How bad does a withdrawal look on your transcript?

[robot_hamster]

I'm thinking I need to drop a class. How bad does it look on your transcript if you have a withdrawal? If I decide to apply to PhD programs in the future, would they be looking at that?

[emmm]

I doubt it would matter much at all. I think your overall GPA is more important, and that you have the background to do well in the program.

[dimanche0829]

Adcomms know that life happens. Withdrawals aren't generally a warning sign unless you're showing a consistent pattern of Ws. If you're just dropping one class, it's pretty insignificant.

[robot_hamster]

I'm just embarrassed because I never withdraw from classes. But I'm pretty convinced that this class is not where I need to be at the moment.

[dimanche0829]

No need to be embarrassed. I've taken a W before, actually. It is much better to show a W than it is to earn a low(er) grade from a course that wasn't a good fit.

[Guest Chiper91]

hey. I am about to drop my second class. I would have a second W on my transcript. BOth of the courses would electives for my major. I usually do not withdraw from classes but I do not believe that the class I am in now, is for me. I am struggling with it. I am not that interested in it and over spills into my other classes. I am generally depressed all the time. Would I still have a change to go to grad school after this?

[fuzzylogician]

Would I still have a change to go to grad school after this?

Yes. Life happens. There are several more important ingredients to an application - research experience, a strong SOP, LORs, the writing sample. Even the overall GPA and GRE scores. If you are worried that the adcoms will see a worrisome pattern, spend a line in your SOP explaining it. The W alone won't be what keeps you out of grad school.