Hi everyone, Im a Biology major wanting to transfer to UCLA from my community college. This semester has been really rough and in my General Biology class, I currently have a high C, which I’m afraid i won’t be able to raise up. I currently have a 4.0 GPA since last semester (my first semester) i got straight As. I am also apart of the honors program( two of them, phi theta kappa and the one of campus). I have been volunteering a lot and I have also started a Pre Med club on my campus (I’m the vice president). I feel like these factors are important since I’m about to ask you guys how bad would it be if i were to withdraw from my Bio class and retake it when I’m more focused and dedicated. I understand you could explain why you got a bad grade/withdraw in your personal statement but i feel like UCLA won’t look at my statement unless my transcript is better then someone who hasn’t withdrawn (which is probably unlikely right ?) My counselor told me a C is very concerning for a UC, but a W is also concerning. I don’t want to withdraw but i also don’t want to hurt my GPA. I really would appreciate some insight. Also, i was thinking about emailing the Counselors at UCLA,but what is holding me back is the thought that I will make a really bad first impression as a future applicant. If there is anyone that you guys know that I can talk to or something please feel free to add that in with your advice. thank you guys
Email the UCLA counselor, but keep in mind that you’re dropping a major prep class. True, a W won’t affect your GPA, but there’s no safe choice between dropping the class and getting a C when a major prep class is concerned. I personally took 3 lab classes of 5 units each one semester: Bio, Chem, and Physics. It was way too much and I dropped Physics with a W in order to barely pass the other 2 with Cs, and I still got into UCLA; HOWEVER, I was not a biology major. I believe anyone who has any advice will tell you the same thing: to try your best and get that C up because this class is important for your major. You still have time, and we’re all rooting for you!