A C or a W (undergrad)

[bhr]

So, applications are done, MA acceptances are in, and all is right with the world...

 

Except I'm looking at a C in one of my final classes. It's the first non-A in three semesters, and it's in an elective (that gives me an extra certification). I can drop the class with a W until Tuesday, should I take the W and keep my GPA up on my final transcript or do I suck it up, take the C, and hope that it doesn't kill me when I move on to the PhD in two years.

[Horb]

I am assuming you mean that you've been accepted into an MA program. If that is the case, look at what their offer is contingent upon. How much will your GPA actually drop? Is this an elective related to your field? If you do a W, will you get a certificate? Is it possible to turn this course into a pass/fail option (some schools have this)?  Is it possible to ace any assignments left and pull off a B? 

 

I suggest talking to your academic advisor. A C is not the worst grade ever and most grad schools will assume a W means you were failing. If you decide to withdraw, check your school's policy. Mine has two deadlines. The first results in a W, the second in a W with the grade you had at the time of withdrawing. Just make sure to cover your bases. 

[justinmcummings]

I am assuming you mean that you've been accepted into an MA program. If that is the case, look at what their offer is contingent upon. How much will your GPA actually drop? Is this an elective related to your field? If you do a W, will you get a certificate? Is it possible to turn this course into a pass/fail option (some schools have this)?  Is it possible to ace any assignments left and pull off a B? 

 

I suggest talking to your academic advisor. A C is not the worst grade ever and most grad schools will assume a W means you were failing. If you decide to withdraw, check your school's policy. Mine has two deadlines. The first results in a W, the second in a W with the grade you had at the time of withdrawing. Just make sure to cover your bases. 

 

Is it true that most grad schools see a W and thinks that you were failing? I never knew that.

[ArthChauc]

Is it true that most grad schools see a W and thinks that you were failing? I never knew that.

 

I'm not sure this is true. I've withdrawn from courses before for a variety of reasons (changing majors, too heavy workload, etc.). One or two W's on transcripts have not hurt me, and I've been in both an MA and accepted to a Ph.D for this fall. I would err on the side of not worrying about it unless the school has specifically said "tell us if anything changes with your course load". When I applied for my MA, I switched classes from French to Latin after I submitted my transcripts and didn't notify the place I was accepted because why would I? They see your final transcript when you begin your master's program, and I highly doubt one or two W's is going to change a school's mind. 

[ComeBackZinc]

Is the certification important to you? One or two Cs or Ws are fine. Grades are super important, it's true, and somewhat under-discussed around here. But an otherwise sterling GPA will more than make up for one C. 

[Horb]

I just know I was warned about it by my advisor and that it may appear as a red flag. She mentioned I would need to address it somehow if I withdrew because it may impact how they view my ability to handle a heavy workload. I personally believe a C looks better than a W, but that is just me.

[bhr]

It's the second semester of a one-semester class (you have to take it twice for the cert). My main concern is that my GPA is less than stellar already (<2.8), and I sold myself based on a 4.0 junior/senior GPA. Honestly, I may just be overreacting and can squeeze out a B, just trying to get a sense of things before it is too late.

 

(The grade drop is, disgustingly, attendance based. There was some confusion about the time of an additional section I had to attend, and, two absences later, there goes a letter grade. )

[Horb]

bhr, do you already have some acceptances or are you waiting to hear back still? If you already are accepted, you could just ask the program. If you are applying for next round, then I would seriously talk to your advisor and way the pros and cons. You don't want your GPA to take hit for no reason. 

[bhr]

I have an acceptance or two, just wasn't sure how to ask the question without looking bad.

[heja0805]

So, applications are done, MA acceptances are in, and all is right with the world...

Except I'm looking at a C in one of my final classes. It's the first non-A in three semesters, and it's in an elective (that gives me an extra certification). I can drop the class with a W until Tuesday, should I take the W and keep my GPA up on my final transcript or do I suck it up, take the C, and hope that it doesn't kill me when I move on to the PhD in two years.

Also a student entering a grad program at MSU, know that this reply is biased.

Just remember that you're going to be involved in an incredibly engaging department this fall and for the next two years, and you're going to be surrounded by students (BA, MA, PhD) who will collaborate, work beside you, push you, and inspire you. For me, the hardest thing about transitioning to studying and working in WRAC is figuring out how to say no to all the different professional and academic opportunities. In a year from now, that mark you will receive --be it a C or a W-- will mean nothing when compared to all of the presentations, activities, organizations, and projects you're certain to involve yourself with as a student at MSU.

Also, in a year from now I'm certain you may even be seeking advice on how to balance your activities in this new environment. This is unsolicited and perhaps unrelated to your original query, but my advice for your first year is to slow down, pick and choose what is right for you in term of professional endeavors with a keen eye towards balance with all the other parts of you that compose your larger sense of self. Your acceptance to MSU has reinforced what you already know, and that is you have novel, original, and valuable contributions to our field. You already know how to market your experiences and articulate your identity to admission committees, and it's no different when it comes time for you to apply to PhD-land. Besides, a year from now, your undergraduate coursework will seem like ancient history.

Edited April 16, 2014 by heja0805

[ComeBackZinc]

^ You're completing your first year at MSU now? Or you're going to start this coming fall?

[bhr]

I'm starting this coming fall. I believe Heja is as well.