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To 'W' or not to 'W'
What to do when a class is just too much
Features | 10/30/07
Posted online at 9:07 PM EST on 10/29/07
/ Last updated at 1:47 AM EST on 10/29/07
Dear Eleanor,
I didn't do as well on my chemistry midterm as I'd hoped, and I'm concerned about potentially failing the class. I've heard it's too late to drop the class without getting a "W" on my transcript at this point, and I'm really not sure what to do.
Please help!
Sincerely,
Hoping My Midterm
Mysteriously Melts
Dear HMMM,
Before taking any drastic action, breathe. Try to take a step back. Do you feel that you understood the concepts in your chemistry class but had a rough time with the midterm? Did you prepare for the test to the best of your ability? It's important to evaluate how you feel you are doing in the class before you consider dropping it. Exams in college can be quite different from those in high school and often require a different type of preparation. Now you've got a better idea of what to expect.
Use this experience to better prepare yourself for your next exam. Look over your test, see what types of mistakes you made, and don't be afraid to ask your professor or TA to clarify a test question. There are some great resources on campus that are here to help you with study techniques as well as subject-specific tutoring through the science departments and group study opportunities through Brandeis University Group Study.
If, however, chemistry just isn't the subject for you, and you are in danger of failing, you might want to consider dropping the class. Although the deadline has passed for dropping a class without a "W" notation on your transcript, having a "W" isn't the end of the world. The notation simply indicates that you had enrolled in a course which you dropped mid-semester, and there will be no mention of your early grades.
Take some time to think about your options. There's still plenty of time to improve your grade for the semester! If you do end up dropping the class, you have until Wednesday, November 14.
You'll find the add/drop form on the Registrar's Web site (http://www.brandeis.edu/registrar/forms/registration/add_drop.pdf), and will need to get a signature from your professor.
Either way, don't get discouraged- do what's best for you!
Take care,
Eleanor Roosevelt
Ask Eleanor is a service provided by the Roosevelt Fellows, a group of peer academic advisors named after the former first lady to honor her contributions to Brandeis during its foundation. To have your question answered, e-mail askeleanor@brandeis.edu or visit the Roosevelt Fellows office hours in the office of Academic Services in Usdan, Monday through Friday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
I didn't do as well on my chemistry midterm as I'd hoped, and I'm concerned about potentially failing the class. I've heard it's too late to drop the class without getting a "W" on my transcript at this point, and I'm really not sure what to do.
Please help!
Sincerely,
Hoping My Midterm
Mysteriously Melts
Dear HMMM,
Before taking any drastic action, breathe. Try to take a step back. Do you feel that you understood the concepts in your chemistry class but had a rough time with the midterm? Did you prepare for the test to the best of your ability? It's important to evaluate how you feel you are doing in the class before you consider dropping it. Exams in college can be quite different from those in high school and often require a different type of preparation. Now you've got a better idea of what to expect.
Use this experience to better prepare yourself for your next exam. Look over your test, see what types of mistakes you made, and don't be afraid to ask your professor or TA to clarify a test question. There are some great resources on campus that are here to help you with study techniques as well as subject-specific tutoring through the science departments and group study opportunities through Brandeis University Group Study.
If, however, chemistry just isn't the subject for you, and you are in danger of failing, you might want to consider dropping the class. Although the deadline has passed for dropping a class without a "W" notation on your transcript, having a "W" isn't the end of the world. The notation simply indicates that you had enrolled in a course which you dropped mid-semester, and there will be no mention of your early grades.
Take some time to think about your options. There's still plenty of time to improve your grade for the semester! If you do end up dropping the class, you have until Wednesday, November 14.
You'll find the add/drop form on the Registrar's Web site (http://www.brandeis.edu/registrar/forms/registration/add_drop.pdf), and will need to get a signature from your professor.
Either way, don't get discouraged- do what's best for you!
Take care,
Eleanor Roosevelt
Ask Eleanor is a service provided by the Roosevelt Fellows, a group of peer academic advisors named after the former first lady to honor her contributions to Brandeis during its foundation. To have your question answered, e-mail askeleanor@brandeis.edu or visit the Roosevelt Fellows office hours in the office of Academic Services in Usdan, Monday through Friday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
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