<p>Hi, im currently a 4th year, doing 5 year to get my undergrad.</p>
<p>My first 3 years sucked (and i had 2 W's), so im really trying to redeem myself in these last two years. This semester i took a full course load, but have fallen behind. As well my dad got diagnosed with cancer, so thats distracted me quite a bit. I know most people dont withdraw from a course unless theyre close to failing or getting a really bad mark. Im not in that situation, and im just wondering if I happen to get good marks on my other 4 courses, and this is an unrelated second year option will it hurt me much, or will they likely infer that I wasnt going to fail? Especially if I mention my personal situation on my personal statement or w/e?</p>
<p>What do you think?</p>
<p>Thanks a bunch for any feedback.</p>
<p>No way. You get a "free pass" for a W. Don't explain. Especially if the rest of your grades are above Bs. I have 2 Ws on my transcript (one due to administrative mistake) and I still got in a great program!</p>
<p>Only one W isn't a big concern, right? If the rest of my grades are all A's except one or two B's, not a problem?</p>
<p>One W is not a problem - don't even mention it. </p>
<p>Incidentally, <em>you</em> should never explain these things - no matter how you say it, it sounds like an exuse. If you had a bad year, discuss it with one of your LoR writers and have him or her discuss how you've grown into a fine scholar, overcome adversity, etc...</p>
<p>Good Luck to all, and best wishes for the OP's father.</p>
<p>How many are a problem?</p>
<p>This is NOT a hard and fast rule, by any means, but if I saw 3 or more Ws on a transcript, I'd start to wonder if the student was more focused on grades than on learning anything.</p>
<p>Of course, if there were a string of Ws in one semester, then I'd just figure the student had a personal problem, dropped courses, dealt with the problem, and came back to school the next semester ready to resume work.</p>
<p>Really? So its thats irrelevant that I shouldnt try to explain it?</p>
<p>This will be my third (and im pretty sure my last) W. I had two in second year where i was really screwing around, but hopefully having two years of good marks and only 1 W will show that ive (sorta) grown up. right?</p>