Impact on your academic record: If you withdraw from individual classes in a quarter, you will not earn a letter grade. Instead, you will have a "W" placed on your transcript to indicate that you began the class and later withdrew from it. A small number of "W"s on your transcript throughout your college career will not decrease your competitiveness when applying to medical school, graduate programs, etc. However, a pattern of receiving "W"s, whether you withdraw from 1-2 classes during multiple quarters or you withdraw from entire quarters multiple times, could hinder you as an applicant, and should be avoided if possible. Remember, it's the pattern of repeated withdrawing that could negatively impact you in the future. The "W"s will also not be calculated in your GPA, as no grade or units will be earned for the class.
Impact on financial aid: You need to be enrolled in 12 units or more to be considered in full time status for financial aid. If you fall below the 12 units, this may affect your financial aid. To consult with a financial aid counselor if you're considering withdrawing from one or more classes, you should visit financial aid in the HOSS (Highlander One Stop Shop) in the Student Services Building.
Dates and Deadlines: The deadline to withdraw from individual courses is typically by NOON on Friday of Week 6. The exact dates can be found on the UCR Academic Calendar: UCR Academic Calendar. This quarter, the deadline will be NOON on Friday, February 16th. Late submissions will not be accepted. If you're considering withdrawing from classes, be sure that you submit your online request before the NOON deadline.