first post - advice on withdrawal Forum

[historyandlaw]

First of all I would like to thank all of you who contribute. I have been "lurking" for several months while studying for the LSAT which I plan to take in Oct. I know the site is filled with many experienced and educated people, so I'm just happy to learn from all of you. I have many questions, but the most recent one drove me to finally register and post.....so please be easy on me.

Here's a little history. I'm a "little older" than most....45. Went back to college in 2002 part time and full time last fall. I had dropped out in 1983 with a dismal 1.7 gpa. My last 60 credit hours have produced @ 3.9 gpa...although this past year(FT) has been 3.55 (history major). Overall, I'm hovering around a 3.0. From what I've read here, I am hoping law schools won't put too much weight on what I did 25 years ago...but I can't control that.

I am a junior and plan to submit applications this fall to various law schools. I'm seeking a T3 or T4 school in the WV, OH, PA areas due to having a family (4 kids) and unable to relocate. I'm only tracking in the low 150's on LSAT prep tests.

Question: Two weeks ago I enrolled in an online Philosophy class at a nearby community college to achieve a "core" credit; it would transfer in to my UG school. Unfortunately the class is a "boondoggle." No syllabus, inconsistent grading, online quizzes with multiple right/wrong answers.....This online format is very "risky" and I am concerned a less than stellar grade may result. I'm thinking of taking a "W".

I understand that I need to report all transcripts to LSAC. Would I still need to do so if this was the only class I enrolled in at this school, and if the answer is yes, how bad would it look....withdrawing from an entry level philosophy class at a community college.

thanks in advance for your feedback.

[Bildungsroman]

Yes, you need to send in the transcript, even if your only grade is a withdrawal.

http://www.lsac.org/applying/lsdas-requ ... cripts.asp

Transcripts must be sent from institutions even if:
*credit was transferred from an institution and it appears on another institution's transcript
*the institution is closed
(These transcripts are usually maintained by the department of higher education or by another school in the state in which the school was located, so you will need to contact the state's department of higher education. For international transcripts, contact the Ministry of Education in the country where the school was located.)
*"withdraw," "incomplete," etc., are the only grades listed
*you have just enrolled
(Request that the registrar's office send a transcript of courses "in progress" or a statement of current enrollment. The document must bear the official registrar's seal.)

[historyandlaw]

thanks Bildungroman

do you think the W will hurt much? I know I have read a lot on the site where most people think it won't, but considering I am trying to get accepted on a very recent track record. would they perceive it as "quitting" something?

[Great Satchmo]

I get the point of concern, but you have to submit the transcript and it's already done - so don't worry about it.

I think the biggest thing to be concerned about is getting your LSAT score up as much as is humanly possible, and framing your history and situation in a positive manner to explain any weaknesses an admissions officer may see.