Needing BGO advice for a college student re-applicant

[wfitzmd]

I am a re-applicant enrolled in an engineering program at my University. As advised by the USNA forum, I have selected classes that would closely approximate those of plebes: calculus, chemistry, engineering, writing, American History. I have done well in all my classes except chemistry where I stand a chance of getting below a C.
I can still withdraw from the course, but will have a W on my transcript. What would you advise?

 

[Spud]

That is a tough call but I would opt for dropping the class. A "D" really screams out from a transcript and it says you cannot hack a basic Plebe course. I hope your other courses are "A"s.

 

[usnabgo08]

I'll be frank, right now you are picking from two bad choices. As Spud said, getting the "D" would be REALLY bad, as it would send a clear indication of how you are doing. However, the "W" on the transcript is also going to raise questions on why you withdrew. I think it is well understood that most students dropping courses AFTER the drop period do so because they aren't doing so hot in a course. I am sure there are valid reasons in some cases, but probably not the majority of them.

If I were you, I would work your tail off to get at least a C. While a C isn't great, a C may not necessarily hurt your chances. Can you see your professor and get help before finals? I think a C would look better than a D or W.