Withdraw from class to get 4.0 for future transfer?

Transfer Students
1

Currently, I am a freshman at a public state school in engineering (ranked 15th in the nation for undergrad). I made the mistake of sleeping through my alarm the day of my first math exam, running in 20 minutes late, and receiving a D- on the exam. I made sure I did not repeat my mistake and received a 95 on my second exam. Unfortunately, due to my teacher’s policy, she will not drop my first exam grade or offer any sort of grade boost. Currently, I stand with a B- in the class and after doing the math determined it would be impossible to receive an A in the class. I am two semesters ahead in math so a withdrawal would not hurt me on my major path but I am looking at the possibility of transferring to a school with a stronger degree (possibly Ivy League) and I’m wondering how that will look to admissions. Would it be better to have a 4.0 with a withdraw in math (that doesn’t affect major path) or a 3.86 my first semester?

I’m sure some people will want to know my HS stats as I’ve heard they play a role in transfers,
ACT: 33 (34 superscored)
GPA: 4.2 W 3.7 UW

2

There is nothing wrong with a B- - especially for an engineering student.

The difference between a 4.0 with a late in the semester W, and a 3.86 is minimal. Stay in the class. Keep your grades up. Don’t look back.

3

I definitely agree with @happymomof1; nothing wrong with a 3.86 GPA, especially as an engineering major.

A note: I noticed you superscored your ACT score. Keep in mind that most schools do not superscore the ACT.

4

Sounds like if you do well on the final you can get a solid B/B+ which is probably at least as good as a W (which might lead an admission officer to think you were having trouble with the class and withdrew).

As a piece of unsolicited advice, it sounds like you are in a great place now so I wouldn’t spend too much time thinking about transferring. In general I think it is a terrible idea to start one college with the intent of transferring out. This will stand in the way of your making meaningful friendships, developing relationships with professors, and getting involved on campus. Then if your transfer doesn’t work out as planned you will be really stuck. I’d go to the college you enrolled in with the intent of staying all four years. It is perfectly fine to throw in a couple of transfer applications but don’t count on it working out. The very top tier colleges are difficult to transfer into.

Also I’d be sure to get a louder alarm clock and/or set a second alarm when you have exams.