<p>I’m a sophomore at a top 20, double majoring in engineering and a science. I currently have a 3.96. Last summer I started doing research, and decided to continue into the school year for credit. This has been fairly time consuming (about 10 hrs per week). Additionally, my engineering courses are increasing in difficulty. </p>
<p>I am finding it difficult to keep up, especially in physics II due to a very quick pace in material. I currently have a B in that course and should be able to mantain it. I’m sure many of you may dismiss this as “gpa guarding”, but I am debating dropping the course for a W and retaking either next semester or during the summer. My real reason is that I strive for a solid understanding of material, and honestly do not feel like I am “mastering” physics (despite doing the online stuff…(joke)). I know these concepts will continue to pop up in the future (at least on the final exam and MCAT). </p>
<p>Also, my work in the lab is suffering due to lack of time, sleep, and focus. Plus, I am not as happy as I would like to be. I will definitely deal with the stress if you think I will look like a wuss to top med school admissions. </p>
<p>It’s not worth dropping it - a B is not bad, especially in light of a 3.96 GPA in an engineering major. If you’re so sure you’ll master it the second time around, then you’ll master it when you study for the MCAT.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Med schools won’t know your thought process when you were deciding to withdraw, but they may assume that you were going to fail since you took the W. You’re right in realizing that there’s a lot more stress headed down your way. You can duck it now by taking the W, but retaking the course is also going to be stressful.</p>
<p>I think this is an overreaction by someone who’s not used to getting a B. It’s a pain in the ass to retake a course. Getting a B or two is no big deal.</p>
<p>This - to the OP, get over it. Once in med school, you’ll have to adjust to the fact that you’re not longer at or near the top of your class, and might be just scraping by in some classes.</p>
<p>OP,
You are a classic case of overload. Being not happy will have very negative consequences. In regard to MCAT, you do not need Physics II. You need it for you major, I asume. I would strongly suggest drop something, unload and consider going to school for 5 years as lots of engineering majors do. Having a “B” is completely fine. Not being happy is not, you will not be able to sustain doing well in such overloaded schedule.</p>