Withdrawing from Physics

[bp8a99fy]

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I'm a sophomore who just transferred into a top 20 university. I'm currently enrolled in calculus-based physics, and I'm considering dropping the course. As a transfer student, I had last priority when it came to course registration and I selected calculus-based physics because the algebra-based section was closed. It turns out that the calculus sequence at my new school is much more rigorous than it was at my old school, and I've been struggling to keep up all semester. I'm wondering how medical schools would view my decision to withdraw from this course and enroll in the algebra-based section next year. I'm not a science major, so it's not necessary that I take the calculus-based section. I just believe I'd be more successful if I took the algebra-based section.

Any thoughts?

 

[AlteredScale]

Should be fine. Even if you receive a "W" you have a well executed reason. Just remember to do well in the algebra based calc.

PS: Good decision btw, the algebra based calc will help with your mcat.

PSS: I was a transfer student as well so I feel your pain about coming into a 4 year feeling overwhelmed. Good luck!

 

[kyamh]

I think your priority ought to be your GPA. That said, if you are asking how medical schools will view your choice...well, it will be clear that you couldn't handle the harder work-load and opted to take an easier class.

Personally, I think it's better to get a lower grade in a harder class than to get an A after it's clear that you already 'tried' that course before. Where you draw that line is up to you. It's probably worth getting a W in place of a C and then an A, but maybe if you can pull a B+ it's better to stick it out...I can't read the minds of adcoms, but I know that at least my college pre-med committee comments on things like the choice to take a harder bio/chem/physics course for a pre-req in their letter.