Applying to Accelerated Program Dilemma

[WantAccel.BSN, BSN, RN]

My top-choice program allows you to apply after you complete two of the science pre. req. courses, but you also have to submit a plan for completion of the courses you still need. After next semester, I will technically be able to apply, but will still need 3 additional classes (Micro., Chem., and Organic Chem.). I'm presently only taking one class at a time b/c I'm trying to work FT as a social worker (which is DEMANDING!). I also have to take a placement test...I forget what it's called....it's the standard one. Here's the thing: in order to take those 3 classes in one semester, I would need to quit my job, no doubt. But by doing so, I would chance not getting into the program, which would put me out of a job, and done with pre.-reqs. I have no idea what to do!

Thanks for your help, in advance!

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

Can you apply and wait to see if you get accepted before quitting your job? Do you have backup schools?

[Asherah, BSN, RN]

If it were me, I would not quit my job to complete pre-requisite courses. I understand that you want to begin your program as soon as possible, but even if you do get all of the courses done (and earn competitive grades), there is absolutely no guarantee that you will be accepted unfortunately.

In addition, taking Micro, O. Chem and Gen. Chem would be killer to take in the same semester and you may not do as well as you would have if you took one at a time and still had an income. Depending on the ABSN curriculum, you will likely need to quit your job at that time which will add to additional expenses. Do what you can to pay your bills/save now to avoid racking up loans or using your savings for living expenses now.

[SFChef]

I totally agree with Asherah, she gave great advice.

I just want to add that Micro is do-able with either chem or o-chem, but it would be very difficult to take o-chem at the same time as general chem, especially if you haven't taken chem before. O-chem is very tough and requires a pretty good chemistry foundation (usually general chem is a pre-req).

If you are able to take 2 classes at the same time, I would take micro and general chem, and then I would take o-chem alone--it's a killer!

[NYcDcG]

I agree. I am in the same boat. (Psych degree, working full time, taking pre-req's at local comm college at night). I would not quit your job until you are accepted into the accl'd program. There are too many applicants and not enough seats. Unfortunately, qualified students are getting turned away. Last semester I took O-chem & A+P together and worked 9-5. Very hard. Try to leave O-chem by itself if you can. It's very tough like the previous posters said.

Keep your back-up schools in mind and (try to) keep your head up. There are plenty of us in the same boat and we're all pulling for you.

[WantAccel.BSN, BSN, RN]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate your support. I'm only able to take one class at a time with my current job (I'm a social worker). I just don't have the time to devote to anything more than that. I guess I'll just keep trucking along taking one class at a time until I get through them all. It's going to be awhile, though.

Thanks again.