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Adverse effect of Withdrawal?

Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2013 5:20 pm
by pj29019
Hello guys,

I was wondering, as I was having a shitty semester both mentally and physically, I had to make a painful decision to withdraw from a single course I was doing the worst (and fortunately, I got A's in the remaining 3 courses, 2 of which being mathematics courses). I have been told that even though W does not count neither favorably nor adversely towards your GPA, it considered as badly as an F by the admission committee of graduate admission...

So the question is: is the above statement true? How badly is it going to affect my prospect? (Also, I am enrolled at a school considered one of the most rigorous in math in the nation, if that helps.)

Thanks in advance.

Re: Adverse effect of Withdrawal?

Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2013 6:39 pm
by goatman2743
Did you hear this from a reliable source? Because while I have no inside knowledge, I can't imagine it would look as bad as an F. It would be a negative, but I doubt a single withdrawal on an otherwise good transcript would be a big deal.

Re: Adverse effect of Withdrawal?

Posted: Tue Nov 12, 2013 1:56 am
by pj29019
I heard it from my advisor whom, honestly speaking, I do not trust 100%. But upon seeing what you said, it makes me feel a little better... Perhaps it's time for me to find a new advisor...

Re: Adverse effect of Withdrawal?

Posted: Tue Nov 12, 2013 3:00 pm
by boo78
I have not found that to be true. My undergrad transcript had several Ws on it. I would sign up for more classes than I could actually handle, and then realize that I had to drop something. My overall GPA was great. First time around applying to grad school I got into all 8 schools I applied to, including 2 Ivy Leagues, so it certainly didn't hurt me any.

Re: Adverse effect of Withdrawal?

Posted: Sat Nov 16, 2013 5:54 pm
by Sam_NYC
Yes, it does matter for certain graduate programs. If you're pre-med and seeking admissions to a US med school. As for math, you'll be okay.

Re: Adverse effect of Withdrawal?

Posted: Fri Nov 29, 2013 7:36 am
by pj29019
goatman2743 wrote:Did you hear this from a reliable source? Because while I have no inside knowledge, I can't imagine it would look as bad as an F. It would be a negative, but I doubt a single withdrawal on an otherwise good transcript would be a big deal.
Even if the withdrawal was made for the math course? (not a requirement, an elective)

Re: Adverse effect of Withdrawal?

Posted: Fri Nov 29, 2013 9:04 pm
by yotamh
pj29019 wrote:Even if the withdrawal was made for the math course? (not a requirement, an elective)
Three people said already it doesn't sound like a big deal. I'm the forth. One withdrawal from elective most likely won't have any effect on the replay you would have been getting without that withdrawal. : )

Anyway, no point worrying about it, as there is nothing you can do about it. Just send your application as it is and hope for the best.