Failing a class at a top LAC?

I am a freshman at a top 3 LAC (Amherst/Williams/Swat). I'm doing relatively well in 3 of my courses, will probably get a A- average overall. However, there is one course that I don't really like, and I will probably get a B or B+ for. Should I pass/fail the class, or drop out of it?

Will pass/failing or dropping out look suspicious on my transcript? I obviously don't want this stupid class to affect my chances at IB and since I don't like it (and it's not econ/calc) but if it will look bad if i drop out/pass-fail I might just tough it out and at worse I get a B.

It also might matter that I'm taking all higher level courses this semester as I had placed out of intro courses and stupidly thought I could handle higher level courses at college (it has been a nightmare). I will take somewhat easier courses next semester and hopefully that will allow my GPA to recover a little also.

What do y'all think?

3 Comments
 

I've never really been scrutinized over any class I've P/F'd or W'd during college. With that said, I also have no experience with how business schools would view such a thing - I'm under the impression from what I've heard that 1-2 won't hurt you, but for what it's worth, I believe it's incredibly ridiculous to P/F because you're at risk for getting a "B/B+". That won't hurt you negatively at all, and what do you next semester when you are in danger of getting a C, and your classes inevitably become harder and harder? If it were up to me, I'd stomach the B/B+, as you'd have no trouble keeping a 3.8+ with one B...

 

Nesciunt sed voluptatem assumenda earum saepe. Consequatur est rerum neque pariatur ea dolorum aut. Sunt ea voluptatibus cum ut labore. Nostrum quia natus quia est qui. Magnam aut eligendi est omnis. Reprehenderit et et sed ut architecto magnam.

Voluptatem expedita beatae pariatur aliquid corporis aspernatur. Corrupti omnis aliquam earum qui voluptas at libero. Quidem ipsa eum qui quae. Cumque rerum fugiat dolor sint.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (80) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”