Is it better to Fail or Withdraw from a class if you're looking to transfer (to USC)??

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Southern California
1

This semester has not gone as planned by any means

I’m struggling terribly in this one class and unless theres a big fat curve I’m screwed. My other classes are fine but this class is going to completely screw me up. Would it be better to withdraw now or take the D/F?

From what I’ve seen online it looks like USC really doesnt want to see Ws… If I take the F it will bring down my GPA and if I take the W I don’t have an explanation for withdrawing other than the fact that I was failing the class…

Please help any input would be appreciated.

2

Also want to add that i’m taking 5 classes this semester so it wouldn’t be dropping to part time or anything if that matters

3

Check out this thread: http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/high-school-life/2026961-what-to-do-when-you-arent-doing-well-in-a-hs-class.html#latest

I would think a W would be better than an F.

4

A W is better than an F.

Drop the class while you still can.

5

Take the W. Absolutely. Avoid an F at all costs. They don’t know you withdrew because you had an F; students withdraw for all kinds of reasons besides failing - bad professor, overload, change of major/focus, etc.

6

An F will stick with your transfer GPA even if you retake the class. Both the new grade and the previous grade will be counted. The W will be in your transcript, but it won’t affect your GPA. You can get away with one W.