Accelerated Second Degree Progs - Pittsburgh

Hello,

I graduated from University of Pittsburgh with a B.S. in Information Science in 2003. My overall GPA was 3.2. I did terrible my freshman year - but almost straight A's Soph, Junior, Sr years. Unfortunately my core science GPA is not very good. I started out pre-med and just didn't apply myself freshman year - when i took most of my classes. These were my grades (from 1999, 2000):

Gen Chem I (4cr) C

Gen Chem II (4cr) C

O Chem (3cr) C-

Physics I (3cr) B-

Physic II (3cr) B

Biology II (3cr) B

Biology Lab (1cr) F

Psychology (3cr) A-

Statistics (4cr) A+

Calculus (4cr) B-

Nueroscience (3cr) B-

Yeah I know, an F in bio lab. That can't be good. Thankfull it was only one credit? She failed me based on my lack of attendance, but an F is an F. And Nueroscience, what the hell was I thinking? Honestly though, pretty much everything else on my transcript for the rest of my academic career is an A/B+. The C's (and F!) are freshman year.

I also worked the entire time I was in school (not sure if that counts for anything). I have roughly four years of experience as a software developer (also not sure if that counts for anything).

I am currently taking some of the pre-requisite courses that I don't already have (Anat&Phys, Nutrition, Pharma) at CCAC. When I've completed my pre-requisites - I'd like to apply to a second degree program (Pitt/Duquesne/?). I'm worried though, as I've read on the message boards admissions has become very competitive.

From anyone who is also applying to or has applied to 2nd degree progs in Pittsburgh, how bad is my science GPA going to hurt me? Would you recommend re-taking some of the core science courses in addition to the other pre-reqs. I don't know how many courses I can really afford (time wise and financially). I continue to work full time while I'm taking classes at CCAC. And then there is the question of apples to oranges - will the admissions council say, "oh yeah you went and took Ochem at CCAC and got a B+, but we don't think that's as difficult as the course at Pitt and you got a C- there."

Thanks

B

I would talk to an advisor where you want to apply and get pointed in the right direction.

Hello,

I graduated from University of Pittsburgh with a B.S. in Information Science in 2003. My overall GPA was 3.2. I did terrible my freshman year - but almost straight A's Soph, Junior, Sr years. Unfortunately my core science GPA is not very good. I started out pre-med and just didn't apply myself freshman year - when i took most of my classes. These were my grades (from 1999, 2000):

Gen Chem I (4cr) C

Gen Chem II (4cr) C

O Chem (3cr) C-

Physics I (3cr) B-

Physic II (3cr) B

Biology II (3cr) B

Biology Lab (1cr) F

Psychology (3cr) A-

Statistics (4cr) A+

Calculus (4cr) B-

Nueroscience (3cr) B-

First of all, contact the School of Nursing and speak to an advisor. You will have to repeat the Biology class as you need to have a passing grade in your lab, so I would not hesitate to do that pronto!! A "C" is acceptable in Chemistry, but they may wish for you to repeat that class since it has been several years. It's great that you got an A+ in statistics, as that course is required also.

The second degree program is tough, but I went to school with lots of folks who were doing that track. I did the RN Options program from Pitt (ADN to BSN) which was no picnic either! Rather than doing the second degree program ( I have a Bachelors in Business Administration) I chose to go to CCAC for my ADN (loved it, lots of people with "life experience" going there vs "traditional" students) and completed my BSN part time while working full-time. I did not have any problem transferring any of my CCAC classes to Pitt. I also transferred classes from an out of state school from 1986!!! They respected my CCAC education. The big factor for me was $$$$$$$$$. Duquesne's program (I am told by other students, did not check this out myself) is around $30,000 vs CCAC's cost me about $6,000. My BSN program at Pitt (for a total of 30 credits) was around $18,000 which was mostly paid by my employer. I am assuming the second degree program is similar. The factor you may wish to consider is can you afford to stop working while attending school? With the second degree programs it is virtually impossible to continue working, at least not full time. Most people I know who have gone through those programs have had to stop working and borrow the money to live on and pay the tuition.

Good luck with whatever you choose to do!! I'm sure you will do great.

:studyowl: