Choosing Between a C or W on a Transcript: What's Worse?

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So many people say they want at least B's or they want to Withdraw. You should not withdraw to avoid a C; withdraw to avoid D's or F's. Withdraw to change your schedule; either within the semester or among semesters. Withdraw if early enough, to change programs or fields.

 

[GatorAbe]

i have been teaching for 30 years at a state school, and have given W's to approximately 40% of all calculus students during that time.

Of those, all but one that I can recall were failing miserably when they took the W.

so that is actually far higher than 99% F's.

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So, let me get this straight, 40% of all your Calculus students ended up with Ws. You must be a hard teacher or it must be a tough subject for kids these days. Makes me feel fortunate that I'm passing 2nd Semester Calc.

Anyway, it looks like I'll be opting for a W in first year Physics this year. Even if I pass, it's be with a C and passing is not at all representive of what I know. I need to learn the material again, the class just moves WAY too fast.

 

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The 40% drop-with-W that Mathwonk reports is not surprising. Students will often make a program change for their own reasons or choose to avoid D or F by withdrawing before the deadline. Some of them find the material to be difficult; sometimes because of inadequate preparation, or because of over-extending their chosen program during the semester. The serious students will try again in a following semester. This dropping with W is not limited to just Calculus or mathematics or sciences. Students do this throughout many subject areas. Watch students' attendance habits and you will see it.