Is a W or a C worse for a gen Ed?

  • Thread starter Thread starter RadiumBlue
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the implications of receiving a C grade versus withdrawing (W) from a general education course, specifically Jazz History, for a sophomore physics major. Participants explore the impact of these options on GPA and future academic prospects, particularly regarding graduate school applications.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about their performance in Jazz History, noting a C/D+ average and the upcoming withdraw date.
  • Another participant suggests that it might be better not to drop the course.
  • One opinion states that a C grade is preferable to a W, as it provides acceptable credit and reflects completion of the course.
  • A later reply questions the likelihood of success in another general education class, given the current struggles.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; there are competing views on whether to accept a C grade or to withdraw from the course.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not address specific assumptions about the importance of general education courses for graduate school applications or the potential impact of a W on future academic opportunities.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering the implications of course grades on their academic records, particularly in relation to general education requirements and graduate school applications.

RadiumBlue
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I'm a sophomore physics major finishing up my last gen. Ed requirement, for this one I picked Jazz History because it sounded interesting and fulfilled the last requirement. I have As on my writing assignments, but tests and quizzes are all multiple choice about names and dates, which it turns out I'm awful at keeping straight. I have a C/D+ average for the midterm and quizzes, which are a little over half the grade, so I'm on track to get a C, maybe a C+ if I'm lucky. I'm doing great in all my other major-related classes, knock on wood, so the rest isn't an issue, it's just this one gen-ed. The withdraw date is coming up next week, and I'm wondering if it would be better for grad schools to get the C and be done, or withdraw and save my GPA and just take a different gen ed over the winter or next semester. Help?
 
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It is probably better not to drop.
 
Only my opinion, but a course on Jazz History is not important for your major field of study. C is the lowest grade you want, and is better than a W just because it would be some acceptable credit. If you drop and get W, then make a better choice about your next try at the needed general education requirement.
 
Given that you're having difficulty with this general education class, what is the probability that you will struggle with another that you take over the winter?
 

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