Taking a W...?

[abr]

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Well.. This has been my first year of undergrad, and I have managed to get all A's in my classes, even the harder ones. But, unfortunately, I got the worst biology teacher on campus. She is horrible at teaching, does not offer help, and does not offer advice for exams. I worked my butt off studying for the last exam, and she put material on it that she hardly covered or did not cover at all. So, needless to say, I did not do as well as I would have liked. It is looking like I will get a B in the course, and I do not want a B.. Especially in an intro level bio class. If I knew what to study or had any guidance, I would have been fine. The class average on the tests tends to be in the 50's or lower (and almost the whole class is comprised of biology majors), and she does not curve.. I do not know what to do.. Which would look worse -- a B in an intro class or a W?

 

[2011vet]

OMG! Don't be silly, take the B! Especially if you only are allowed a few W's. You should save those for when you really need it (ie. failing a class). I have plenty of B's, C's, and even a D (which I made up to an A) and I still got alternate my first time applying.

 

[cyrille104]

Take the B. Schools do not like to see that you withdrew when you realized you would not get an A. Besides, intro classes are supposed to be tougher on grading because they are weed-out courses.

Also, some advice: no one ever believes that you got a bad grade because of a teacher - that's one thing they do NOT want to hear in an interview.

 

[Capella]

I was in a similar situation with my Statistics class a couple of years ago. My teacher was incompetent, and I had a good grade in the class, but I wasn't learning anything. I found out an excellent teacher was teaching the course the next semester, so I promptly dropped my current class to take it the next semester. Got an A and learned lots!
It was my only "W." Nobody asked me about it during interviews, and I didn't explain it on VMCAS.

I would advise you just to be prepared to explain the W or explain it on VMCAS, and be sure to make an A next semester. If you don't make Ws a habit it shouldn't be a problem. But then again, none of the schools I applied to this year are as anal retentive as some of the big schools. Anybody have any W experiences with the big schools?

Edit: See, cyrille has a different opinion. I think it depends on where you apply.

 

[InfiniVet]

B is fine...and if you start out with that neurotic grade fanaticism in just an intro class, you wont make it past your second year =) Trust me, there will be MANY more unfair classes, teachers who are unbelievable unsupportive jerks, and classes that were so amazingly hard that you are damn proud of a B. Just do your best, your absolute best, and then move on. Perfectionism will truly hurt you academically.

The true cost of a W is that you have to take the class again. Think about it.

 

[ri23]

It's up to you, a B isn't necessarily a bad grade so I probably wouldn't drop the class. There is no way for adcomms to tell why you dropped a class, and most of the time if you only drop one or two classes in your college career they won't even look twice at it (granted I have never dropped a class, this is just what I've heard). I would only drop the class if you are taking a really full load and you feel that the extra effort you put into this class will effect your other grades.

In the future refer to ratemyprofessors.com. The fact is that some classes are very different based on the professor - so you mine as well schedule with the good ones.

 

[4whom]

I've withdrawn, like, 4 times now. I don't care what "they" think. It's BS that people with a tons of connections know who to take for good profs/easy grades. It's also BS if all classes are not on at least a C curve.

 

[Bill59]

I've withdrawn, like, 4 times now. I don't care what "they" think.

Errr, no offense, but if 'they' is on the admissions committee, I'd start caring about what they think.

It's also BS if all classes are not on at least a C curve.

Why? If all the students don't or can't do the work, why should any of them pass? When you get to hospital duty in vet. school, the attending is not going to be grading on a curve.

And clients damn sure don't grade on a C curve. 🙂

 

[DDoc]

I've withdrawn from a few courses before to focus on other things, and because they weren't pre-reqs. I thought this was fine, but the dean of one of the vet schools told me specifically that if it was up to him to judge my grades he would put a "D" in place of each "W" assuming that I withdrew them because I was failing.
Not everyone follows this rule (thank god), but still......TAKE THE "B"!!!
"B" is a good grade, you don't NEED a 4.0, they look at the whole application. I had some "B"s and a few "C"s on my transcript (3.46 GPA overall) and I got accepted at one school and an interview at another my first time applying. It just goes to show that although a 4.0 is awesome to aim for, and even greater to get, falling short of that if you try your best isn't anything to be frantic about.
Just do your best to get great grades and if you fall short of that "A" take the grade and just try harder next time.
And as advised earlier, save the "W" for when you truly need it.

 

[wildfocus]

ok - so one little thing i've learned in this process is that yeah grades, prestige of school, gre's, hours of experience, etc. matter, but that what is even more important is who you are as a person. i think cyrille said once, at every school he interviewed, he got in... me too! i know that some very stellar folks still didn't get in this cycle despite an interview (and i believe they did everything right) - but nonetheless, it is GETTING the interview that is important!! a B won't kill you... but, i gotta wonder (and no offense, really), what you will convey in the interview if you are the type of person who isn't willing to take one??

 

[tiddlywinks]

ok - so one little thing i've learned in this process is that yeah grades, prestige of school, gre's, hours of experience, etc. matter, but that what is even more important is who you are as a person. i think cyrille said once, at every school he interviewed, he got in... me too! i know that some very stellar folks still didn't get in this cycle despite an interview (and i believe they did everything right) - but nonetheless, it is GETTING the interview that is important!! a B won't kill you... but, i gotta wonder (and no offense, really), what you will convey in the interview if you are the type of person who isn't willing to take one??

Haha, this struck me as funny because I am that person who isn't willing to take a B, and admitted it freely in both my interviews when they asked me what my faults are - I'm way too much of a perfectionist etc... but at least I know it's a problem, and they didn't seem to mind. At least, they accepted me.

That being said, I would definitely take a B over a W. Though at my school we're allowed to drop very far into the semester without a W, so it's never been a problem. But it's just a B, right? You can make up for it with good grades in upper level courses. Someone once told me that a B makes the As look real.

 

[QTkitty]

At this point I'd say (along with everyone else) to take the B. I got a B in my intro bio class too but have gotten A's in all of my upper division science classes (bio, chem and animal sci). I think as long as you show that you are capable of understanding the information (by getting high grades in upper division classes) you'll be just fine. It's almost like "ok so maybe I didn't understand it all then but I sure as hell do now".

 

[silverelf]

please tell me this whole thread was started as a joke? withdrawing because of a B? are you serious?

you need to lighten up A LOT.

 

[cyrille104]

please tell me this whole thread was started as a joke? withdrawing because of a B? are you serious?

you need to lighten up A LOT.

Yeah, now that I look at it again, it looks like she's just trying to brag about getting all As. Since she's a freshman, she's not even close to applying yet, and therefore has no better way of sneaking in her 4.0 in her "harder classes" on this board than some ridiculous B vs. W drama. By searching pretty much any thread here, you can see that having a whole bunch of Bs is fine. Or better yet, refer to the thread that was originally started about Ws.

Psst...Even if she has "all As", she's a freshman...she's basing that on 1 semester.

I would like to quote one of her previous posts, written approximately 1 month ago, which contradicts her "concern" over the W.

I HATE gen. ed. history requirements. One of those stupid classes ruined my 4.0 because I got an A-. The teacher said I had a solid A the whole course, but he didn't "like" my final essay, even though he could tell I knew what I was talking about. (Exactly what he said. Ridiculous.)
😡

I do not think W's look good. If you think you can pull off a pretty good grade, I would not drop..

First, note also that she says that she got an A-, despite her current claim of "all As". Now I understand that "all As" could mean all As and A-s, but that's not what most people think when they hear "all As". If you were giving a description of your academic record and it had both As and A-s, you would say you had all As and A-s, right? It's lying by omission - exaggeration for the purpose of bragging. Combine that with "worrying about a B", and you're an academic genius. I would also like to point out that this is the second instance where she blames her imperfect grade on a professor - she must be flawless!

Most importantly, she clearly says that W's do not look good. All of the sudden she's having a heart attack over a B and wondering if she should take one? I don't think so.

 

[silverelf]

hahaha cyrille you're hilarious!

 

[bakaduin]

I've withdrawn, like, 4 times now. I don't care what "they" think. It's BS that people with a tons of connections know who to take for good profs/easy grades. It's also BS if all classes are not on at least a C curve.

No offense bud but lifes not fair. Some professors suck just like some of your future clients and bosses will suck. Thats the type of things you have to deal with in life. And every class should have a curve? Come on you dont really believe that.

 

[abr]

Yeah, now that I look at it again, it looks like she's just trying to brag about getting all As. Since she's a freshman, she's not even close to applying yet, and therefore has no better way of sneaking in her 4.0 in her "harder classes" on this board than some ridiculous B vs. W drama. By searching pretty much any thread here, you can see that having a whole bunch of Bs is fine. Or better yet, refer to the thread that was originally started about Ws.

Psst...Even if she has "all As", she's a freshman...she's basing that on 1 semester.

I would like to quote one of her previous posts, written approximately 1 month ago, which contradicts her "concern" over the W.



First, note also that she says that she got an A-, despite her current claim of "all As". Now I understand that "all As" could mean all As and A-s, but that's not what most people think when they hear "all As". If you were giving a description of your academic record and it had both As and A-s, you would say you had all As and A-s, right? It's lying by omission - exaggeration for the purpose of bragging. Combine that with "worrying about a B", and you're an academic genius. I would also like to point out that this is the second instance where she blames her imperfect grade on a professor - she must be flawless!

Most importantly, she clearly says that W's do not look good. All of the sudden she's having a heart attack over a B and wondering if she should take one? I don't think so.

Well, clearly, you missed the purpose of this topic. I was just trying to gain some insight. This is the type of post that ruins this forum for me. Honestly, what is the purpose of your post?
I did get an A- in my gen ed. But, it is still an A, technically. So, I was not lying. Plus, the class was a gen ed, so it was worth very few credits, and my GPA is still above a 3.95. And, if you would really like to know, I was upset about the A-.

I do not think W's look good, but I would not drop the course if I could pull off what I would consider a pretty good grade -- A- or A. I am a perfectionist, and I do not like B's. If I had a B in a gen ed, it would not be nearly as bad because that would not be calculated in my overall science gpa.

Plus, I am sure many of you worry about the same thing. I mean, why wouldn't you? We all know how competitive it is to get into veterinary school.

I am not trying to brag. Honestly, what is the purpose of bragging over the internet to people who don't even know me or anything about me?
🙄
Seems like you thought this over quite a bit if you looked up past topics and read into it that much. I wish I had enough time for that..

I would like to thank you all for offering advice and opinions. I have decided to stick this class out and try my hardest. If I end up with a B, at least I tried.

 

[abr]

please tell me this whole thread was started as a joke? withdrawing because of a B? are you serious?

you need to lighten up A LOT.

Not a joke.
Yes, I am serious. Yes, probably too serious.. BUT, I am concerned about my future, and I do not see why that is a problem.
IMO, it is better to care too much than to care too little.

 

[dyachei]

Not a joke.
Yes, I am serious. Yes, probably too serious.. BUT, I am concerned about my future, and I do not see why that is a problem.
IMO, it is better to care too much than to care too little.

I just want you to know that although vet school is competitive, you are taking it too seriously. Getting B's won't hurt you as much as you are making it out to be. Even with C's, you can get in. I know you probably don't mean to, but you're coming off as a snob. We all work hard for our grades, but not all of us are lucky enough to have our lowest grade as a B.

 

[ri23]

I don't think its bad to care, but being you are in your first year of undergrad you really should lighten up a little bit. You haven't even taken the really hard pre-reqs yet and if you obsess a lot about your grades you won't enjoy college as much as you should. I'm not saying you shouldn't be concerned about your grades, just don't freak yourself out about them.

 

[wildfocus]

Well, clearly, you missed the purpose of this topic. I was just trying to gain some insight. This is the type of post that ruins this forum for me.

yes - his response was too harsh... this board can be very beneficial, but it is anonymous, so people can say just about anything with no consequences. do think about what others have said regarding dropping the class (both for and against); we've all been there before and speak from experience.

ps - perhaps my interview argument has been completely debunked 🙄

 

[cyrille104]

ps - if cyrille is anything like his last 2 posts, then perhaps my interview argument has been completely debunked 🙄

I tell it like it is. Wildfocus, you tend to sugarcoat everything on this board. Could I say the same about you and your interviews, then?

I stand by what I said - I don't think abr's response really offset any of the arguments in my post.

 

[wildfocus]

I tell it like it is. Sorry if some people can't handle it. I don't think abr's response really offset any of the arguments in my post.

not gonna bite...

 

[Max Power]

See I used to be that way and it's best to chill out...perfectionism can be pretty self-destructive...If I would have not been so devastated by ruining my 4.0 my sophomore year i probably would have ended up with a better GPA! Anxiety sucks...besides...it only gets easier after the weed out type classes in my opinion...except for organic of course...if you get A's in your advanced freshman bio/chem you can get an A in the other one's if you try.

 

[cyrille104]

not gonna bite...

I love when people do this - it's like saying I could make you look like an idiot, but I'd rather not.

Seriously, I'm not trying to fight with anyone, but whenever someone says any old ridiculous thing on this board I call them out on it and everyone jumps to his/her defense. It makes no sense.

 

[horsybaby]

Cyrille:"Seriously, I'm not trying to fight with anyone, but whenever someone says any old ridiculous thing on this board I call them out on it and everyone jumps to his/her defense. It makes no sense."

Just out of curiosity what makes your opinion the only right opinion? I think the idea of this forum is to share ideas everyone has and then take what you want and form your own opinions. There are NO right or wrongs.
And also what is wrong with being nice to other people, you can share thoughts constructively and not totally "rip" into others.... Really what is the point of NOT being nice??

 

[InfiniVet]

*Hands out acepromazine to everyone*


I actually think this is the result of us not having anything nearly as interesting to mull over or discuss as when we were interview prepping, etc.

I'll try and start an interesting (or at least a slightly combustible) thread.

 

[horsybaby]

thank you!

 

[fromjersey]

Take a W.

 

[abr]

Thank you everyone who offered advice! I really appreciate your responses, and they really have helped me.
🙂

fromjersey -- That is great advice. I will really have to start doing that.

 

[RazorDoc2010]

I'll jump in late with my view. Take the freaking B...if you got asked about the W and you started in on that teacher description, an adcom would do exactly what I did and just start skimming it and not listening to half of what you said until you get to the part where you say you withdrew because of a B. You sound like you'll do great, so just take a B and be happy you're killing the rest of your class.

 

[KittenKiller]

This is the type of post that ruins this forum for me. Honestly, what is the purpose of your post?

Dude, its the internet. It wouldnt be fun without flaming.

 

[Emio]

please tell me this whole thread was started as a joke? withdrawing because of a B? are you serious?

you need to lighten up A LOT.

you took the words right out of my mouth! i think i would have posted that vebatim... high five.


glad to see you're sticking it out abr. and like cyrille said (before he got carried away), those intro bio courses are supposed to be hard... they dont want flimsy idiots being doctors. i had a B- in my intro bio course, and got into my top choice. seriously, lighten up. undergrad's supposed to be FUN!

p.s. kittenkiller really is a super hero. she's always right. so flame away! 😉

 

[chris03333]

Guess what I got in my first quarter of my freshman year in undergrad?....An 'F' 😱 in statistics (a prereq at many schools). I took WAY to many classes on the quarter system and I ended up having difference of opinion with that teacher (who by the way told me to change my major to something that did not include statistics because I would never pass it) Anyway I earned that F by not showing up to his final exam...then got an 'A' the next quarter with a different professor. Take your hard earned 'B' and then improve. I was accepted at multiple schools when I applied and will officially be Chris03333 DVM this May

 

[Slugpoo]

dude, its the internet. It wouldnt be fun without flaming.

yes!!!

 

[wildfocus]

YES!!! Seriously though, some of us future vets really need to grow a pair. Compared to certain threads I've read on the pre-allo site this thread is like baby talk. Maybe that's why vets make zilch compared to huDocs. Say what you think and say it like it is.

my last nasty comment, then back to being as sugary sweet as possible (just to annoy cyrille) 😉

pleaasee - most of us don't even know what "like it is" is. how old are most of us?? like 22-24?? when you are wrinkled and officially wise, then i'll believe you have tapped into the elusive well of TRUTH!!

😍 and peace!

 

[isitAprilyet]

jumping in late, but to the person with the (OMG) B on her transcript freshman year. not trying to sound condescending or presumptuous, but it will certainly not be your last. cmon now, you're only on INTRO BIO, there are many many many more chances for you to f-up your gpa in the future...think: organic chemistry, biochemistry etc.. much "harder" classes (based on depth of material)

a W on a transcript can mean many things- you got pregnant halfway through, had to drop class. you had a D, couldnt hack the material, had to drop the class. ad coms will have no idea what preempted this W. Just take the damned B and move on.

sorry but comments/attitudes like that annoy the s* out of me.

 

[quakk]

i would take the b and do better next time. actually, i got a 68 on my first exam in chem2 and thought about dropping it. lucky for me, my friends helped pull my head out of my arse and i didn't drop it. it would have set me back significantly to do that unit over. instead i looked at what got me there (mostly not taking it seriously) and changed my m.o. for the rest of the semester. that was the hardest i had worked in a class to that point, but i earned my final grade. and i learned the material.

when i told my vet in az that i was planning to go back to school, she told me how she had done not so well in many of her undergrad science courses. she made up for it by taking vet-related courses as an undergrad (texas a&m) and she aced all of them. she had no trouble getting into vet school, and was a very good vet.

showing you can respond to adversity by saying, "i learned how to teach myself and what i had to do to earn the top marks" is worth a lot, too. IF you get the b, be grateful for the learning opportunity and use it as a stepping stone. at this point in your career, you're learning as much about yourself as you are the material.

if we knew it all, we wouldn't be in school. nobody expects us to know it all. if i learn something from it (like, i didn't know that, or it wasn't clear to me), i'm happy, er, willing to accept a lower mark.

cheers!

 

[Bill59]

Compared to certain threads I've read on the pre-allo site this thread is like baby talk. Maybe that's why vets make zilch compared to huDocs.

Because we don't act tough enough on the internet?

Well that's a new theory.

 

[pressmom]

Take the B. You never know when you're going to need those "W"s. I was in a car accident in undergrad and had to withdraw from a class, then the whole next 2 semesters. (My school only allowed one (maybe 2) "W"s.) Save them for something worse than a B.

I have close to 200 credit hours and an overall 3.81, I've definitely gotten a couple of "B"s, on balance they won't hurt you. (BTW, I got into 3 vet schools.)

 

[sMiles44]

haha don't worry, I got a D in Bio110 and still got into vet school (and no I never retook it and yes it is required to get a C in prereqs).