Pre-nursing question!

i♥words · Aug 14, 2013

It really depends on the individual school's policy. Some schools will take your first retake score and drop the original score. Some schools take all of the grades, including the original score and all retake scores. You need to look at the school's policy and/or contact someone in the nursing school admissions department to find out their particular policy for retakes. Your GPA isn't bad, but I don't know how taking A&P four times will factor in because each school is different.

You said you are enrolling to take A&P for the fourth time. Why? Why is this time going to be any different than the previous three times? I would suggest moving on at this point. A C+ isn't the end of the world, and, since you've already tried three times to get a higher grade without success, there honestly isn't a good chance that you will improve this time around. A good look at your study habits is, I believe, absolutely necessary.

ScientistSalarian · Aug 14, 2013

I agree, you need to check the specific policies of each nursing program you're interested in (many post their selection criteria and applications online so that would be a good place to start). A C+ in A&P won't necessarily bar you from getting into a nursing program (although realistically it isn't going to make you a very competitive applicant) but unfortunately many programs put a cap on the number of times you can repeat a course. At my school you can take a science prerequisite twice with a big point deduction for having to repeat, but anything after that would make you entirely ineligible to apply. Private schools tend to be a bit more forgiving in this regard so if you feel that the higher tuition cost will be worth it you might look there.

I think the biggest issue here is that you've taken the class several times and still don't know how to study effectively for it. If you get into a nursing program you'll be expected to take higher-level science classes like pathophysiology and pharmacology as part of a full class load and pass each on the first try. If you do end up taking A&P again you need to go to your instructor's office hours as soon as possible and explain your history with the class and how you've studied for it in the past - they'll probably be able to give you some solid feedback that will help you be more successful this time around or even point you in the direction of a good tutor. If your school offers a supplemental instruction course I would definitely take advantage of it. If you're into study groups you could try to hook up with a few of the A students and study with them - sometimes hearing the material from a peer makes it easier to grasp, and you might pick up a few new study strategies. And if it needs to be said, go to every class and sit in the front row. Take excellent notes, record lectures if that works for you, and don't be afraid to ask for help as soon as you need it. Good luck!