Don’t hurt your grade point average, take a W

Some students may be nervous when deciding to withdraw from a class or to fail, but students with identical grades, and similar classes that choose withdraw over fail actually held a higher GPA.

We have all been there when the semester is flying by so fast, and you realize that you aren’t excelling as well as you would like to in a particular class. You are then faced with the decision to withdraw or fail the class.

Some students look at withdrawing in a negative way. But it doesn’t have to be, there are few things that could have a positive affect if you choose to withdraw rather than fail. Withdrawing rather than failing is defiantly the best choice for you and your GPA. A “W” will appear on your transcripts but has no effect on your GPA at all.

Withdrawing can actually help you keep a good GPA. Not making the decision quickly to withdraw can result in you receiving a “F” on your transcripts. Which does not leave a good impression on your records, and especially if you want to transfer to a university. A “F” is the worst thing that could ever appear on your transcript

You may be eligible for a refund depending on when you withdraw, but it’s highly likely you can get your money back. It is your responsibility to withdraw quickly to ensure getting your money back. Withdraw is considered an attempt at a class, unlike fail which appears that you sat through the entire semester and still failed.

Who in their right mind would risk their GPA, academic status and the possibility of not getting into the university of your choice? It’s a no-brainer that you should withdraw rather than fail. Pierce College is all about student success and successful students should choose withdraw not fail.

The Center for Academic Success is available to all students who may need a tutor for numerous subjects. The CAS also offers one on one, or small group tutoring to help Pierce College students achieve academic success.

If you feel uncertain about withdrawing speak to your professor first who may give you an option for extra credit to assist you in passing the course, and then follow up with advice from your counselor.