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travelbabe24's avatar

Should I withdraw from a college course?

Asked by travelbabe24 (262points) September 28th, 2015

I am currently a junior, have never withdrawed from a class, and have a 3.95 GPA. So I thought my study skills were pretty good. This semester though, I am taking only 12 credit hours, not a lot. My usual load is 16,17,18 credit hours.

I am getting A’s in 3 of my classes, but one of my classes is a complete mess. I cannot follow the professors teaching style AT ALL. I am spending 20+ hours studying for tests just to get borderline B-C’s. I am going home and teaching myself and struggling. The tutoring hours that are provided do not fit my schedule. So I am stuck. This class is making me stressed and giving me anxiety.

If I withdraw, I will still graduate on time, since I can fit the class in next semester. I truly believe if I had another professor I would do better. But I am worried that grad schools will view a W on the transcript as bad. Should I withdraw? Everyone I have asked makes me seem like I should tough it out, but I don’t want to keep studying 20+ hours and not get the grade I think I deserve for studying so much.

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13 Answers

janbb's avatar

I would withdraw and take it next semester. It’s not the same as failing and you can explain the withdrawal if it even comes up. Grad schools look at other things such as GREs and teacher’s recommendations more. In any case, it is not worth undertaking so much stress for little reward.

zenvelo's avatar

Is this a required class for your major? Because at many schools the same professor will teach it the next time it is offered. And if it is the Professor’s style, you might have to deal with it sooner or later.

And, a c in 3 units out of 120 to graduate is not going to kill your GPA or your access to grad school if you are otherwise a good candidate for graduate work. What is important is understanding the course work.

The W won’t be seen by a grad school if you retake the class. Actually, most schools drop any record of you registering for the course if you drop on time.

If the class is so important, work it out so you can get the tutoring that is offered. Or talk to the Professor or TA about smoother way to get some tutoring help.

talljasperman's avatar

I would withdrawal and take full time free summer school classes. Are your summer school classes free?

Love_my_doggie's avatar

Sometimes, it really isn’t you. It sounds as if this professor is disorganized, doesn’t convey clear and reasonable objectives, and, quite possibly, simply can’t teach. You’re likely to encounter this sort of person over the course of your educational career.

You say that a course withdrawal won’t delay your graduation. I’m a big believer in walking away from untenable situations that have no benefit.

As for your graduate school applications, I doubt that a “W” would be detrimental. Students often drop a class because of course overload, unexpected life events, or merely because the class is dreadful and not worth continuing.

ARE_you_kidding_me's avatar

I got into grad school with loads of W’s if it’s a bad prof run like hell. A W is better than a C or F

Adirondackwannabe's avatar

Yes, withdraw if it’s not working. The w won’t hold you back a bit if your other grades are good.

msh's avatar

Have you talked to your advisor? Sometimes they know what the inside info on student’s experiences with this course/ professor/ ta. Extra info might help your decision. Listen to your gut feelings. Good luck.

dxs's avatar

I’m in college, too. From what people professsional people have told me, one W won’t ruin your “resume.” One can’t judge what the reasons for withdrawing were. In any case, and F would look much worse as others have said. And remember you can always take the course again. If its the same professor, then find another school that teaches that course and take it there. Just make sure your school will accept the class before doing so. You’re in a great position right now. W won’t affect your GPA and your GPA is amazing. It could be worse. You could have a suckier GPA and be jeopardizing 3 of your 4 classes (while completely aceing your forth!)

talljasperman's avatar

If possible change the problem course to an audit.

dappled_leaves's avatar

I would withdraw. It’s unfortunate that you didn’t drop the course before the W, but you should focus on what you can do to save your GPA, not what it’s too late to change. A single W is a lot easier to explain than a low GPA or an F.

stanleybmanly's avatar

Take the W. Don’t even hesitate. A single W on a transcript should only serve to demonstrate that you have the flexibility to place prudence ahead of ego. I would also ask around. This situation is peculiar enough in your history to justify determining whether or not you are alone. You almost certainly are not in regard to this professor, but if you are, you certainly should determine why.

rojo's avatar

Withdraw. It is not worth the heartache and stress. I know you are a Junior but keep in mind if they do not offer the course during the summer, or if you work summers, you will need to make this class up next year and that is going to increase your work load. As a senior I dropped a course for a very similar situation. I had to take the class in the summer which postponed my graduation by a few months. It was the only thing I took in the summer but still shoots a hell of a hole in your daily schedule.

Cruiser's avatar

I would have a face to face meeting with the professor and explain your concerns about your lower than expected grade and your desire for an A or B+ and ask his/her opinion and listen to their words. They should be able to map out a realistic plan of attack that will get you to the highest grade that is achievable.

Also ask the professor and or the TA if they know of other study options that fit your schedule or seek out other classmates to see if anyone might be interested in forming a study group at an hour that works for everyone. Good luck….it can be done.

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