Significance of Ws on a transcript

[ZackVM]

I know this has been asked before, but I am a little more curious about my specific case. I am a freshman at the University of Tennessee, and I have a W on my transcript for French from the fall semester. This semester, I took a one hour class called 'matrix computations' which is a very lite version of Linear Algebra. The grade was based on two exams, and I has other classes (Physics, Diff. Eq., Intro. to abstract math, Comp. Sci., and philosophy) that kept me busy, so I didn't go to most of the classes. I learned the concepts, and on the exams was able to write down the exact steps to get an answer, but I kept making arithmetic mistakes and have a C in the class, which is now over. I will be taking Linear Algebra (the full course) next semester. I was wondering if it would be worth it to take another W on my transcript, or just stick with the C. It's only a one hour course, but I want to know how grad schools like M.I.T. or CalTech will see this; in all my other classes I have As, and I'm working on two separate research projects with Oak Ridge National Lab. What should I do, will either option significantly hurt my chances at a top tier grad school, and is there any way to repair the damage? Thanks for the advice.

 

[R.Mesri]

The best advice I can give you is to weigh the pros and cons of taking a W versus keeping the C. On the one hand, taking a W may prevent a C from appearing on your transcript, which could have a negative impact on your chances of getting into a top tier grad school. On the other hand, taking a W could also be seen as an indication that you are not committed to or capable of completing the course. Ultimately, the decision is up to you, but it is important to consider all of the potential implications before making a decision.