Is the difference between a 3.75 and a 3.8 UW that big?

Assuming hardest course rigor, both in top 10%, and upward trend.Would college view these as the similar? Thinking of dropping an honors elective (anatomy and physiology) for an easier elective, yet I’m not sure.

It likely isn’t a large enough spread to make a difference in holistic admissions. There may be finer cut offs for scholarships, honors colleges, rack and stack colleges, etc.

If you’re going for a tippy top college, they won’t wan’t to see a W on the transcript. Not for a .05 spread.

What do you mean by this?

I presume it means that 1 3.75 GPA and a B or C in a single class would look better on a transcript than a 3.80 and a W (Withdrew) for the same class. The gap between the GPA’s isn’t huge, whereas withdrawing from a class isn’t a good sign of dedication/commitment/work ethic.

Unless you have a grading system far different than my kids (and most HS’s that I’m aware of), dropping .05 from a single class would require a D in the class, rather than an A. If that’s what you’re expecting, then the answer may be a bit different. Is this the situation?

To the original question - every piece of data matters in an admission decision. .05 GPA and withdrawing from a class both make a difference. As would a less rigorous schedule (they do look at what you take - a counselor’s “most rigorous” check isn’t everything).

Similar, yes. The same, no. Will it make a difference? Maybe a small amount at the margin. Even less if it’s actually a 3.78 from a C vs. a 3.80 from an A.

Will a W appear on your transcript, and what grade do you expect to receive?

@RichInPitt @Groundwork2022

The first quarter hasn’t ended yet so it wouldn’t say withdrew. I don’t even think my district has a withdrew policy.

Also this is about my cumulative GPA. The 3.75 would be my 10-11 unweighted (school doesn’t show 9-11 unweighted in transcript) after finishing junior year with 2Bs. The 3.82 to be precise, would be my cumulative GPA if I ended the year with all As.

The 2Bs however could kill my UC GPA, 4.11 to 4.04.

So the UCs are a bit “rack and stack”, a little less holistic.

I would go on your school web site, find the student handbook and verify what their policies are for withdrawals. As an example, DD’s high school only gives you three weeks to drop a course without the dreaded W on your transcript. Your school may very well be different. Make sure you cover your bases so there are no nasty surprises later.