transcript/gpa question

[SdB]

<p>I currently have a 3.96 GPA in my junior year but am having lots of difficulty in one of my courses. It is an obscure upper-division history course that has nothing to do with anything. I may end up getting a C or a C+ (possibly a B-, maybe...) in the class. I've worked it out quantitatively, and this would bring down my GPA to around a 3.9-3.91, assuming I can get A's in my other classes.</p>

<p>I can either stay in the class and take the GPA hit, or I can withdraw. My school notates the transcript with a W and the week that the course was dropped (will be week 10, the final week of the term).</p>

<p>Which is better? Take the C/C+ and bring my GPA down to around 3.9, or take the "Week 10 withdrawal" and keep my GPA?</p>

<p>I attend a non-target (UCLA), non-finance-related major but with excellent grades in elective math/economics coursework. This is either be my first W or grade below A-. Another consideration is that I will be applying for internships this year before fall grades are released, so, technically, I can report my current GPA even if I end up getting a C. Of course, I can do the same thing with a W.</p>

[BankonBanking]

<p>Honestly, the difference between a 3.91 and a 3.96 is next to nothing to recruiters, bankers, etc. That said, if the course doesn’t count towards your major, you don’t need it, and don’t really care much about it, you may as well drop it. At the end of the day, everyone will see your GPA as it sits on your resume - very few people will analyze your transcript to the point of questioning a single W in an unrelated field - furthermore, the transcript review is done after an offer made, and no one will revoke an offer because of 1 W.</p>

<p>Bottom line, if you don’t care about the course and don’t need it, drop it. Otherwise, a 3.91 is still a phenomenal GPA and looks just as good as a 3.96 to recruiters, etc. Good luck and focus on networking.</p>

<p>IBanker</p>

[SdB]

<p>Thank you for your advice; much appreciated.</p>