Advice--do I retake some classes?

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Hello! I've been a lurker here for a while, but this is my first post because I really need some outside opinions. I apologize in advanced if this is not the proper place for this question.

So, I recently graduated with my Bachelor's degree in Biology, and I'm thinking now that I want to apply eventually to accelerated BSN programs. I'm taking some time off school though and getting my phlebotomy certification and finishing pre-reqs (still need Microbio), but I'm wondering if during my time off I should also retake some classes.

I graduated with a 3.6 GPA, 3.4 Science GPA. I got a lot of B's and a C+ in A&P I (also in Organic Chem II, but I retook that before graduation and received an A-). I know nursing programs in general are pretty competitive to get into, and from what I've read accelerated programs are even more so. I fear that I don't stand a good chance of acceptance with my current GPA/science grades, but I don't know if retaking at this point would actually help me or just hurt me further (I've seen some programs look down on multiple repeats, and I already have one for Ochem).

Also, if I took A&P at a four-year university, can I try and retake it at a community college to save money (I would be paying out of pocket for any retakes), or should I retake it at the university? And if I do take it at a community college, should I take both A&P I and II (got a B+ in A&P II)?

I appreciate any perspectives! If this is posted in the wrong area, please let me know and I'll remove it.

Thank you! :)

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Make sure to check your University and nursing programs' policy on retakes. For example, the nursing programs I'm applying to only considers your first passing attempt (C and above), and any retakes in any institution to obtain a better grade will not be accepted. If your school allows retakes, then definitely go for it! I would recommend retaking A&P 1, not only to help raise your GPA, but because it's a foundation course that will always be relevant in healthcare. As you stated, nursing programs are competitive; therefore, do what you believe is best to maximize your chances! You got this, good luck!

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It is a tough one. Like OP stated, check your your school's guidelines on the retakes. As for me, I think a B+ in A&P 1 is a very good grade. I know we all are striving to get As, and A+s, but what if you do retake it and get a grade even lower than your original one? And the other thing? Your A&P was part of your Bachelor's degree, so I do not see how you will be allowed to retake it outside of it.

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Like others have said, it really depends on the program that you are applying to. A majority of the programs either replace or average if it is a C- or lower, usually the latter.

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Thank you all for the feedback! The university I graduated from doesn't have a nursing program, and there's only one accelerated BSN program in my state (that a requires a B or higher in all pre-reqs), so I'll probably end up applying to multiple schools. I've researched some of the schools and there's nothing directly on their websites about repeat policy, so I guess I'll just have to contact schools individually.

As far as how I could retake having already completed my bachelor's degree, I was planning to either take the A&P offered at a community college near me, or I saw some posts on this site about accredited programs that offer the classes online. I plan on looking into those further. I'm just hoping I still have a chance for acceptance into accelerated programs, even with the A&P repeat.

Thank you all for your comments!

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Specializes in GENERAL.

Call the schools but only after you've made your prospective choices. ( you're the captain)

Remember you're not applying for a Fullbright schlorship. Your grades look fine.

And no for-profits. (South University or University of Phoenix), bad grad/retention rates (loan mills).

Go to (collegescorecard.ed.gov) to look at grad and retention rates as well as other things that matter to take command of this thing.

Don't forget to deep breath slowly. You will do just fine.

I know this....

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