"W" on transcript HELP!!!

LisaRN2B · Nov 25, 2003

I don't know about all schools, just mine...I have "W's" in my file from many years prior attending the same college... I am on the waiting list for the nursing program at my school. It is not a problem and no one ever asked me the circumstances (though I had good grades in the classes, I withdrew for personal things going on in my life at the time).

I guess the only way to really find out what your schools policy is about the W's is to ask a counselor for your program.

Best of luck to...let us know what you find out.

HyperRNRachel · Nov 25, 2003

I was just accepted into an ADN program. I have one W on my transcript and my current GPA is a 4.0. I think what they look for, and may not want to see, are a high number of W's. Which would reflect a lack of serious committment or someone who is possibly trying to manipulate their GPA.

wonderbee, BSN, RN · Nov 25, 2003

It's the W's that turn to F's that become a problem. Those are instructor withdrawals from students who just basically walked away from their classes. W's do count as course attempts in my school and are considered in financial aid considerations. As was said before, more than a fair number of them would show a lack of committment and could get in the way if your transcript is a consideration in the selection process.

BarbPick · Nov 25, 2003

they have W's for a reason. They do not want anyone to get over their head and lower their GPA. Which reminds me, people do not ask you what your GPA was at school as much as they ask you where you graduated from.

a_clay · Nov 25, 2003

Well, I know they are there for a reason: you attempted the class and then withdrew. I was fine until I read that other person's post. I'm going to talk to someone about this TOMORROW. I would just DIE if I couldn't get into a nursing program because of that. That's where my heart is....I desperately want to be a RN. I was taking 2 classes last semester and dropped because my job moved an hour away. The other W's were from years ago (2000 and before) when I went to college. I am SO worried. My heart would be SO broken if I can't get it.

:sniff:

LisaRN2B · Nov 25, 2003

Hey, I think you'll be okay. Don't worry. I only had 2 W's...do check it out, but I think you'll find it won't be a problem.

a_clay · Nov 25, 2003

Originally posted by LisaRN2B
Hey, I think you'll be okay. Don't worry. I only had 2 W's...do check it out, but I think you'll find it won't be a problem.

Well, I have more than 2. I have 2 from last semester and then some from a few years ago (2000 or before). I just e-mailed a few people at my school...nursing adviser, etc. so maybe someone will read and I'll get an answer tomorrow. I am just worried to death about this. Maybe it's NOT a big deal since I have heard NO ONE until now say it was a problem. She did sau she had a "F" too....I have 0 F's.

a_clay · Nov 26, 2003

WHEW!!!! I just talked to the adviser for the nursing program that I am trying to get into and she says W's don't count against you. She said I could have 50 W's (which I don't) and it would have 0% impact on me getting in!!!!! YAHHHH!!! I was SO worried. That would literally be the only thing keeping me from getting in. Thank you all for answering questions and being supportive. :kiss

GottaBeanRN · Dec 2, 2003

HI,

Hope this sheds some light for you.. I had a W on my transcript and it wasn't in basket weaving it was in NURSING!!!! I withdrew from an associate's degree. Anyway, I currently am in an accelerated BSN. So I really wouldn't worry about it all that much. i don't blame you though b/c I was really nervous when I applied. But they know that there are certain reasns for W's.

Good luck with school!

a_clay · Dec 12, 2003

Well, I found out that a few W's are NOT the end of the world. I was SO WORRIED that I almost couldn't sleep!!! She said it didn't matter if I had 50 W's or even an F as long as I had completed ALL prereqs. with high enough scores to get me in the program. YAHHHHHH!!! What a huge relief...I can breathe again.

Thank you everyone for your input and support. :kiss

Sheri257 · Dec 12, 2003

Glad it worked out for you. I've found the "W" policy is different for each school. In my area, most of the schools allow no more than 2 W's in Anatomy, Physio and Micro.

You still have to be careful, since a lot of nursing schools have adopted GPA preferences. Even if 2 W's are allowed, if it brings down your GPA, that can also affect your chances.

Schools also change these policies all the time, so it's good check back now and then, just to make sure they haven't changed any criteria while you're going through pre-reqs.

I've known students who were wasting their time, still taking courses after they got 2 W's, because they didn't check criteria changes. Others got caught in a GPA preference change, which was implemented after they had finished most of their pre-reqs. It delayed their chances of acceptance by a year or more.

So it definitely can be tricky business. Unfortunately, the schools don't always do a good job of telling everyone what's going on. Most of the time, you have to contact them to find out.