Hi,
My TAG for UC Davis was accepted for Biomedical Engineering last November as long as I took four classes required for my major (Circuits, Phyics III, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations) and kept my GPA above 3.3. The problem is for me to take those classes, I’ve been taking them at three different community colleges which range from 30 - 45 minutes away from each other depending on traffic.
It’s becoming much more difficult to do this and it’s costing a lot. I have to fill up my gas tank every two to three days and it’s really eating into my saved money. Also, it’s kind of taking a toll on me mentally because I’m spending ~2 hours in traffic a day.
I think I need to drop a class because it’s becoming more of a problem… I know if I drop a class, I will lose my TAG to UC Davis which I’m fine with as long as I have a good shot at being admitted to the school.
My GPA now is about 3.45ish and will probably be around 3.50 at the end of this semester. Do you think dropping a required class for TAG and receiving a “W” will be a bad thing or do you think I’ll be safe? Lots of people I’ve already talked to said I should be fine getting in but I want to see what you guys think.
Thanks!
I know it’s tough but I think you should stick with the course. They will not factor in this semester’s GPA and 3.45 is kind of iffy.
I’m trying to, that’s the goal but also I’m not doing so hot in circuits. I might get a “C” at best (Getting A’s in my other classes though). Also if it helps, I have an upward trend of a 3.9 gpa the past two years.
Also, I applied with Pharmaceutical Chemistry as my 2nd choice and I would totally be down to go to Davis with that major as well which is less impacted. Maybe I can get in for that?
They rarely dump you after acceptance if you get a C. Is there any way you can continue the course and not go to every class? Maybe talk to the prof?
@lindy8k Thanks for your response. I talked to a UC Davis rep today and my professor. The rep said that if I drop the class, then my TAG will be revoked and my admittance to Davis will be slim. My professor said that I can’t miss class and most likely should drop…
I hate this… I will probably get a W because of a transportation issue and have my entire chance of admittance to Davis revoked.
That’s a tough break. Sorry.
It’s really sad to lose Davis over a transportation problem though… When does classes end for you? It can’t be more than 3 months, and you’ve already made this far. Is it really not possible for you to finish those 4 classes?
@Yukaris It’s from 9:00 to 11:05. This class is about 30 minutes from my house with no traffic. Then, I have class at ANOTHER community college at 1:00 and it’s about an hour drive. Then, it’s an hour drive home from my last class. It’s just a lot of gas and I didn’t realize how expensive it was going to be at first. It’s getting to the point where I’m not sure if I’ll have enough money for basic necessities…
I’m sorry about that. I guess it all depends how much you want Davis. If it’s your dream school, maybe you can try asking your parents for help. If it can be replaced by another school, then by all means choose the option that serves you best in this situation.
@Yukaris Yeah, it sucks because that’s my #1 choice but I got in Cal Poly and Circuits isn’t a required class for admission, only desired so I should be fine. I still have a shot of getting in Davis with a 3.45 GPA w/ 3.85 upward trend the past two years, who knows.
Well wait. It’s a 30 minute drive to the college you plan to drop.
Then an hour to the next and another hour to home.
You’re only talking an extra 30 minutes.
Two days a week? Three days a week?
You really should try and figure out a way to cover that extra 30 minutes 2-3x a week. That’s not very much. You only have about 8-10 weeks.
That’s true, regardless what they say you still have a chance. It’s good that you have Cal Poly as a back up, you might love it more than you expect if that’s where you eventually go. Either way, best of luck to you~
@lindyk8 you’re right, it’s only an extra $125ish or so. I’m just at a spot where that’s a lot… I’m hoping I could borrow from a friend.
Honestly, I was hoping getting a “W” wouldn’t be so detrimental… Also, I’m not even passing the class now (Got A’s in the others) and I was hoping a W would be simple. Guess I really have to grind if I want to get in Davis…
Thanks for your responses! They were really helpful. 
Another thing to take under consideration: you might regret it the rest if your life. Seriously.