<p>Currently, I am freshman at Elon University double majoring in music performance and psychology. As you could imagine, my schedule incorporates classes from both fields, especially music. However, I have a history of severe, debilitating carpal tunnel that I thought was behind me. I was so wrong, though. Playing the piano and having to draw music notes is killing me and putting my back in braces. In fact, I am even having trouble holding a pencil and typing again. After speaking to my campus physician (who is MD), I was instructed it would be best to drop music theory and aural skills in order to rest my hands. I love music and it breaks my heart to even be considering dropping those classes, but I will if necessary for my health. That being said, if I were to drop them, I would receive two "Ws" on my transcript. I plan to go to graduate school to get my PhD in clinical psychology (which has absolutely nothing to do with music obviously). While it is recognized that I am involuntarily dropping both classes due to health issues, I can't get a WD (Withdrawn for medical issues) on my transcript because that would require me dropping ALL of my classes, which I don't want to do. I am super worried about how this is going to affect my future. I know I am probably overreacting, but I am just a freshman and know nothing about graduate admissions.</p>
<p>Don’t worry about it. At my university, withdrawn classes (W) are erased from your official transcript. I withdrew from a class during week 4 (it shows “W04” on the unofficial transcript) after we had our first midterm that I egregiously flunked, but its not on my official transcript. </p>
<p>Worst case, if they even see the W, you have a legit excuse and perhaps a killer start to a personal statement. ;)</p>
<p>I don’t think W’s really matter on a transcript, students can have many reasons for having them. If you have any grade that’s not passing though, then that’s a concern.</p>
<p>Okay, thank you. So, you’re sure its okay? I am minorly freaking out.</p>
<p>I have 80 million Ws on my transcript and had no problem getting in at well-respected universities in my field.</p>
<p>Your mileage may vary, batteries not included, professional driver on a closed course, etc.</p>
<p>No, it only matters for law school.</p>
<p>Besides, you’re only a freshman. Most graduate programs dismiss any anomalies on your first year transcript as adjustments to the more rigorous college environment. Even a couple of Ds (which would affect your GPA, unlike Ws) wouldn’t be a deal-breaker as long as they were followed by excellent grades.</p>
<p>Nope, freshman Ws in a major which you drop are not going to be a big deal. Just go forward from here and keep the marks strong, clinical psych is a competitive field.</p>