Few students really know that they are interested in such a narrow field ex ante. On the other hand, specialization tends to lead to good outcomes. ...
For some professors, you can easily be in the top 20% of a class and get a C+ or a B-. If the applicant's profile is otherwise solid, I'd simply take...
I'd just take the W... but only because your advisor is teaching it next semester. That gives you a good reason for the W if anyone asks (or you want...