Rio Salado for Pre-reqs

Hi Denise.

For the past two years, I have been at Rio Salado online for Bio 201 and now Bio 202. I love the school. The people in the actual office are very polite. When I applied to the program last month, I put this school down as my first choice.

However, I would be aware if you are not computer savy or do not have time to sit on the computer at the beginning or the end of the day. I found it hard to pass BIO 201 online there...took me two times...but of course there were other things going on. I do not think it was a reflection on the school. I just started BIO 202 last Monday. I am finding this class extremely difficult with the teacher that I have. I assumed that since it was an online school, that all the rules would apply whether or not you have a different teacher. I was wrong. I submitted my first essay on Saturday, when it was due, and got a grade the next day of a 61% because I did not cite my sources in proper MLA format and because I did not write an application paragraph for each essay QUESTION. In BIO 201, you wrote one application paragraph for the entire essay. I was not told this at the beginning of class. And now, because of that grade, I am going to really have to bust my chops for the next couple of months to make sure that I can bring it up. Again, no reflection on the school. I think that it is a reflection of the staff not properly relaying messages to students. Also, when taking an online course with this school, you have to obtain a 60% average on the midterm and final in order to pass the class. It does not matter what you have online. You could have a 92% online, and bomb the midterm and final, and you will not pass. That little thing got me the first time.

I do not want to discourage you. Overall, the school is very impressive and great with its students. I would just be sure that you have the time and effort to learning every disease and every organ and every muscle. The teachers online will not give you a hint on what you need to know and what you do not need to know like they would if you were sitting in class. So you pretty much have to know everything...and want to know it at that!

Good luck to you!

I graduated from Rio Salado during summer 2009. I took some of my pre-reqs there but not all. Everyone has had varying experiences with Rio for their online science classes; however, I elected not to take my sciences at Rio. Instead, I took BIO 156, 201, and 202 through Phoenix College online. It was a great experience. For me, it was almost like being in class as my instructors answered my questions very quickly - one instructor even gave us his home telephone number! Just remember with any online class you take, be prepared to do lots of studying - more so than a traditional classroom as you will not have access to immediate feedback as you would in a traditional setting.

As for my other online classes at Rio such as communications, sociology, psychology, and computer classes, I would recommend Rio but be prepared to write lots of essays!

Furthermore, I have not had any issues with transferring my classes to my new college. They have accepted all of my classes, including my science classes, and I am currently waiting to hear whether I am accepted to the January 2010 nursing program. You may want to check with the school that you are planning to attend to be sure as every school is different with their requirements (though I believe you should have no problems).

I hope this helps and good luck on your journey!