Advice Requested: Dropping a course

[StatMaster2016]

Hi all,

I'm in a bit of a dilemma. I am currently in the process of applying for master's in statistics programs for Fall 2016 entry. 

This semester, my final semester in undergrad, I am taking a few courses that will be important in preparing for a master's program and for which my grades will be important for an admissions committee to see (I think).

My classes are:

Intro to Computer Programming (Python), Linear & Matrix Algebra, Mathematical Statistics, Game Theory, and Advanced Calculus. 

As you can see, it is a bit of a heavy course load, especially when doing applications as well. I currently feel like I do not have adequate time to ensure that I perform well. In fact, I did very poorly on my first calculus exam. I am considering dropping the course because of this.

I am wondering what advice anyone has regarding dropping the course. I am worried that, a) having a DR (drop) on my transcript for this course will look bad, and may signal to admissions that I am not a good enough student for their programs, b ) that not having advanced calculus will significantly hurt my chances of getting into a good school, irrespective of having the drop marked on my transcript, and c) that not having advanced calculus will mean that I am not adequately prepared for master's programs.

I have a strong GPA (3.75), go to a top 20 public university, and am not a math or stat major (I am an economics and psychology major, minor in business). As such, my math background will just meet the minimal requirements for most programs. My GREs are strong enough for any school I believe (167 Q, 166 V, 4.0 W). Also, I have never dropped a course before.

Please let me know any advice you may have. Thank you very much for your time.

 

Edited October 21, 2015 by StatMaster2016

[fluffyj]

I don't think just having a drop on your transcript alone will hurt you too much. People drop courses all the time.

However, I'm not sure what "advanced calculus" means? Does it mean like multivariable calculus/differential equations or an intro to real analysis? If it is the latter, then I think it would be important to stick with the course if you want to go to grad school in statistics since many schools require/recommend some form of real analysis. At the same time, the requirement might be less strict for masters programs compared to phd programs. At many masters programs, I believe some students have not taken real analysis and have the chance to take it for the first time through an undergrad course or some other means before taking the traditional stats grad classes.

[StatMaster2016]

Hi fluffyj,

Thank you for your response.

So advanced calculus essentially is an intro to proofs/intro analysis course. I do want to learn to material, and plan on self-studying the subject regardless of whether or not I complete the course. I think some master's grad programs want a course like this, and others do not require it. My concern is that I will not be able to complete the course with a decent grade (meaning at least a B ) due to my first midterm score. I just cannot gauge the admissions process (i.e. I don't feel there is much information available to determine my strength as a candidate) so I am looking for all of the advice I can get.

Edited October 23, 2015 by StatMaster2016

[fluffyj]

Yeah, I would just try to stick with it. I guess you can try to do well on the final to get a decent grade. Even if you just pass the course, you can always take some kind of extra analysis course (whether it be a grad or undergrad course) when you're in grad school to make up for any gaps in your knowledge (if there are any).

I agree, though, that there isn't much information out there about admissions to grad schools in statistics. You can try looking at mathematicsgre.com which is for math phd/masters applicants but also has people talking about admissions to statistics programs. On their annual results page, you can usually see a couple of people who applied to schools in statistics and see what their profile/stats look like (and where they got in).

Edited October 23, 2015 by fluffyj

[StatMaster2016]

I will definitely check out that website. Thank you for your help.

[cyberwulf]

When I see a 'W' (withdrawal) on a transcript in a more challenging mathematics course, my assumption is that the student was finding the course too difficult and dropped it because of that. So, withdrawing doesn't really "hide" a poor grade, and in fact might leave an even worse impression than a 'B' would. I would stick with the course; if many students are struggling, final letter grades may be higher than the numerical grades would suggest.

Edited October 25, 2015 by cyberwulf

[StatMaster2016]

Hi cyberwulf,

Thank you for your reply. What if there was a high risk of getting below a B? Which would be worse, a C or a W?

I find that I understand the material in the course, and intend on learning it regardless of whether or not I complete the course. However, I have a history of doing very poorly on exams even when I know the material due to high performance anxiety, making continuing on in the course a risk considering that I only have one opportunity to make up for the first midterm.

 

[cyberwulf]

A 'C' is roughly what I'm imputing for an otherwise good student who takes a 'W' in a course, so I would view those two as essentially equivalent outcomes. Not everyone will feel the same way I do, though.

Also, if you "have a history of doing very poorly on exams even when I know the material due to high performance anxiety," then you have to ask yourself whether you will be happy pursuing graduate studies, where exams are more challenging and often more high stakes than in undergrad. Most Masters programs in statistics have only a small research component, and success depends largely on a student's ability to get good grades in courses (which, in turn, will often depend on the ability to do well on exams).

[StatMaster2016]

Yeah I understand what you are saying. However, my desire to pursue a career in data analysis outweighs the amount of stress I'll feel taking those exams. I actually think it's ridiculous to think that I shouldn't learn more of what I love because I often perform poorly on exams (I am not saying that you're suggesting this, it's just a thought that I have). I am likely going to avoid master's programs that require some sort of qualifying exam to get the degree...I would much prefer a thesis.

Thank you for your help. It is much appreciated.