A&P I Frustrations!

Nepenthe Sea · Dec 4, 2009

How does your nursing program look at your pre-req grades? In my program, you only got more points for having more of the pre-reqs done - with a C avg. or above. You didn't get more for having a B or an A. I know not every school is like that. My school wasn't as competetive as some, and so you didn't necessarily have to have a higher GPA to get in. So it just depends on things like that.

I will warn you, though, that alot of people think that A&P II is harder than I (myself included), and the nursing classes aren't any easier. You might want to think about why your grade is that way. You said that you work, and I know that doesn't help. How do you study? Do you need to study in groups, or is it better for you when doing it by yourself? Do you use flash cards? Study guides? Interactive web sites? Do you record lectures and listen to them (some people like to do this)? You don't have alot of time to study, so study SMARTER - make the most of your time. Get some tutoring if you need it. I hope this helps a little...good luck!

airbender · Dec 4, 2009

It definitely depends on the school(s) you're applying to. In my area, the schools are extremely competitive, and and a C in any science pre-req would not be considered competitive. A&P is weighted more heavily than other sciences courses, too - extra points given for an A, where a C receives no points. There is a study that correlates success in nursing school with high A&P grades, which was the rationale behind this decision ( according to my academic advisor, anyway).

I would research how your school calculates repeat courses, how competitive the school is, and consider retaking the class if you need to. Many people have to retake A&P - it's hard! And the information is at the core of the nursing curriculum, so you'll need a solid understanding of the material to be successful in nursing school. A&P 2 was much harder for me also - aside from memorizing the muscles - you really get into detailed body systems, and rely heavily on the cell bio and chemistry emphasized in A&P 1.

Do you know how you learn the best? I discovered that I retain information better when I write things out, so I typed out notes from the text and powerpoint slides before class, took notes in class, then added them to my typed notes. Others do well with tape recorded lectures, and listen to them over and over. The web is full of videos, diagrams and pictures of lab models for visual learners - you can find a quiz to assess your learning style, too.

Good luck! A&P is hard, but you can do what it takes to be successful!

hcook08, BSN, RN · Dec 4, 2009

Thank you both for your advice. My school does work on a points system but you only need to earn a "C" or better to receive the full points. They do not give extra points if a student earns an "A" or a "B". The school Iam hoping to apply to looks at the NET, how many points you have earned, location to the school and finally GPA. I'm still shooting for a "B" but I need to get at least and 80% on my final to earn a "B". I will have the same professor for A&PII and I hope this helps in preparing for the class. I won't have to feel out the professor and I know exactly what to expect. I know how much studying will be required I only wish I had figured this out sooner. I have A's and B's in my other pre-reqs and this should be my only "C" but again, I'm still shootng for a "B". Thanks again for your advice.

jennifer7010 · Dec 5, 2009

Don't get too discouraged, A&P is a very difficult class. I actually failed part one and part two, but I am so stubborn I just kept trying. Thankfully the failed classes didn't transfer and I was still able to get on the nursing waitlist. Fast forward a few years to now, where I am about to start my second semester of my junior year in nursing school. In nursing school the tests are nothing like the A&P tests. In my view, the questions deal with real life situations. They are more geared to patient care and not towards the kreb cycle!

:specs:

hcook08, BSN, RN · Dec 5, 2009

Thanks Jennifer! :yeah:

Miss_Piggy.RN · Dec 5, 2009

They are more geared to patient care and not towards the kreb cycle!

I hated the Kreb Cycle! :) I had to go trough it during BIO, AP and Micro...