<p>I am a current first semester freshman at Cornell University, and I am currently taking an extremely difficult course load. I am taking Intro Bio (1101-1103: which is notorious here for its weed-out function), Intro Chem (2070: Same), Calculus (1110), and a Writing Seminar in Shakespeare. I am having an extreme degree of difficulty with Chem... I spend more time working on Chem, to the point where it affects my other courses, and am still struggling in the class. I have spoken to several advisers, and the consensus seems to be that it would be in my best interest to withdraw from the class. Cornell gives "W", but it is not considered a punishment grade. I will also be reduced to 11 credits (12 w/ PE). </p>
<p>My main question, however, is will my chances at any of the higher ranked law schools be affected adversely by a "W" to the point where I shouldn't bother with them? I am so torn as to what to do, but I took Chemistry because I wanted to keep Premed open, however I will be attempting to change majors and enter the ILR School, where I will not need to take Chem. Any advice is really appreciated. Thanks.</p>
<p>monkeypin- can’t really give you an answer- but my gut feeling is that one lousy grade out of 4 years of classroom instruction is not going to be an overriding factor for law school admission . As it is your FIRST semester of college, it is somewhat understandable to start your college experience with 12 credits only, but I would assume it would be for this semester only. You really need a heavier semester caseload if you want to graduate in four years. Also to maintain health insurance coverage, you probably need at least 12 credits/semester to retain full time student status.
My kid just graduate from the ILR program and will also be applying to law school next year.<br>
you may also want to contact Spanks, who frequents this board. She also was pre-med at Cornell and transferred to the ILR school. She may be able to give you a little insight into the transfer process at cornell from pre-med to ILR.
(find the thread “LSAT vs. GPA”- it is about 10 to 15 spots below this one) It was started by spanks and you can probably PM her).</p>
<p>don’t get overly worried about one grade. This too shall pass!!</p>
<p>Marny, I have some credit from high school, and plan on taking 16 credits next semester, so I will have 31 credits by the end of the year. I appreciate the advice and insight though. Thanks.</p>