A W Dilemma: Help needed.

Student Lounge College Life
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<p>I am a sophomore at CMC and just transferred here this year from W&M. Unfortunately, my Calculus II class seems like it will have a very harsh curve (C+ average apparently). Friday is the last day to withdraw with a W and am considering doing so. I am slightly above average in the class and want to pursue a PhD in Economics after graduation so I figured taking the W may look better than getting a B- or a C+. I have confidence in the material but the exams just haven't worked out the way I felt they would beforehand. I am signed up for Linear Algebra and Calculus III next semester and consider myself fairly good at math.</p>

<p>Overall, I have a 3.9 GPA coming into this semester and should have A/A- in the rest of my classes. The Linear Algebra and Calculus III professors are generally considered considerably easier than my current Calculus II professor (known as the hardest professor in the department) and I am fairly confident I can get an A/A- in those next semester. I have an A+ in Calculus I at WUSTL from the summer. Would a W look fine if I continue with Math and excel in it? I would take the grade but the reality is I don't need the class or the credit since you can place into Linear Algebra/Calculus III. I don't want one bad grade completely messing up my chances for latin honors/other opportunities when in reality, the knowledge is all I need from it rather than the grade/credit. </p>

<p>Any advice would be great appreciated. Thanks!</p>

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<p>Stay in class and get that B- or C+. The W computes as an F; it would drag down your gpa needlessly low. You don’t want to be judged a quitter and you don’t want regrets. The mature thing is to see it through. Good luck.</p>

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<p>I would take the B- or C+. Usually people will take a W if they are going to get a D or worse (or have another reason such as medical problem).</p>

<p>Its up to you though. W at my schools (unless AFTER the deadline) will not compute as anything into your average. I have a W and a 3.6 average. </p>

<p>W’s don’t necessarily look bad so long as you keep it down to 1 or 2. However, I would save it for a time in which I really needed it.</p>

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<p>W’s do not compute to anything at my school and this would be my only 1. Unfortunately my performance has been influenced by some external factors this semester and it undoubtedly won’t happen again. Thanks for the advice.</p>