The “W” has no effect on the student's GPA (Grade Point Average). Each college has its own deadline for withdrawing from a class. ... Your student, and you, may worry that a “W” will not look very good on a transcript. Generally, withdrawing from a class once or twice throughout a college career is not a problem.

Is it better to fail a class or withdraw?

Failing a course should not be considered an option. ... Croskey notes that dropping a class is better than withdrawing, but withdrawing is better than failing. “A failing grade will lower the student's GPA, which may prevent a student from participating in a particular major that has a GPA requirement,” Croskey says.

Do employers look at W on transcript?

YES: Refer to Question 1, but remember that a pattern of W's doesn't look good to employers. It says to them, “This kid didn't learn from his/her past mistakes. He/she is a BIG gamble.”