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Anonymous A

on Dec 06, 2021

Global

What happens when an applicant has a W on his or her transcript?

Hi All!

I am a junior at Columbia with a 3.8 GPA.

However, this semester I am doing poorly with an econ class and I am pretty sure I will stuck between B and C in the end, which will drag my GPA directly down to 3.6 even though I will get A or A+ for the rest of the courses.

I have a difficult time deciding if I should withdraw this class--- there will be a “W” shown on my transcript as a consequence. I'm also considering going for full-time for big consulting companies like MBB next year, so I am wondering if my resume or transcript would be “trashed” for application if I have a “W” on my transcript ?

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Top answer

Francesco

Coach

on Dec 07, 2021

#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

They are not going to know the reason why you withdraw, so if you have just one that should not be an issue.

At the same time, I would use this as last resort, and try to see if there is any way you could increase your chances to do well in the remaining part of the course (eg with tutoring).

Best,

Francesco

Udayan

Coach

on Dec 07, 2021

Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

Personally, I have not seen applications being rejected for a W. Continue to network at the firms you are interested in. Given that you go to Columbia and have a GPA of 3.8 you will be fine

Clara

Coach

on Dec 07, 2021

McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Don´t worry, you should be fine in both scenarios.

If it´s a poor grade in just one subject, and your GPA is still fine, you are okay. Same if you withdraw!

Cheers,

Clara

Ian

Coach

on Dec 07, 2021

Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

I personally had a class I withdrew (not because of grades, but realized I didn't want to go down that major).

One W on your transcript shouldn't be an issue!

Deleted user

on Dec 07, 2021

Non issue. Dont worry.

All the best.