<p>I want to drop my current calculus I class and take a linear algebra class or maybe a multivariable calculus class. I am qualified to take those classes because I took a math assessment exam, and my score qualified me to enroll in those classes. However, my friends told me that the college would put a W on my transcript if I attempt to change and a W on the transcript would be detrimental to my future graduate school admission. </p>
<p>Therefore, should I change or stay in current calculus I class?</p>
<p>A W won’t make or break any graduate school application, provided your application is not littered with W’s.</p>
<p>That being said, you might want to look into whether or not you will get a W for yourself, rather than relying on what your friends have told you. Ask an advisor or look up the policies to double check. If you’re early enough in the semester/quarter to add another math class, then you may be early enough to drop without a W. If it’s too late to add another math class this term and you’re really worried about the W, you can always finish out the class and take a more advanced class next term. The situation will be the same, but if you have already mastered the material, then you get an easy A to boost your GPA.</p>
<p>If you started in Aug/Sept and are past the drop/add period then you cannot enroll in Linear Algebra or Multivariable calc at this point because you will have missed a third of it. Personally I would get an easy A at this point because if you withdraw you can’t add anything else. If you started later, then check your college’s drop/add period.</p>
<p>One W won’t hurt you significantly. However, I agree that since the add/drop period is likely past at your college, you won’t be able to enroll in the other math class anyway because you’ve missed too much - so it might be worth it to stay where you are.</p>