Help me make a decision by Friday

Transfer Students
1

Hello, I’m a freshman at a top 10 public university in the nation and I’m considering transferring next year to a school with a more renowned business program (NYU and other top 20 schools with good undergrad business programs). I’m half way done with my first semester and now I’m having a dilemma because I don’t know if I should drop my Math class.

Right now, there is a slim chance for a B and a good chance for C in that class. If I were to drop the class, my GPA will most likely be 4.0, especially because I can focus more on my other classes. If I don’t drop it, there is a chance of me getting As in classes that would add up to 9 credits and getting B in a 3 credit class because I won’t have as much time to dedicate my time to that 3 credit class.

Anyhow, my parents think that I shouldn’t drop the class so I can spare my withdrawal for future, more-challenging class. If I end up staying at my current school, I think this is the practical option. Furthermore, they don’t want me to stay behind the recommended coursework schedule. (although I think I can still graduate in time even if I dropped this class)

However, if I end up transferring, I think it would be better to withdraw and get a 4.0 to increase my chances. The schools I want to transfer to is really competitive and I think they would rather see a 4.0 with one withdrawal than a C. I just want to give transferring a shot because I want to give one last shot before I settle down. When I got rejected from NYU as a senior in high school and my parents said I could always transfer but I think they said to make me feel better more than anything. I don’t think they know that I’m seriously considering it.

So my question for you is, do you think I should withdraw my math class? I have until Friday to make this decision. Any help is appreciated.

2

What math are you talking about? If it is the Calculus I that everyone must take, I would not drop.

3

It is calc. Even if I can take it next semester?

4

First of all, you are getting a C, with the potential for a B. You are not failing, or getting a D. If you drop, you are going to need to take Calculus next semester, so just get it over with now and don’t put yourself through all of this again. Use all resources available to you, work hard, and hopefully you will end up with the B.

If Stern is the goal, know upfront that your chances, whether you drop or not, are slim. It is very difficult to get into NYU Stern as an external transfer. Were you waitlisted at NYU a freshman? Keep in mind that as a sophomore transfer applicant, your HS record/test scores will still be given a good amount of weight, since at the time the applications are read, you will have completed only one semester of college. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t apply. If it is your dream, go for it!

It seems as if you are looking at your decision whether to drop more as a strategy for your transfer application (and you are posting in the Transfer Forum!). Even with that in mind, I’d still stay you should not drop. Personally, if I was a College Admissions officer and I had to choose between a higher GPA or higher credit hours, I’d rather see a student challenging themselves with a full class load (and not a perfect GPA), than a full time student taking just 12 credits with a 4.0. Moreover, if I was in admissions specifically at Stern, or any elite undergraduate business school for that matter, it might raise a red flag to me that you, a potential transfer student who desires to be in the business program, dropped and took a W in Calculus, a basic business prerequisite class! In addition, I believe that to be considered at Stern, you need to have completed, or be in the process of completing 30-32 credit hours at the time of your application (not including AP credits). That will mean unless you can take a class in a January term, you will have to take 18 credit hours spring semester just to put you in the running. If you were struggling with Calc taking only 15 hours, imagine how hard it will be when taking one additional class!

So, basically, to drop the class based on the possibility of a small blip up on your GPA, just does not outweigh what I see as all the negatives. It just does not make much sense to me.

5

I would also say that dropping the class would be a bad idea. I know how hard the first semester is, and calculus itself is a hard class, but college admissions officers would rather see you challenging yourself.

6

So how did it go? I was going to say you don’t have to drop you math, but I guess you already mad a decision I’m just curious on your move :smiley: