W on transcript

[jules0328]

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😕 I dont know if anyone can help me with this question, but....I had to withdraw from a general chemistry class this past spring due to the fact that I was working full time and also taking physics, I just did not have time to concentrate on both. I ended up dropping the chem class not realizing that the W would stay on my transcript. Now, I have this W and my question is, how do adcom's view withdrawals?

Also, I am currently taking general chemistry (summer session). However, I have applied to a post bacc program for the fall. I may have to retake the general chemistry class regardless at my post bacc program (due to material content). Is it worth it to keep taking this general chemistry class I am taking now? If I end up dropping this general chemistry class, I will have 2 W's on my transcript. How will this effect the way adcom's look at my application? 😕

 

[nico05]

As far as I Know, it looks better to get a "C" than to take a "W". A "C" shows that regardless of the fact that you may or may not have had some trouble with the course work, you stuck it through non-the-less. A "W" may be viewed by committees as your not seeing things through to the end (just what I've heard). Keep in mind, everyone is viewed differently and you are not limited to the grades you earn. Yes, they are very important but they are not the say all, end all all of your future. A "C" or two and kick ass MCAT scores can do you just fine. Best of luck.

 

[stinkycheese]

As far as I Know, it looks better to get a "C" than to take a "W". .

Terrible advice. A C brings down all your averages; a W is just one small blip. If you don't make it a habit to withdraw from courses, it wo't be a problem, but do you really want that C in your GPA forever?

 

[drbrowneyes]

If you are doing well in the G-chem class. Go ahead and finish it. When you have to re-take it during your post-bach program it will serve as a foundation for you to build. Adcoms are not that much of a stickler for W's on the transcript. They may ask about it. Explain honestly. Nothing is wrong with dropping a class because you are afraid how poor performance would look on you app. Just show them in the retake that you kicked butt.

 

[nico05]

Just passing along what I've seen. This was included in a letter from a premed advisor to his students from a fairly well know school:
"P.S.#2: No, you can't drop a course just because you are getting a "C"!! Yeah, I know that a "C" doesn't look good BUT a "W" makes it look like you drop out whenever the going gets tough. So, give up TV, beer, chasing, etc. and study!!!"
I just wanted to share that, thought it was important. It is only one persons point of view, take it with a grain of salt. I do agree, however, that if you are going to retake a course that you withdrew from, you have to kick ass.

 

[Yellow Snow]

I got a "W" in Sea Kayaking because my wife was sick and I couldn't make the field trip. I wasn't so pissed about the "w", just that I didn't get to go Sea Kayaking and receive two credits for it!

😛

 

[Verbatim81]

from what i know, just one or two w's is better than one or two c's or lower... as long as you dont have a whole list of w's then you're fine.... you just better make sure you kick ass on the retake and have a great reason why you dropped the course if you are asked at an interview....

 

[Dr Sum Day]

I have about a dozen or so W's due to military duties, but I believe the adcomms will understand that. I believe it's about the reasoning.

 

[stinkycheese]

Just passing along what I've seen. This was included in a letter from a premed advisor to his students from a fairly well know school:
"P.S.#2: No, you can't drop a course just because you are getting a "C"!! Yeah, I know that a "C" doesn't look good BUT a "W" makes it look like you drop out whenever the going gets tough. So, give up TV, beer, chasing, etc. and study!!!"
I just wanted to share that, thought it was important. It is only one persons point of view, take it with a grain of salt. I do agree, however, that if you are going to retake a course that you withdrew from, you have to kick ass.

I interpret that email as saying work hard and pull the C up. If a C is inevitable, drop at the last possible second.

 

[Athena]

Seriously, one W will not make or break you, especially if the rest of your application is OK. I had a W for the first semester of Orgo, then took second semester (and did very poorly), and then returned and took semester one again. Sure, I had some explaining to do during my interviews, but I still ended up with 5 acceptances (and 4 waitlists that I did not pursue). If I had to do it all over again, I would try to avoid the situation where it is between getting a D or dropping the class, but that is not always in one's power. So rather than having my hard-earned grades plummet because of a single mistake, where I did not take a class as seriously as I needed to the first time around, I would definitely opt for retaking and working it right.

Good luck, and, like I said, I am sure that a single W will not keep you from attending med school.

 

[LoneCoyote]

I had 2 W's and one "audit" (I didn't want a 3rd W) and it was never an issue at any time during the application process. No one brought it up or asked about it at all. I had an explanation in case they did which pretty much involved not having enough time with other commitments I had. Don't sweat it and if someone did ask, just tell the truth. From what I was advised it was better to take the W or the Audit than to get a C. Just don't have too many or do it every semester.

 

[jules0328]

I have to say, while these student forums are really great, sometimes, too much advice can go to one's head. I appreciate everyone's advice on here. Unfortunately, like I said, I took my W because I had no choice, working a full time job and having to commute 1 1/2 hours a day one way and then go to school can be extremely taxing.

There is really nothing I can do about this W on my transcript. I just finished retaking G-Chem and most probably got a B+ to show for it, this was the best I could do. Nothing more to say or do about the issue. Thanks guys for ALL of your comments, and suggestions. 😛