Should I take the W?

[dragonfruit95]

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Hey everyone, I'm extremely stressed out and feel defeated right now. I'm taking physics 1 at my university, and I've failed both test so far this semester. I was wondering if it's better to take the W than get a D or F? The bad side is if I drop, I would go from full-time to part-time student. I already have one W, which is in History class. Does this affect my chances of getting accepted to dental school significantly?

 

[hoppingpre]

A pattern of withdrawals never looks good. I had just one W and I got questioned on that (though they said it was fine).

But honestly, I don't think dental schools will even accept a D for a pre-requisite, meaning you'd have to retake it anyways. If you're quite certain you can't bring up that grade, I would take the W. Just make sure that when you retake it, you kick its ass and get an A.

 

[pgex2t]

A pattern of withdrawals never looks good. I had just one W and I got questioned on that (though they said it was fine).

But honestly, I don't think dental schools will even accept a D for a pre-requisite, meaning you'd have to retake it anyways. If you're quite certain you can't bring up that grade, I would take the W. Just make sure that when you retake it, you kick its ass and get an A.

If you get a D, you'd have to retake it anyways. A D hurts more than a W unless it's a WF.

 

[PlasmaMembrane]

You should take the L for managing to fail History.

 

[aznriptide859]

A D hurts more.

OP, remember most schools won't take a course prereq if it's below a C or C- (depending on the school). Any lower and you'd have to retake it anyways.

 

[dragonfruit95]

Thanks Guys!

 

[Typical Average Student]

I have 2 W's, one of which is physics and I still received interviews.

 

[jmcunnin]

I have a lot of W's, the majority from 8 years ago. I have one I just took in my post bacc. I know it will bring up a red flag, but hopefully I'll be given a chance somewhere.

 

[480640]

.

 

[cacajuate]

This is what is so wrong about this whole process. Kids are rewarded for dropping a class rather than busting your ass and getting a C.

It really is bull****.

 

[sjk20]

What were the averages on the tests? I think you should speak with the professor before you admit defeat such as...is there any hope you can pass the class or how badly are you performing in comparison to the rest of the class? When I took physics 1, I did terrible on the first two midterms and somehow was able to perform well enough on the final to raise my final grade to a 75....because of the total class average a 75 ended up being an A-

 

[dragonfruit95]

Professor is extremely rude. I went several times to ask for help, and he is not helpful and understanding. The class average is a ~48%, and I'm slightly below. He told the class that he's not scaling. Plus, even if i miraculously pull off a C, it would destroy my GPA.

 

[sjk20]

He's not scaling? Yeah right. So the university is just going to let him fail the majority of the class? Let's be realistic, that won't happen.

If you don't mind me asking, what year are you? I ask because when I was a freshman and sophomore I definitely felt the same way...that I couldn't get anything bellow a B or it would be the end for me. a C will NOT destroy your GPA, and an upward trend in grades will only reflect positively. My friend who is currently in dental school was asked at his interviews (notice that's plural) why his grades were low for his freshman and sophomore year because he had plenty of C's. He was honest and admitted he didn't have good study habits and never learned them in high school so he was adjusting in college. Should you ever have to explain some previous bad grades, that is a completely acceptable answer.

Either way, a C will not be the end of the world and neither is a W. All hope is not lost, just make sure you keep your head on straight and improve from here on out.

 

[dragonfruit95]

I am a junior btw

 

[cpain]

Take a W. Getting the D from a professor sucks.

 

[ajj70]

Professor is extremely rude. I went several times to ask for help, and he is not helpful and understanding. The class average is a ~48%, and I'm slightly below. He told the class that he's not scaling. Plus, even if i miraculously pull off a C, it would destroy my GPA.

Find a tutor, finish the class. I agree with sjk20 that there is no way he will fail the entire class. If that were the case, the university would be all over him. Find some seniors that had him last year and see what their experience is. I think it's better to take the D (or C if you can) and retake the class then it is to get another W on your transcript. One C is NOT going to hurt your admissions chances, nor will it destroy your GPA. What is your oGPA and your sGPA right now?

 

[pgex2t]

Take it from me; I have several D's from undergrad. You don't want a D. No. And although I agree your professor can't fail the class without getting put up for being sacked, it's not something you want to count on-especially if you scored below average on both your midterms.

 

[dragonfruit95]

Find a tutor, finish the class. I agree with sjk20 that there is no way he will fail the entire class. If that were the case, the university would be all over him. Find some seniors that had him last year and see what their experience is. I think it's better to take the D (or C if you can) and retake the class then it is to get another W on your transcript. One C is NOT going to hurt your admissions chances, nor will it destroy your GPA. What is your oGPA and your sGPA right now?

Science GPA: 3.5 OGPA: 3.7