??s for those who have BTDT :-)

[PhoenixHke]

Hi! I'm a newbie with a few questions. Any advice on course load would be greatly appreciated. I have the following to take before I can apply for the ADN program at my community college:

AP I

Human Growth/Development

Micro Bio

AP II

Human Physiology

Clinical Calculations

I was planning to take the first three in spring 2015 and the next three in summer bc I wanted to apply ASAP. However, I found out that I cannot apply until after fall 2015. Bummer as I have somewhat of a time crunch to get this degree (long story).

So, as it turns out, I have spring, summer, and fall to take the six classes. Any suggestions on what combination to take....I guess two each would be great, so I want to make sure I take an easier course with a more difficult course. I'm not even sure if that's possible bc they all might be tough.

Need to know stuff: I am RUSTY to this college thing....like nearly 20 years since I was last in college! I'm holding my own, but I know the courses up until now have been like training wheels.....

Thanks so much for any wise and insightful replies. :-)

[RunBabyRN]

Given that you are "rusty" at college, I would STRONGLY suggest taking only one of the major sciences at a time. Two can be done if you really have your game plan down, but this isn't wise to do your first semester back, or when you feel like you're still getting your feet wet.

My suggestion is to take AP I and Human Growth the first semester, and see how that goes. If you feel like you can swing it, take two sciences the following semester, and the remaining over the summer if possible, if you really want to apply for Fall 2015. Nursing school will be intense as well, so use this opportunity to work out the kinks in finding the time to study, managing your time in general, and developing your study habits. Also, be sure to do what it takes to ensure you're doing well in these classes, because, as I'm sure you know, programs are extremely competitive, and you'll need a high GPA to be considered.

Good luck!

[pmabraham, BSN, RN]

Good day PhoenixHke:

You are not alone in terms of being out of high school for so long before going back to college; for me, it was 30+ years. Until you get your feet web, pay attention to what RunBabyRN shared. If you find you are doing well, love the sciences, then after your first semester, see if pushing more works. I found https://allnurses.com/pre-nursing-student/how-get-any-846733.html to be an excellent resource for every single class I've taken.

Thank you.

[PhoenixHke]

Thank you both for the advice. Run, yes...very rusty, but I'm working myself up to the challenge. :-)