<p>Im thinking about dropping a course but dont really know what the consequences are. How bad does a W look on your transcript and/or when is it worth it to take the W? Does it change anything if Im planning to apply to McIntire?</p>
<p>I had a friend withdraw from a class her first year, she said recently it was one of the best decisions she made academically. Basically, which looks better: an F or a W? Even a D or a C will lower your GPA by a lot, and one W could be a much better option than that. I say a C because you said you want to apply to McIntire and people who apply to McIntire don’t have a lot of C’s (or any). If you were just debating dropping or not, it might be better to stay in a class if you can decently pass it because a W is assumed to be failing as far as I understand.</p>
<p>As far as McIntire, think of it this way: if it’s a core class, they will care, because it means you couldn’t pass the class and that is a problem. If it isn’t a core class, I don’t think they’ll hold it against you if the rest of your record is strong (there are no other W’s, your grades in comm classes are very high, you take a full course load in the spring, etc).</p>
<p>Also make sure you don’t drop below 12 credits because then you go on academic warning.</p>
<p>If you’re going to fail, withdraw. You don’t want an F on your transcript.</p>
<p>Yes, take the W if that is what needs to be done. One question though, will it drop you below the credits needed for full time status? If you are covered on your parents medical insurance (as I am), you could potentially be dropped from coverage if you become a part time student, as in under 12 credits. 12 credits make you full time, as you probably already know. Good luck.</p>
<p>A W doesn’t look bad on your transcript depending on how many credits you’re taking. I have one on my transcript actually… but it was for a really dumb reason. I signed up for a class on ISIS before school started, totally forgot I was enrolled and thankfully remembered to withdraw in time (It was an elective I wanted to take but ended up not having time for). But my number of credits went from 20 to 17 so in my case I don’t think it mattered. As other people said, just make sure withdrawing won’t make you below 12 credits. Otherwise I’d say go for it! Better a W than a C or lower.</p>