<p>I fell behind in my coursework this semester and had to withdraw from my 5 classes. Assuming this doesn't happen again in the 3 semesters I have left, will it hurt my admission chances? If so, by how much?</p>
<p>W's don't hurt you.</p>
<p>Assuming you're assuming correctly, then it's not going to be detrimental to your admission to a UC. However, W's do in fact affect admissions when it comes down to the wire on whether or not X university will be accepting you. </p>
<p>An anecdote: if there are two spots open, both students have equal ECs, GPAs, etc. but one has 10 Ws and the other has 0, who would be accepted? Undeniably, the latter-- it's evidenced by the 0 Ws that he is determined, responsible and dedicated (not to impugn your character).</p>
<p>I'm sure you'll be fine! You've found CC, anyhow. Just make sure you don't rely on the withdrawal option.</p>
<p>I disagree, I think this will NOT affect you at all. Having one semester where you had to withdraw from all of your classes is understandable. It is much better than having a W from every semester on your transcript. We all have stuff happen and if you can have a good explanation for why you had to withdraw from all of your classes, I think you will be fine. But, I would not make a habit of dropping courses because that can make you seem like a habitual "dropper" instead of someone who uses that option only in an emergency.</p>
<p>nickthecoolest
If you search much of the UC transfer forum you will see that it's been said many times that W's wont hurt your chance at admission.</p>
<p>Also when I've spoken to a few counselors they've said it wont hurt you as the school doesn't know why you withdrew from the class. It could be because of financial reasons, family problems, called for active duty. </p>
<p>But I do see what your saying though about the 2 candidates have equal stats and such, but one has a few W's and you would go with the one who doesn't.</p>
<p>Interestingly I've seen the contrary. Of course the Ws aren't the sole factor of admissions but they do play a role, like in the anecdote I used. I'm not hyperbolizing Ws' imperativeness, I'm simply saying that you shouldn't have too many of them because they don't look good. Is that not an accurate assessment?</p>
<p>Both of you need to re-read my post:</p>
<p>"...it's not going to be detrimental to your admission to a UC. However, W's do in fact affect admissions when it comes down to the wire on whether or not X university will be accepting you."</p>
<p>That is as accurate as it gets. :P</p>
<p>I would contend that saying W's don't affect you AT ALL or "don't hurt you" is inaccurate. Are they key factors? Never have I implied that.</p>
<p>No effect in UCs.</p>
<p>-I had 19Ws</p>