Which is worse? A W or an F?

[shycat]

I am doing very poorly in College Algebra. It's online, I work full-time, and I am taking A&PII and Microbio at the same time. Right now I am failing College Algebra. I am still able to withdraw. Even if I were to complete the course I would have to retake it. Which looks better? A W and then later the same class with a better grade, or potentially failing (don't think it is salvageable unfortunately) and then retaking it and doing better? I am thinking I want to take JUST College Algebra on-campus next semester so it is the only class I have to focus on.

[caliotter3]

Generally the W would be better, but you need to do some research. Start with your advisor at your school. Then check out the W and F policies for the schools you might want to apply to. How do each affect your general GPA? How many repeats are allowed? And so forth. Different schools have different policies and you want to make the best decision for your circumstances.

[wannabeny]

I would say do what feels right for you. Trying to work full time and take two science courses is enough of a workload, honestly. adding a college algebra class onto it seems a bit overkill. You would have to check your school policy, but a W I think at most schools looks better than a fail.

[Lhalty]

Definitely a W is better than F. Algebra is time consuming and taking it along a&p and micro with a full time job is not the best idea.

Good luck

[3ringnursing, BSN]

W is a better option. It shows you care enough about your GPA, and don't want an F to marr it.

My son was pretty immature right out if high school, took some type of philosophy class as a math replacement, but it was aimed at students with more life experience. The instructor warned them right away this won't be easier than just taking a math class.

Because he was not doing well, but going to class, never missing one day, and really trying the instructor called him in for coffee and a chat. He explained because he really was trying and coming to class that he was suggesting he withdraw and he was gifting him with a W, which he rarely did this late unto the semester. My son may have been immature then, but he was no dummy either - he knew to take this gift and withdraw, which he did.

Several years later he retook the course (same instructor who remembered him) and aced it.

Sometimes certain courses are all about timing and what you have (or don't have) going on.

Withdraw. You can do it at a later date.

[shycat]

W is a better option. It shows you care enough about your GPA, and don't want an F to marr it.

My son was pretty immature right out if high school, took some type of philosophy class as a math replacement, but it was aimed at students with more life experience. The instructor warned them right away this won't be easier than just taking a math class.

Because he was not doing well, but going to class, never missing one day, and really trying the instructor called him in for coffee and a chat. He explained because he really was trying and coming to class that he was suggesting he withdraw and he was gifting him with a W, which he rarely did this late unto the semester. My son may have been immature then, but he was no dummy either - he knew to take this gift and withdraw, which he did.

Several years later he retook the course (same instructor who remembered him) and aced it.

Sometimes certain courses are all about timing and what you have (or don't have) going on.

Withdraw. You can do it at a later date.

Thank you. This story is very encouraging. I was feeling very down about it and wondering if it was a sign I'm not good enough for nursing.

I am going to withdraw tomorrow and take College Algebra by itself next semester.