Withdrawing (Grade of W) from a Course

[schundler]

I have to leave in a few minutes so I'll fill in some details later. But basically I want to know if you've done this, and how serious it is on the transcript?

I have until October 26th to Withdraw with a grade of W. after that date if you withdraw you get an F.

The W shows on the transcript, but is not calculated into GPA.

Here's what my school says about it "Students usually have until the ninth or tenth week of a semester to withdraw from a course. Withdrawals are noted as a "W" on the transcript. There is no academic penalty for withdrawing from a course, however. Decision to withdraw from a class should be made in consultation with the professor and the student's administrative adviser."

I have no other W's on my record.

This is one of four courses I'm taking now, and of my other three, I'm doing very well. I set the curve on the first test in one class, have all A's so far in another, and am doing ok in the third.

I'm a Sophomore and may want to go to law school. GPA is important of course, but will a W on my transcript be a major or minor issue? fwiw I don't plan on withdrawing again in the future unless it's absolutely necessary.

also if it comes up I think I have a decent excuse, although I don't want to talk about it here.

so is it a big deal or no?