Will withdrawing from a class affect my future's outlook?

Question

I'm really REALLY having a hard time with my economics class right now and I still have time to drop the subject (get a "W"). But I'm worried this might look bad in my transcript when I'd be applying for a job in the future. Although, it IS better than getting an F right? Advice please, not lectures! =) And just an FYI, I had two D's in the past semester. So I hope right now I'm doing the right thing.

Answer 1

One withdrawal is fine; you just don't want to make a pattern of it. You might think of taking one fewer class next time. Once you have trouble with one class you tend to focus on it, which then creates problems with the others. You can always make up a class or two in summer school, but you don't want to get dragged down by trying to handle more than works for you.

Answer 2

I wouldn't worry about this at all, and just drop the class. If it's a prerequisite for something you're hoping to take later, retake it at a time when you can devote more energy to the class.

A withdrawal is absolutely better than an F, and it's much better for your GPA too.

The "W" may or may not disappear from your transcript if you retake the class. School's have different policies on this--my schools leave the W regardless of retake.

If you're planning on continuing to grad school, I haven't found that having withdrawals on my transcript impacted admissions decisions at all (and believe me, I had quite a few withdrawals.)

As far as jobs are concerned, they *might* be interested in your GPA, but I've never talked to anyone who had a potential employer ask for a college transcript (that's the only way they'd know about the withdrawal.) It's pretty rare for the employer to even ask for GPA if you don't volunteer this information.

Answer 3

W's are looked upon poorly for graduate schools and professional educational campus like Law and Medical schools. Your best bet is to Audit instead of withdrawing. An audit means you receive no grade in the class, and doesn't have the same stigma. Plus if you're on financial aid an Audit class still counts towards your full-time status, where was a withdrawn class doesn't.

However, seldom if EVER will a job ask about W's on a transcript unless of course you're applying for a job for the college you dropped the class in.

So if you're not really worried about Med or Law school, graduate school, or some limited entry Baccalaureate degree, i wouldn't sweat it...if you insist on sweating it, Audit it instead.

Answer 4

Well, it's definitely your choice on whether you drop out or not. If you can't handle the your economics class, then drop the subject, think about it, and besides it's not the end if it shows up in a job application, it's like telling them that you did your best and that you just couldn't handle all the work, try at something you're good at, well I hope that I could help :-)

Answer 5

If you are planning on taking the class over then you should not have a problem with it effecting your future. The W will go away when you retake the class. It is much better than getting a F! If you are just struggling there are free tutors that you can get info from them and they have helped me in situations like thes and ended up gettin a decend passing grade.