<p>I am a freshman at the University of Richmond. I am applying to transfer, as a math major, to: Penn, Columbia, Swarthmore, Haverford, Wesleyan.</p>
<p>During my first semester here, I was pretty miserable. In particular, I hated my physics class, as it was entirely lab-based, and I detest performing labs. Anyways, I withdrew from the class shortly after the add drop period. Oh, and my teacher was in Spain during the add/drop period, so i had no clue how the class would go. My transcript looks as follows:</p>
<p>General Physics w/ Calc I: W
Econ101- Principles of Micro: A
Acct201- Fundamentals of Financial Acct: A
Math245- Linear Algebra: A-
FYS100- First year seminar: framing the constitution: A-
GPA: 3.85</p>
<p>This semester I am taking:
Econ102- Principles of Macro
Engl208- 20th century Am. fiction
Math235- multivar calc
FYS100- first year seminar
Math309- financial mathematics</p>
<p>My HS transcript is solid, good grades at top prep school, 2260 superscored sat, 2 800 sat ii's, AP scholar with distinction. </p>
<p>So yeah, how much will this impact my transfer chances?</p>
<p>Well, I’m only speaking from experience. I have about 5 W’s on my transcripts and I applied and was accepted no questions asked. I can’t imagine it’ll be weighed too heavily in the overall decision. Typically, people withdraw because they don’t understand the way the teacher is teaching, they got too overwhelmed, and so on. Rather than take an F they’ll withdraw and take it with another teacher or when they have more time. A W is not an F.</p>
<p>Yeah, honestly, I would have done fine in the class, probably well. I was just pretty miserable during my first month or so of college, had a difficult time adjusting, etc., and this class was just one more thing I dreaded doing, and I was taking 5 classes already, so I decided to withdraw. </p>
<p>Anyone have any wisdom/experiences with this?</p>
<p>Believe me, I understand. In 2007, my freshman year, I was taking 18 credits and think I finished the semester finishing with around 9. I was unhappy, had no drive, and I really just didn’t want to be there. I think what people often forget is that school is only what you make of it. This doesn’t just apply to academics either. To be successful, you have to want to be successful and at that time, I had no desire to be in college. period. Whatever the reason may be, it’s important to remember you’re not always going to be stuck looking like you screwed up. Once you get back on track you’ve already made a point.</p>
<p>If looking at two identical applicants, one has a W and the other doesnt, who would you pick? I think it could hurt you. Of course you can make it up by excelling in other areas</p>
<p>eLynn - What schools did you apply to? I can’t imagine any of his listed schools ignoring a W. That’s not to say he’s hurt immensely but it definitely will not help.</p>
<p>I never said they were ignored, just not a reason to deny admission. I started schools in 2007 and I have maybe 3-4 W’s on my transcripts…all of which I retook with better professors. It was a personal choice based on how I viewed my success.</p>
<p>I applied to Michigan State, Indiana University Bloomington, Central Michigan, Purdue, and a few others.</p>
<p>I think it might also depend on how many credits you have as well. If you’ve only taken 15 but have 3 W’s it looks a little silly. I just meant that a W isn’t equal to an F. I don’t believe that an admissions counselor would see a W and assume lazy or something of the sort because from what I’ve seen people withdraw for any number of reasons. I could be wrong.</p>