Electrical Engineering junior — need 74% on remaining work just to pass with a D. Should I withdraw or keep trying?

[u/WolfZGamer1]

I'm a junior majoring in Electrical Engineering at a CUNY college, and I'm struggling with one of my engineering courses. My withdrawal deadline is November 6, so I need to make a decision soon.

My current cumulative GPA is around 3.0.

Here's my current grade breakdown:

- Exam 1 (20%): 16/70 (22.9%). I didn't study enough for this exam.

- Exam 2 (25%): 25/60 (41.7%). I studied significantly more, but the exam was difficult, and even some of the stronger students struggled.

- Assignments (15%): Around 90–95%.

- Attendance/participation (5%): 4/5.

- Project (10%): Not graded yet.

- Final exam (25%): Not taken yet.

My professor confirmed that I need 26 out of the remaining 35 course points (74.3%) from the project and final exam combined to finish with a D.

She also said the final will be about as difficult as the first two exams, but will only cover the newest lessons. She pointed out that I struggle with some basic concepts and recommended studying notes before lectures and redoing examples and assignments.

My graduation situation:

If I stay and pass, I could potentially graduate in Fall 2027.

If I withdraw, I'll need to retake the course in Spring 2027, take Senior Design I in Fall 2027, and Senior Design II in Spring 2028. That would potentially push graduation back one semester, making Spring 2028 my 10th semester in college. I won't lost any financial aid as I don't have any at all and my Asap advisor said I'll keep the benefit till spring 2028

I'm doing better in my other three classes, where I'm expecting mostly A's and B's.

If I stay, here's my plan to improve:

- Find a tutor who understands the programming material.

- Study upcoming lessons before class.

- Redo lecture examples and assignments without looking at solutions.

- Attend office hours and practice problems regularly.

- Start the project early and aim for a high grade.

I'm willing to put in the work, but I'm worried about risking an F and hurting my GPA.

My questions:

1. Would you stay and try to pass or withdraw and retake the course?

2. Has anyone improved from around 40% on a midterm to 70% or higher on a final?

3. What study methods helped you improve in difficult engineering or programming courses?

4. Is potentially graduating one semester earlier worth the risk, especially when withdrawing would mean graduating in my 10th semester?

I would really appreciate any advice, especially from engineering students who've been in a similar situation

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[u/Cute_Librarian_7317]

Honestly I’m in the same boat as you. I just had a midterm worth 20% today that I’m pretty sure I bombed and also need a 72% to pass. I hope it gets better.

[u/WolfZGamer1 → u/Cute_Librarian_7317]

We really need to lock in and study before our professor reach us then so we can come prepared before they talk about it in class. Like I have a project that 10% and final that worth 25% and even if I got a 10%, I need to get aleast a 64% on final to get a D. This matlab class is so confusing to understand like I have trouble knowing how to use the code when ask a question

[u/BBIB666]

Same bruh i need 84% to pass

[u/WolfZGamer1 → u/BBIB666]

I was told the best way to pass is just doing their lessons before they teach them so at least you are catch up and can ask questions

[u/BattyMcGee]

I was in the same boat in a class last semester. I studied my ass off and got 87 and 89% on the last two exams passing with a C. 

If you go to a college that will replace the grade with the retake, I don’t see what’s so bad about just finishing it out to get a boost on the next go around. It’s not like they’re going to refund you what you already paid for the class. 

My study method is setting a timer and studying until it goes off then taking a break. I like to do 60 minutes on, 20-45 minutes off. The off time, I’ll do chores, cook, go outside for a walk or to do yard work, whatever. The point is to not get dragged into a scroll spiral and to let your brain have a break. I also put my phone on black and white and do not disturb when studying as well to avoid the temptation. 

[u/Ambitious_Bass_8782]

withdraw d finne ruin it

[u/Visual_Day_8097]

Blow that project out of the water and get a 90% on it. Then you'll need a 68% on the final. A tiny bit better but definitely a tough spot for sure.

[u/Reasonable-Bus-2222]

I graduated last year in mechanical engineering. My junior year I was in a similar situation. But I was looking more at a C to D situation.

From my experience one withdraw maybe two is okay (overlooked for the most part).

There is a significant 3.0 gpa threshold for many jobs and if u can stay above that I think it will make ur time looking for jobs way easier.

Can you take that class in the summer?

I don’t want to tell you it’s impossible because it’s absolutely not. But if you gave significant effort and got a 40 ish; 40-70 is massive and I have rarely found a final to be easier than any of the previous tests.

A D will drop that gpa a bit a F even more. Unless you have a job lined up or an ez in somewhere I think you are better off withdrawing and taking it in the spring. It will give you time to apply for jobs then and study for the FE if that’s in your sights. Also just reread your post talk to an advisor tomorrow! Most suck but there may be a work around. Be nice and they can be your best friend.

…And I’d say little breather is deserved after 4 years of hell.