Withdrawals on college transcript

[clg5026]

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Hi everyone,

I'm planning to apply to MD-PhD programs next cycle (want to go into Psychiatry and Neuroscience (neuroimaging) research).

I have 2 withdrawals on my transcript both from Fall semester of my Junior year (in Honors Biochemistry and a Light and Optics Physics course, both of which were 2 credit classes). It was the first time I'd taken intense 400-level classes and I was overly confident in my abilities (considering Freshman and Sophomore years were relatively easy for me). I was advised not to take some of these classes at the same time, but I did anyway--I ended up spreading myself a bit to thin. I dropped the classes because I'd rather have done well in the remaining courses than average while taking all the classes.

I ended up re-taking the Biochemistry class and got an A, and didn't need to re-take the Physics due to an exemption from AP Physics. I graduated this spring with a 4.0 GPA with a major in Biology (Neuroscience).

I was wondering how MSTP admissions committees regard something like this (I know it's obviously not good, but if it could really impede one from getting into any schools). Also, has anyone in similar situations explained this in your application or received questions about withdrawals during interviews?

Thanks!

 

[StereoSanctity]

They honestly probably won't even notice (especially with your GPA).

I had 2 W's on my transcript (Orgo and a grad-level BME course) and no one mentioned it - and my grades weren't anything close to yours (I applied with ~3.6 overall).

Don't make a big deal about it, but if they ask you, say roughly what you did here (maybe don't say you were advised against it, as that makes you look a little over-confident/stubborn). Knowing your limits shows maturity; this does not make you any less desirable.

Good luck next cycle!

 

[mercaptovizadeh]

Hi everyone,

I'm planning to apply to MD-PhD programs next cycle (want to go into Psychiatry and Neuroscience (neuroimaging) research).

I have 2 withdrawals on my transcript both from Fall semester of my Junior year (in Honors Biochemistry and a Light and Optics Physics course, both of which were 2 credit classes). It was the first time I'd taken intense 400-level classes and I was overly confident in my abilities (considering Freshman and Sophomore years were relatively easy for me). I was advised not to take some of these classes at the same time, but I did anyway--I ended up spreading myself a bit to thin. I dropped the classes because I'd rather have done well in the remaining courses than average while taking all the classes.

I ended up re-taking the Biochemistry class and got an A, and didn't need to re-take the Physics due to an exemption from AP Physics. I graduated this spring with a 4.0 GPA with a major in Biology (Neuroscience).

I was wondering how MSTP admissions committees regard something like this (I know it's obviously not good, but if it could really impede one from getting into any schools). Also, has anyone in similar situations explained this in your application or received questions about withdrawals during interviews?

Thanks!

I had 2 Ws. One was freshman year, an honors vector cal course I was about to fail. I retook it next term and got an A-. The other was in senior intro econ course. Never retook, because I hated econ and didn't get it. I don't think it hurt my application at all. They saw other rigorous classes I did well in and probably figured it was an aberration.

 

[Neuronix]

I was wondering how MSTP admissions committees regard something like this

This one is a non-issue. Nobody cares. Don't mention it unless asked, though I doubt anyone will ever bring it up in interview.

 

[clg5026]

Thanks so much for the replies everyone! I was a little worried about this, now I feel much better! 😀