep my GPA up if I were you

 

[enfuego]

You know that there will be two exams on the same day. So go to the plate prepaired. That isn't a justifiable excuse.

Does your university have pass/fail grading? Your course load isn't really that heavy, though.

My courseload may not seem bad on the surface, but my university is very well known for its grade deflation. It takes a lot more work to get an A here than at most other schools. Major papers like the New York Times have written about my school's grading policies. Ever since my university received national attention for their policies, they made the deflation more subtle, but it still exists and there's not much the students can do about it.

But I'm not trying to blame my poor Cell Bio grade on that. Open book tests are usually more conceptual and require you to apply concepts, and I just don't know how to do that. And as I've said, I've gone to see the professors (yes, plural, we have 3 professors rotating to teach one course) and my TF, and none of them really helped me.

All of that is irrelevant, though. I just want to know what looks better on my transcript - C grade or a W.

 

[Plopper]

ok, i was so in your shoes last year. it's one of the hardest courses. I took the first exam and had a 41% !! i was like omg i'm going to fail, studied almost everyday until the next exam and got in the 90's.
so my point is, do you feel like you could rock the last exam and the final and pull out a B?

If not, honestly i would withdraw bc it will drop your gpa soo much, but it WILL look bad when you apply to dental school

Personally, i would withdraw, make sure you get an A or A- in organic chemistry, take in next year (make sure you indicate that it's currently in-progress on aadsas) and most importantly, get a really high score on DAT (like 23+)

 

[enfuego]

ok, i was so in your shoes last year. it's one of the hardest courses. I took the first exam and had a 41% !! i was like omg i'm going to fail, studied almost everyday until the next exam and got in the 90's. so my point is, do you feel like you could rock the last exam and the final and pull out a B?

If not, honestly i would withdraw bc it will drop your gpa soo much, but it WILL look bad when you apply to dental school

Personally, i would withdraw, make sure you get an A or A- in organic chemistry, take in next year (make sure you indicate that it's currently in-progress on aadsas) and most importantly, get a really high score on DAT (like 23+)

No, I don't think I could pull a B in the course. My problem isn't that I don't study enough. It's the open-book style tests and the curve that kills me.

If I withdraw, are you saying I should re-take Cell Bio? As far as I'm aware, it's not a required course for most dental schools, and I'm not a science major so it's not required for me to graduate either. Would it look bad if I don't retake it?

 

[Plopper]

hmm interesting question, sorry i thought you were a bcmb and therefore was required to take it

i would drop it, honestly it's going to hurt your gpa a lot. but that w doesn't look good, but 1 probably wouldn't kill you since everything else is very good (just make sure the rest of your grades are great, and that your DAT is high)

if you're not a science major then i probably wouldn't retake it...look for the path of least resistance

of course this is just my personal opinion

 

[enfuego]

i would drop it, honestly it's going to hurt your gpa a lot. but that w doesn't look good, but 1 probably wouldn't kill you since everything else is very good (just make sure the rest of your grades are great, and that your DAT is high)

Yeah, I would rather not take the big hit to my GPA. I am a little worried since I've been planning on taking other upper level biology courses (physiology, biochemistry, etc), but I really think it's the open-book style tests that are giving me problems. I've emailed one of the professors to see if I can talk to her and I emailed my pre-professional advisor, so hopefully they'll get back to me. Thanks for the feedback, though.

 

[sddat]

I would 100% take the W. If there is a major possibility that you can pull of AT LEAST a B- then you should stick it out. IF it's highly likely you will get a C, then you are just going to have to retake it anyways. On your app to dental school, a retake isn't covered up. It is averaged into your grade along with that C.

 

[enfuego]

Especially since cell bio isn't considered a really difficult course like Biochem or Orgo.

Well, now I feel stupid since I apparently can't do better than a C in cell bio. I'm doing okay in Orgo, though my lab grade might be pulling me down in there. But I agree - I think one W would be better than a C pulling my whole GPA down. If I retake Cell Bio, it'll probably be during my year off at another university.

 

[wodehouse]

My courseload may not seem bad on the surface, but my university is very well known for its grade deflation. It takes a lot more work to get an A here than at most other schools. Major papers like the New York Times have written about my school's grading policies. Ever since my university received national attention for their policies, they made the deflation more subtle, but it still exists and there's not much the students can do about it.

All that and you don't tell us where you go to school! Come on, dish!

 

[sddat]

Well, now I feel stupid since I apparently can't do better than a C in cell bio. I'm doing okay in Orgo, though my lab grade might be pulling me down in there. But I agree - I think one W would be better than a C pulling my whole GPA down. If I retake Cell Bio, it'll probably be during my year off at another university.

No, I am so sorry. You are definitely not stupid at all. Believe me, I struggle in Bio courses as well. I was just saying that in my opinion, it is not notorious for being a difficult course. The only B's on my transcript are in General Eds!! Eng I and Eng II...am I stupid? lol. I promise I'm not an angry blogger. I did not mean to offend you. I just really don't want to see such a good GPA drop over one class that you don't even need. 🙂

 

[vlct0ria]

Ahh come on...if your transcript is mostly A's and some B's, then ONE C is not going to kill you...they're not "horrible" and you've still got a shot at dschool with only a couple.

I got a C in Orgo II and my GPA is still 3.73 (sGPA 3.62). I spent the last half of the class struggling like crazy thinking I was going to fail it...I talked to the professor on multiple occasions and he convinced me to keep the class and I ended up getting a C...it was my first (and only) C, but I was honestly relieved to have passed.

I am so glad I stuck through it, because if I had taken the W with only a month of classes left, I would have had to go through it all over again. Just stick it out...but remember all this is conditional on the fact that you don't already have too many C's (or lower). Good luck with your decision.

 

[enfuego]

I was just saying that in my opinion, it is not notorious for being a difficult course.

Yeah, I understand. The material itself may not be as hard as biochem or something else, but I think it also depends on the school and the way its taught.

I am so glad I stuck through it, because if I had taken the W with only a month of classes left, I would have had to go through it all over again. Just stick it out...but remember all this is conditional on the fact that you don't already have too many C's (or lower). Good luck with your decision.

I actually wouldn't have to retake it and go through it again if I didn't want to. It's not required at most schools, and I'm not a science major. The difference between you and me is that you still have an awesome GPA with a C. My grades aren't as good as yours (the GPA in the 3.5 range means I have roughly the same amount of As and Bs), and my last 3 semesters are only going to be packed with harder classes with heavier courseloads. With this one C, my science GPA goes from being competitive to being on the low end/borderline.

 

[Mazmel]

do you go to Rutgers?!?! if not, fyi Orgo at Rutgers has 3 professors (and 1 TA) rotating to teach 8 lectures each, each semester.

from what I have heard, taking the W in a non-pre-requisite course/non-major course (non-science major), is probably a better decision than getting a C. just make sure to have a good excuse for it, in case the W is brought up on an interview.

 

[DMDreaming]

No matter what you do, you need to be prepared to discuss your decision at an interview. I know you are worried about your GPA. That is understandable given the competitive nature of applications these days. But dental schools are also looking for people with the determination to stick it out when they have 25+ credit hours of doctorate level classes. Either decision you make has pros and cons. You just need to be aware of what they are and pick your poison. Which one are you most willing to explain to an admission's committee? And, which explanation sounds the least like whining about an unfair system?

 

[sddat]

Ahh come on...if your transcript is mostly A's and some B's, then ONE C is not going to kill you...they're not "horrible" and you've still got a shot at dschool with only a couple.

I got a C in Orgo II and my GPA is still 3.73 (sGPA 3.62). I spent the last half of the class struggling like crazy thinking I was going to fail it...I talked to the professor on multiple occasions and he convinced me to keep the class and I ended up getting a C...it was my first (and only) C, but I was honestly relieved to have passed.

I am so glad I stuck through it, because if I had taken the W with only a month of classes left, I would have had to go through it all over again. Just stick it out...but remember all this is conditional on the fact that you don't already have too many C's (or lower). Good luck with your decision.

a C and still has a 3.7 that's pretty good.

 

[enfuego]

But dental schools are also looking for people with the determination to stick it out when they have 25+ credit hours of doctorate level classes.

Yeah, I understand. Do you think that if I do well for the next 3 semesters (I'm applying after senior year, so dental schools will see my senior year grades as well) that maybe they'll overlook one W or one C? I can't really cram in extra upper level sciences since I have major requirements to finish, but I'll be taking 300 level psych classes plus Orgo2, physics, and a couple upper levels like physiology, biochem, maybe microbio (those are 300 and 400 level bio classes).

 

[dentalmagnet]

Yeah, I understand. Do you think that if I do well for the next 3 semesters (I'm applying after senior year, so dental schools will see my senior year grades as well) that maybe they'll overlook one W or one C? I can't really cram in extra upper level sciences since I have major requirements to finish, but I'll be taking 300 level psych classes plus Orgo2, physics, and a couple upper levels like physiology, biochem, maybe microbio (those are 300 and 400 level bio classes).

+

If you were an adcom which would you overlook, a C or a W? I would overlook the W because the C may be the difference between getting an interview (based on GPA/DAT/Extras) and not getting an interview. If the C tears down your GPA significantly to where it puts you in a lower bracket-then you won't even have that interview to explain the C. A "W" on the other hand will not effect your GPA and will allow you to at least not be put out based on a GPA-possbily on too many W's. If you were a 4.0 and a C would bring you to a 3.86...then you could take it. But if you are at a 3.5 and a C will bring you to a 3.3-that's a bit of a difference.

 

[enfuego]

But if you are at a 3.5 and a C will bring you to a 3.3-that's a bit of a difference.

That's exactly my thinking, and that's the situation I'm in. With a C, my GPA becomes borderline. Without a C, my GPA is pretty solid and competitive. I feel like both a C and a W will look bad on my transcript no matter what but at least the W doesn't have an impact on my GPA and I'll at least be able to get an interview to explain myself. If my GPA drops down, I might not even get a shot at some schools.

I'll see if I can beg someone at the pre-professional office tomorrow to meet with me last minute.

 

[dentalmagnet]

That's exactly my thinking, and that's the situation I'm in. With a C, my GPA becomes borderline. Without a C, my GPA is pretty solid and competitive. I feel like both a C and a W will look bad on my transcript no matter what but at least the W doesn't have an impact on my GPA and I'll at least be able to get an interview to explain myself. If my GPA drops down, I might not even get a shot at some schools.

I'll see if I can beg someone at the pre-professional office tomorrow to meet with me last minute.

I think that's the best idea. Hopefully they will let you get a W. Either way it's not the end of the world. You still have a shot at D-school.

 

[water88]

I'm guessing the OP goes to BU: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/07/education/07education.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Then again, it's not like you goto Princeton or MIT, two of the absolute best schools in the nation notorious for grade deflation, so it can't be THAT bad.

 

[Flipper405]

Take the W

 

[firecracked]

I'm guessing the OP goes to BU: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/07/education/07education.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Then again, it's not like you goto Princeton or MIT, two of the absolute best schools in the nation notorious for grade deflation, so it can't be THAT bad.

I have a friend who goes to BU. He's pre-pharm tho but I'm guessing they take the same classes. I dunno about the OP, but my friend says that the main problem isn't the grade deflation. I'm guessing MIT and Princeton pushes their students because they want to challenge them. My friend at BU says the professors are really terrible. Like the main general chemistry professor will make fun of students who ask for help. Apparently a lot of their pre-med professors are intimidating and impatient with students and openly mock students who dont understand. I was reminded of this because he just told me last week that his best friend at school is transferring to Harvard because she hates BU's system and feels like shes falling through the cracks and she doesnt have anywhere to go for help because the professors are not encouraging or helpful.

But it's all he said, she said. I dunno what the OP thinks or meant. But just because MIT and Princeton do it, I dont think its fair to give students a lower grade than they deserve (i'm assuming thats what grade deflation is). I can imagine how it would make students frustrated. Especially since BU isnt on the same level as MIT or Princeton so their students probably dont get the benefit of the doubt when they apply to grad/professional schools. Besides, the OP already said he/she wasn't trying to blame the grade on the deflation, but that he/she doesn't know how to apple the concepts.

And for the OP, I would take the W. Don't screw up your GPA