Hi all, this is my first post here so sorry if anything is out of place. I didn’t really know where to put this thread. Im currently in an undecided business track for my major. However, this means i am not really in the business school yet, as you have to take pre requisites, and then they take an application at the end of the year. There were 400 applicants last year, about 100 got in, and the average gpa was a 3.8, which is obviously really high. I am doing well enough in my classes, except for math. I bombed the first exam and got a 64, which was my fault for not studying a chapter of the textbook. There are two exams remaining, but is only getting harder. Looking at what I got wrong on the exam, I think I could easily get a 90+ on it if I retook it. The deadline to withdraw from the class ends in 2 days. In order to save my GPA, I was thinking of taking a withdrawal and retaking the same class next semester, as it is a requirement in my major. Do you think it would make sense to withdraw from the class, or should I try to stick it out? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
This is a tough decision, so I can’t tell you what to do. But there are some things you may want to consider:
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You state that you didn’t perform well on the first test because you didn’t study all of the material. If that’s the case, then you should do fine on the rest of the tests if you study the material. Also, consider going to office hours if you need help and to ask your professor about your grade (how much you can bring it up, etc.).
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Is the course a prerequisite for courses you will need to take next semester?
WeloveLyman, thanks for the reply.
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I think I can get a good grade on the next test, however there are only 2 tests left and it leaves almost no room for error on the 2 tests. Im just scared the 64 will weigh me down hard enough that I can’t come back from it. I have to get a 3.8 to get into the program, and it makes it so I have to get 100s on the next tests to have a shot.
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It is a prerequisite for next year’s classes, not this year. I am only required to take 1 math course this year.
In that case, I’d say drop it if you think it will impede you from getting the 3.8 you will need for the program. I know there are more experienced CC posters who would probably have other things for you to consider, but that’s my two cents!
Things to consider when thinking about Withdrawing from a class:
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**TALK TO YOUR ADVISER ** before you make any decisions
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** Will taking a W move you from full time to part time? ** Full time is usually 12 credits (check your college). If you are part time you are not eligible for financial aid or living in dorms.
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** Is this class needed for your major? ** If you don’t take it now, will you have to take it again? Will it cause you to fall behind in keeping up with your major classes?
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**Why are you getting a C/D/F? ** What happens the next time you get a C? W again? One W is okay, but a pattern shows that you have difficulty with college.
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**Will Withdrawing from a course make it difficult to graduate on time? ** Will you need to make it up in summer $$ or do you have extra credits from HS?
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**Can you raise your grade? ** Check this post for ideas
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-life/1920853-college-is-a-step-up-from-hs-16-tips-on-doing-well-in-college.html -
If this course is in your major, is this the right major for you? If you are pre-med but are getting a C in Biology, maybe this is not the major for you. If you are getting a C in an elective, that is another story.
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**Sometimes W’s are necessary. ** My daughter was in the hospital for a week early in the semester…she Withdrew from a course because she would not be able to catch up on all her courses if she kept all the classes. A W here or there is no problem, but a pattern of them looks like you have trouble with college work.
I would try to find out how the program you plan to apply to looks at withdrawals. Is it a neutral event or might it be a negative? And I agree that you need to be sure that you will have enough credits to be a full time student if your withdraw from a class – otherwise it can impact financial aid, housing etc.
FWIW I don’t have an issue with a W – one is generally OK although a pattern of W’s is not good.
Make sure there aren’t any financial repercussions to you dropping a class at this point in the term - that it won’t mess up your aid, that you won’t end up owing the money for the class immediately, etc. I’d also suggest you talk to your advisor, to make sure that the business school doesn’t look at Ws as part of their evaluation. If you’re good on all that, then withdrawing would be fine.