'W' on transcript vs. a 'C' or 'B-'

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

SN2reaction

Full Member
15+ Year Member
Joined
Mar 6, 2008
Messages
31
Reaction score
0
Hey guys, I was hoping I could get some insight regarding my situation. I am currently a second year pre-med, and I'm in the second quarter of a 3 quarter ochem series. I'm not doing so well this quarter, and I fear that a B may be out of reach for me this quarter in Ochem. I was wondering whether it would be worth dropping the class with a W and retaking it again (and probably doing well in it because I've seen the material once already) or should I just stick it out and take the B-/C+? How much will 1 W affect my transcript compared to 1 C?

Thanks

Members don't see this ad.
 
Keep the B/C, kick ass on the last 3rd and future courses.
 
Dude, do you really want to retake a class when you could have been finished. I have 1 C on my transcript, no big deal.
 
Members don't see this ad :)
I received a B- in OChem 2, and a C+ in Biochem. Yet, I still interviewed and received acceptances this cycle. It's not an application killer. Just study hard and do your best.

Also, imagine sitting in an interview and being asked 1 of 2 questions:
1. "Can you explain for me your W in Ochem?"
2. "Can you explain for me your C in Ochem?"

Which one would you feel most comfortable answering? I interviewed at a school where my interviewer was a Biochem professor in the school of medicine. Lucky me, right?

interviewer: "what happened with that C in biochem?"
me: "well biochem is difficult"
interviewer: "haha, yes it is."

end of discussion. just do the best with the course. who's to say it'll be any easier next time around? :)
 
yeah i see what you guys are saying...i think i'll stick it out...save the W for a later class maybe...thanks for all of your help!
 
As many people have said on this forum many-a-time, a W or two won't kill you, but neither will a C. A B- certainly never killed anyone. If you're going to get a B-, suck it up and take it. If you're going to get a C/C+, and the course is not required, maybe you should take the W. Whatever you choose, it really depends on the situation, and neither is going to kill your app.
 
First of all, I love how your profile name just brings back nostalgic times of orgo, NOT!! lol

Anyways, I would just stick it out as you said. You don't want a lot of W dotting your transcript. I just think it sends the wrong message to medical schools. In all likelihood, they might question your commitment and preseverance to strive in a stressful environment. Not to sound mean or anything of the sort, they could say that if this guy can't tough out organic chem, what evidence is there academically to show he can stand and pass 4 yrs of a medical education? I just want to give you the mindset from the other side of the table during the medical admissions process. Hope this helps and good luck on everything!!
 
I agree with the other posters. A B- or C will not end your days as a pre-med, and you won't be the first person applying to medical school that struggled with organic chemistry (imagine that!). Save the W for a class where a C may be out of reach. :D
 
I agree with the others in that you should stick it out. And a B- is NOT a big deal. In one of my interviews, my interviewer asked if I had had any trouble with a subject or bad grades. I started off saying "well I did awful in calc... I got a B-" and he started laughing, saying he meant any Ds or Fs and that a B- was nothing to be worried about.

Save the W for something you really think you are going to fail, or in the case that you have an awful personal circumstance arise in which you would need to drop classes (ie death in the family or personal illness, etc).
 
Top