Withdrawal = Failure??

[wowzer]

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I've heard that withdrawing from a class (past the add/drop deadline) is considered to be a F by most medical schools. I had to withdraw from a class due to several family problems that occurred this semester, and on top of that I was taking 21 credits at Johns Hopkins. Does anyone know if this is true?

 

[rcd]

I've heard that withdrawing from a class (past the add/drop deadline) is considered to be a F by most medical schools. I had to withdraw from a class due to several family problems that occurred this semester, and on top of that I was taking 21 credits at Johns Hopkins. Does anyone know if this is true?

i've never heard that. ever.

 

[newguy357]

Where did you hear this? I have never heard anything like it. And if it's true, I'm in trouble. I think I have five Ws.

 

[ForbiddenComma]

a W is NOT the same thing as an F.

If you have a bad run of W's, especially with science classes, then yes that would be a cause for concern.

Otherwise, one or two W's here and there won't matter. Really. On the off chance your interviewer brings it up, you can get away with a generic response such as "personal problems." If you have a job, there's your excuse. W's are only a problem if your transcript is riddled with them.

 

[wowzer]

a W is NOT the same thing as an F.

If you have a bad run of W's, especially with science classes, then yes that would be a cause for concern.

Otherwise, one or two W's here and there won't matter. Really. On the off chance your interviewer brings it up, you can get away with a generic response such as "personal problems." If you have a job, there's your excuse. W's are only a problem if your transcript is riddled with them.

Thanks for the help. My grandfather passed away and my dad was diagnosed with diabetes, and my frequent trips back home and stress led me to mess up two exams for this class. I guess I can explain them at interviews, but I get the feeling that med schools will make a big deal out of it anyways before the interview.

But yes, thanks for clarifying that for me

 

[DrBowtie]

I have never heard of withdrawing AFTER the drop date. If something comes up you can get an I which you have to finish the class within a certain period of time or it turns into an F.

 

[NiteOwl]

Ask your your college about it. At my school there is a time where you can withdraw and get a W which is in like the first half the semester. But after that point they give you WP or WF. If you are passing they give a WP, if failing then WF. WP doesn't affect GPA but WF does (which is a bit strange 😕 ). I don't know how your school's policy about withdrawing, and some schools are different, so it would be best to check with them.

 

[windzilla]

Ask your your college about it. At my school there is a time where you can withdraw and get a W which is in like the first half the semester. But after that point they give you WP or WF. If you are passing they give a WP, if failing then WF. WP doesn't affect GPA but WF does (which is a bit strange 😕 ). I don't know how your school's policy about withdrawing, and some schools are different, so it would be best to check with them.

I had to withdraw from a class due to a car accident, and missing the add/drop period while in the hospital, ended up with a big W on the AMCAS thing. Only one interviewer asked about it, and they just wanted to see if i had a reasonable explination, you'll be fine.