Will a withdrawal impact my acceptance?

[Hannah.1998]

Hello!

I am currently sending in all of my graduate school applications. Most programs I am applying to are within the California State University system. I have a 3.70 GPA and been pretty involved in honor societies, club, and other organizations during my four years. I just wanted to know if a "W" (withdraw) impacts your chances of getting into graduate school? I am finding myself contemplating withdrawing myself from this one course (taking it for fun and is not a requirement) and after the professor made some discriminatory remarks and has been unfairly grading my work (my classmates and I have done the same work) I don't feel comfortable being in the class anymore as well as jeopardizing my GPA I worked hard to keep up. Just looking for some advice/to hear some stories. This would be my first (and only) withdrawal. Did you face challenges having a withdrawal on your transcript? Am I over-thinking? Thank you in advance!

[chai time]

I withdraw from a whole semester my second semester of college. That was 5 Ws. I have been admitted to one school so far, and I didn't even mention it in the application (they know only from seeing my transcripts). I wouldn't be too concerned.

[AnxiousBeaver]

I have a D on my transcript as well as an NC (no credit) which also means Fail when you take a course P/Fail.... and I got into almost every school that I applied to :). You'll be fine, just explain it on the application but don't be discouraged! 

[PsyDuck90]

If you have 1 withdrawal that shouldn't raise any red flags. Programs may an eyebrow I you had several, but 1 withdrawal can be chocked up to a whole host of reasons, most of them benign. 

[maddypatty123]

I think that as long as you can explain why you have a "W" if they ask, then you're fine. I had an actual "D" on my transcript and was able to explain why and got into a Ph.D. program!