Will a "W" in community college course as high school senior hurt me in admissions?

Applying to College
1

I am currently taking a community college economics course as a high school student. The course is not for high school credit, just taking it because it has to do with my future major. The class is graded on a curve that might work against me (because everyone seems to be doing quite well) and leave me with a lower grade. I can still drop the class, but that will leave a “W” on my college transcript. Since the class has to do with my intended major, and I’m looking to get into top business programs, will having this “W” look bad?

2

Yes. You are required to submit all transcripts.

3

And DE course grades will be part of your permanent college record so these transcripts and grades will have to be reported to any Graduate/Professional schools you apply to after Undergrad.

4

Thanks for the reply. So I am currently taking a community college economics course because it has to do with my future major. The class is graded on a curve that might work against me (because everyone seems to be doing quite well) and leave me with a lower grade, possibly a C. I can still drop the class, but that will leave a “W” on my college transcript. Since the class has to do with my intended major, and I’m looking to get into top undergrad business programs, will having this “W” look bad?

5

Without a better explanation ideally verified by an outside party, yes, they could easily and correctly assume you dropped it because you weren’t doing well in it, and that would probably raise a red flag.

Have you spoken to your professor or looked into getting extra help?

6

What are you calling a lower grade? Also, you need to understand why you are having “difficulty” in the class. If you are really a candidate for top business programs, you should be the one setting the curve in a community college class.

7

Of course nobody can predict how any one admissions officer will react, but I don’t think one W in a summer course will hurt your college applications. However, I would take the time to understand where you stand relative to the curve – you might be doing just fine.

8

Are you required to submit grades for all dual enrollment courses on the Common App, even if they aren’t for high school credit?