Advice needed on Pass/Fail/Dropping (W)

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Michigan
1

<p>Greetings. I'm a freshman, and, despite reading the many warnings on these forums, have fallen behind in my work. I currently take 18 credits (a huge mistake):</p>

<p>CLCIV 101
ASIANLAN 101
Math 185
Physics 160
Physics 161</p>

<p>I'm considering pass/failing or even dropping Physics 160. I can't seem to find time to complete 3-4 hours of homework every week. Besides, I don't even particularly enjoy the class (I dislike just memorizing formulas and theories based on these formulas)...I only took because I was originally going to transfer into engineering (I'm completely undecided now).</p>

<p>I guess I'm looking for information about pass/failing a class. Quite a few people (including people at freshman orientation) have told me that doing so looks rather terrible to a graduate program, and most programs consider such courses to be a C. Is this true? Would programs take into account that this is my first term, and I overloaded myself with 18 credits?</p>

<p>If I just drop Physics completely (considering this as well), I would only have 13 credits (Physics 160/161 = 5). My honors adviser told me this looks extremely bad to most people, and that most honors students take 18 credits. I'd like to take around 15-16 credits, but I don't think I can add any classes this late in the term. Any suggestions?</p>

<p>Also, what implications would all of this have on a business school application? I'm also considering that.</p>

<p>Any advice is much appreciated.</p>

2

<p>Wow you sounded just like me earlier this year. I am also a fellow freshman and was debating dropping a class. I found out that though, that any classes you drop first semester here, will not show up as a W on your official transcript. So you can late drop it and be totally okay, if that's what you're thinking about doing. I was also thinking about transferring into engineering and am totally undecided as well now lol. How ironic. I would say if you're really struggling with it and dread going to class, and will probably end up with a low grade, just to drop it. A lot of freshman are taking only 13-15 credit hours their first semester, so don't feel like you need 18 credit hours to look good! That's just what I think. :)</p>