<p>I am physics major, and I am taking five class and a lab this semester: Mechanics I, Mathematical Physics, General Chemistry I, General Chemistry I Lab, Introduction to C++, and American Roots Music. I am contemplating dropping my chem lab due to how much of a time sink it is and how unfairly I am graded. On the three assignments we have had so far, I have received a 1/30, 23/30, and a 28/30. Because of this, the highest grade possible that I could receive would be a 91 percent. Since the lab started 4 weeks into the semester, I feel that this trend will cause me to receive a B- or a C in the lab. I also have difficulty in even managing the time to do lab reports. This lab takes more time out of my week than my two physics classes combined. It is ridiculous. I could take the lab during the Fall semester when I take less of a course load, so I am not overwhelmed. It is hard to tell what to do since I have not received more grades in the class, so I am in a pickle. I have 3.95 FSU gpa and a 3.8 cumulative gpa, and have never withdrew from a course during my college education. What should I do in this situation?</p>
<p>Why do you think you were graded unfairly?</p>
<p>If you are able to drop and you think you can do better next time, then sure drop. What’s stopping you? One W isn’t going to be much of an issue, especially if you take the class again and do well in it.</p>
<p>Is the lab causing the grades in your other course to suffer? How sure are you that the course load next semester will be lighter? Is getting a B in what I assume is a 1 credit lab really going to kIll your GPA? Is it an option to take the lab P/F? Is it a required course that in needed for another class? Will it impact the timing of future courses?</p>
<p>If your other courses are suffering, then drop it. If not then I would take a hard look at the impact to your GPA and consider getting it over with and moving on. Why have a potential headache next semester. It won’t take less time next semester.</p>
<p>I agree with noname that if it’s only a 1 credit lab that it’s not really going to hurt your GPA. (How many credits do you already have? If you have a lot, it’ll barely make a dent).</p>
<p>However, if you really feel that it’s taking too much time and that you could do better in your other classes without it, then dropping it would be fine. Most students drop a course at one point or another, and especially since it’s a lab and one that you’ll eventually retake, I don’t think it’d be too bad.</p>