<p>Hey everyone! This is my first post on College Confidential! As you can see from the title of this post, I joined specifically due to this burning question. Basically, I'm in an interesting predicament. </p>
<p>I'm a Computer Science Engineering Major and I'm taking Calculus this semester. Originally I scored into intermediate Algebra going into my CC and was very disappointed since I had taken PreCalc prior in High school. So I waited a semester to retake the exam and scored into PreCalc (again), a shot close enough to Calculus that I was happy. I got an A in PreCalc and am now in Calculus. I'm applying this semester to many different engineering schools, the top being UCLA. </p>
<p>Currently, there is a highly unlikely chance that I get a B or C in Calculus this semester. So I have the choice of either withdrawing from the course or trying my chances at a B or C, thus taking a big hit to my GPA since I have a 4.0. I've taken several computer science classes and have done well, it's just math that has always gotten to me. I'm not entirely sure what to do since I don't know how UCLA and other schools will look at me withdrawing or failing my first math course for my major. </p>
<p>Anyways, that's my life's story! Any input would be greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>As far as I know, the UCs do not frown down upon any number of withdrawals (ie, they seem to simply ignore them). With that being said, you need to consider the fact that withdrawing from Calculus will cause you to fall behind in completing your prereqs. I’m an EE major and I know that all engineering majors need to take 6 quarters of Calc (Single Variable pt. 1, Single Variable pt. 2, Multivariable pt. 1, Multivariable pt. 2, Linear algebra, and differential equations). </p>
<p>If you drop out of Calculus right now, you WILL fall behind by an entire quarter in completing these 6 courses. You will need to retake Calculus next quarter and make sure you do well this time. UCLA and UCB are especially brutal when it comes to completing prereqs (especially for crazy majors like engineering). Since you’re saying that getting a B or a C is highly unlikely right now, you’re best bet is to withdraw from Calculus. A “W” on your transcript is a thousand times better than a “D” or an “F”. Drop out of the class and do well in it next time. Also, if Math is really not your thing and no amount of crazy studying helps you do well, you might want to seriously reconsider whether or not you can handle Engineering (just trying to be honest with you here, no offense meant). </p>
<p>If you do drop out of Calculus, you need to understand that getting into UCLA or UCB will end up being a longshot. You will either have to stay at CCC for 3 years to get all your math courses done or you can risk applying after 2 years and accept the fact that you won’t have finished all your prereqs (which will hurt you when you are compared to all the other applicants who have their prereqs finished).</p>
<p>Don’t worry about UCSD, UCD, UCI, UCSB and the other lower UCs. From what I know, missing 1 prereq will not immensely destroy your chances of getting in. They’re more lenient when it comes to this stuff. Bottomline, UCLA and UCB in 2 years might not be possible anymore right now (you’ll be fine for the other UCs), but UCLA and UCB could be possible in 3 years (assuming you pick up on Math from next quarter on).</p>
<p>Sorry for the ultralong post, but I hope this helps.</p>
<p>Yeah, a W would be wayyyyy better. More pressing issue should be why you’re doing so poorly in Calc 1, given how much more math you will need to take. Calc 1 shouldn’t necessarily be a cakewalk, but it shouldn’t be destroying you, either…</p>
<p>No offense taken, Cinnabon1234, I’m glad to take any advice. I need to take one less Calculus class it seems, or rather they combine two at my CCC. I need to take Calculus I, Calculus II, Calculus III, Linear Algebra, and Differential Equations to finish my math prereqs. In reality, I actually do get math, I just always seem to freeze up and get overwhelmed on the exams. I have an 80% average on the quizzes and 88% on Homework. I actually enjoy math, I think I just need to make more of an attempt. After so much time spent though, it’s hard to bounce back and retain a good grade at this point. Either way, I spoke to my professor and she also suggested that I withdraw from the class because according to my previous grades, it would be very difficult for me to get a passing grade. It’s also not a risk I entirely want to take, so I think I’m going to withdraw from the class. Thank you both for your help, Cinnabon1234 and art2CS!</p>