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Withdrawal on Transcript

I have an offer from a big 4 advisory firm for an internship this summer.  I unfortunately withdrew from a class this semester.  It is a minor elective class and is unrelated to my major.  Everything else is going well.  Should I address this issue with my recruiter or should I even be worried about this? Edit: I should clarify that the W would appear in my transcript.

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Top answer
on Oct 18, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer & top performer

Hi,

Personally, I would not worry about this.

I'll use the process of hiring to explain my thinking:

Application → Screening → Interview → Decision/Offer

  • The point of your CV/application is to get you an interview
  • Once at the interview stage, all that matters is your performance in the interviews
  • You have already passed the interview and shown you have what it takes
  • The only reason you should worry is if this minor elective has a significant impact on the key aspects of your CV, which I assume it does not
    • E.g. this minor elective significantly changes your GPA (which is a key metric firms look at to screen)
    • E.g. this minor elective was a significant consideration in passing your application (which is untrue as there are other more important things firms look for in screening) 

A fairly long response to what I would say is “no don't worry about it”, but you seem concerned enough about it so I thought I'd convince you with some logic. 

Congrats on the offer and all the best for it!

Pedro
Coach
on Oct 18, 2023
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

Not a big deal. It's fine to drop an elective class - university is to explore and sometimes you try something and realize it's not what you want (so why waste your time). 

Raj
Coach
on Oct 25, 2023
FREE 15MIN CONSULTATION | #1 Strategy& / OW coach | >70 5* reviews |90% offers ⇨ prep-success.super.site | MENA, DE, UK

Hello! Congratulations on receiving an internship offer from a Big 4 advisory firm. Regarding the withdrawal from your minor elective class, it's important to be transparent and honest with your recruiter about any changes or updates to your academic record.

While a withdrawal from a minor elective class may not have a significant impact on your overall qualifications, it's still advisable to address the issue with your recruiter. This demonstrates your professionalism and integrity in keeping them informed about any relevant updates.

When discussing the withdrawal, you can briefly explain the circumstances surrounding your decision and emphasize that it was an unrelated minor elective class. It's important to convey that this withdrawal does not reflect your commitment or ability to perform well in your major or other relevant coursework.

By addressing the issue proactively, you show that you take responsibility for your academic record and are open to discussing any concerns or questions that the recruiter may have. This level of transparency can help build trust and maintain a positive relationship with the firm.

Remember, recruiters understand that students may encounter challenges or make adjustments during their academic journey. It's how you handle and communicate these situations that can make a difference.

If you have any further questions or need more guidance, feel free to ask!

Ian
Coach
on Oct 18, 2023
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

This is very normal! 1 to 2 Ws is completely fine. Don't even bring it up/mention it.

on Oct 19, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Congratulations on the offer! In terms of your question:

Q: I have an offer from a big 4 advisory firm for an internship this summer. Should I address this issue with my recruiter or should I even be worried about this? 

I would not address this with the recruiter unless specifically asked. You have already an offer so this point has been most likely considered irrelevant as you already passed the screening.

Best,

Francesco

on Oct 18, 2023
ex A. Partner McKinsey |Senior Interviewer| Real Feedback & Free Homework between sessions|Harvard Coach|10+ Experience

No don't raise it. Not a big deal. Warm regards, Frederic 

Moritz
Coach
edited on Oct 23, 2023
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | High impact sessions + FREE materials & exercises

Hey there, 

Nothing to worry! I guarantee that this will go unnoticed. Recruiters simply don't analyze resumes so thoroughly that this would become an issue.

Best of luck!

Moritz

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>> Need a senior McKinsey coach? See my profile in a nutshell
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Nikita
Coach
on Oct 22, 2023
MBB & Tier2 preparation | 100+ offers | 8 years coaching | 3000+ sessions

Hey,

Since you already got the offer - nothing to worry about.
I would still not worry about it even if I didn't have that offer ;)

Good luck with your internship!
Nick

Udayan
Coach
on Oct 18, 2023
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

I wouldn't worry about it at all

on Oct 18, 2023
FREE INTRO I exMcKinsey EM I exKearney consultant I High Success Rate I Official Coach for HEC (160 coachees in 2022/23)

Do not worry about it :)

on Oct 18, 2023
#1 rated McKinsey Coach | top MBB coach

I don't see how this could be problematic. If anything, it has to do with your academic track, not your professional one. 

I wouldn't bring it up with the recruiter as long as it doens't impact any of the contractual conditions you have for the internship.

Hope you manage to sort out any issues before you get going!

Best,
Cristian

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