I am currently a first year attending a community college and planning to transfer to a UC in the fall of 2017. Just a couple months ago, my dad was diagnosed with a terminal illness and he may pass away in the next couple weeks. My mom is also undergoing chemotherapy and does not understand English, so at the moment I am acting as the main head of the household and dealing with legal stuff. Because of all these issues I am thinking of dropping out of several of my very rigorous college courses in order to handle everything. At the moment I can drop out with a W on my transcript but I don’t know if UC’s look down upon that. I guess my main question is: Is there anyway at the time when I apply to transfer for me to explain to these colleges (most likely irvine and cal) that this quarter was especially hard for me due to a parent death? Or would I have to include it in my essay? And how does it affect my chances? I want to be able to assess my options while I can still drop safely. Thanks!
Seems to me that the semester should be over by now but why not ask for a medical leave or incompletes instead of dropping?
I had similar experiences as yourself. If you still have chances to take the class before transferring, then you can take a W or even take less than full time, unless there are restrictions by deadlines. If you are doing well and you know you can still pass, speak to your teacher to file for an Incomplete and establish the terms to complete the grade before the year maximum is up. And yes, always explain any circumstances. It may be uncomfortable but you are facing a considerable hardship and I’m wishing you all the strength.