"We noticed that you withdrew from a class" interview question

[dent_wannabe]

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So that on the list of common interview questions, and I do have one W on my transcript. It was for a computer science course (so obviously nothing to do with dentistry), and I was taking too heavy of a load that semester in an attempt to be on track to finish my degree (in engineering, so basically no overlap with the pre dental courses) in four years. However, I believe I have made up for it by getting an A on my second attempt for that course, and by getting an A- on my first attempt for the subsequent course. Would that be a sufficient answer if I ever get asked that question?

 

[DentalNucleicAcid]

I had almost the exact same reason for the one W I had, although I was never asked about it, and I doubt you will be. But if you are, you can tell them what you just said. You overloaded yourself because you were trying to graduate on time, but you realized it was a mistake and wanted to make sure you achieved the best grades you possibly could have in your other classes so you had to make a decision to drop it. And then always end on a positive note: but you were later able to do well in the class and get the A after scheduling it properly.

By owning up to the mistake it shows responsibility. Thats a better route than making an excuse imo

 

[Lane138]

Most likely you won't be asked about it, if your grades are up to par everywhere else. When I did interviews, I would ask questions to try to understand the interviewee's personality and how they handle conflict, what kind of person they are in a community, what motivates them, etc. Asking about withdrawing from a class when the applicant is clearly intelligent and does well in school is pointless. Now, if you have multiple Cs and B-s then yeah, I might ask about it. In which case, your answer is adequate.

 

[mariobrosdoctor]

I had 3 Ws and wasn't asked about it at all but I did have a significant upper trend the past 2 years. My other friend had to withdraw from a course during his postbac program. At one of his interviews they asked about it but he was able to explain that it was due to a significant life event that occurred during that time and they said not to worry about it.