<p>I have just about 60 credits on my college transcript, however over the course of taking those 60 credits I've had to withdraw from 2 courses due to it conflicting with my work schedule, I retook them and got A's in both, does anyone think this will hurt my chances at Cornell ILR or USC? Should I explain this somewhere on the application? Applying for junior standing btw.</p>
<p>Hey!</p>
<p>I had 2 Ws last semester and I think they played a significant role in USC ultimately rejecting me. They asked to see my spring grades this June and once I sent them my transcript they rejected me right away. 
Everything else was fine and I had a good reason for withdrawing as well (which I didn’t mention), but I think that’s just the name of the game. Everyone could have a high gpa if they just withdrew from the classes they’re doing poorly in.</p>
<p>I don’t know about explaining it on the app… I personally would rather just show huge improvements and no more withdrawals (I think you’re already doing that by taking the course again and hopefully doing very well in them). A part of that is just because I have a feeling no one in admissions wants to hear ordinary explanations (a lot of applicants work and maintain a high gpa with no Ws)… or extraordinary explanations for that matter! I’m sure people have sent in some crazy excuse stories… unless you feel like your reason says something about your character and you absolutely HAD to have that W, I would say try to focus less on why you did poorly and more on why you’ll do well in the future. What have you learned from those Ws?</p>
<p>Like the saying goes, excuses are like armpits-everyone has them and they all stink. lol.</p>
<p>@panther, thanks for the response and while I do agree, I’m hoping it won’t have that big of an impact since 1) The 2 W’s are spread out between 5 semesters and 2)I’ve retaken and gotten A’s in both courses, both were math, and cornell ILR requires very little math for entrance. Actually the admissions guy I talked to from ILR said I didn’t even need to take pre-calc and that my intermediate algebra was enough, but I ended up taking Stat as well! So I’m hoping for the best!</p>