Already a transfer but need some serious advice

<p>Hey guys.</p>

<p>So I'm a junior transfer currently in my 2nd quarter at a UC. I figured I'd describe my current situation to you and ask for advice. My first quarter at said UC was ok. I took 3 classes for a total of 13 units and received an A, B+, and a C-. I had three finals all on the same day and well I'm sure you can all guess which was the last one. Now this quarter I was enrolled in 4 classes for a total of 17 units but I've already dropped one (with a W) and will probably be dropping another one, which will no longer make me a full time student. The reason for this is that we've had two midterms so far and even though the averages have been 55% and 58% respectively, I had scored just under the average and the teacher said he doesn't curve... I think I'd be better off getting a W than a C,D, or F... I will only be enrolled in 8 units, 4 of which come from the course which I obtained a C- in last quarter as I am repeating it. Now after this quarter I plan on taking a 2 year break from school to serve a mission for the LDS church. So far my UC adventure, to me at least, sounds like a complete mess. The truth is I've been dealing with a lot of personal issues this quarter the have really taken a toll on my academics. The two classes I'll be staying enrolled in I have close to 100% so my gpa would still be very high, especially since that C- will be replaced with an A. Now what has been stressing me out lately is graduate school. I'm not sure what kind of graduate school I wish to attend yet but I fully plan on going so here comes my question. Have I basically screwed myself for getting into a "top" graduate school in a field such as law or medicine? When you apply for grad schools are you allowed to explain why perhaps one quarter (or two :() you didn't do as well for whatever reason? Would 2 W's and no longer being a full time student for a quarter look absolutely terrible? I would just like to get some opinions on this please and thanks so much. I should also mention that I plan on changing my major when I return in 2 years and the two classes that I dropped this quarter are for my current major. Could I explain the W's in that way? Saying I fell out of love with my major and had a lot going on? Sorry I know this is long but thanks in advance for the read and respones.</p>

<p>Since you are taking time off to do your mission, don’t worry about how to explain your grades when you apply to graduate school. When you return to complete your degree, by doing well, you already explain everything without much effort. The explanation is basically the truth, that you had some personal issues and decided that taking a break would allow you to come back with a renewed enthusiasm.</p>

<p>Now all you need to do is to actually carry out the plan. Take your time off and then return and do all the right things to prepare yourself for graduate school. And, by the way, finish this term strong.</p>