Applying to school, but need to explain "F" grade

[pinkisnoopi]

Hello. I'm currently in the process of applying to CRNA school for next fall '05 & almost done. I took an elective Chemistry class last year at a community college. However, the professor was so terrible that i dropped out & actually wrote a letter to the Department of Chemistry regarding this professor (I wasn't alone; practically all the students disliked his teaching techniques). I didn't withdraw from the class early on because I really wanted to give him a chance. Unfortunately, because I dropped out, it says "F" on my transcript. And I need this transcript to show the other 2 courses I took there as well, Microbiology & Biochemistry, which I did pretty well in. How and where can I explain the reasoning behind this grade to the schools I'm applying to? Do I attach a letter with my application? The grade sticks out so much because my undergrad GPA was a 3.5 & my science GPA even higher (without that "F"). Any suggestions would be very much appreciated. Thanks!!

[UCDSICURN]

Call the shcool(s) you are/will be applying to and discuss it with the director of the program. He/she would certainly have a concrete answer/remedy for you. Any other answer I could give you would be pure speculation on my part and by posting your concern you already know that the "F" is not good. Go directly to the source.

Donn C.

[Kiwi, BSN, RN]

First, have you tried writing to grievances at your University? If you've never heard of "grievances", they treat student complaints. I had a friend who received an F in his O-Chem course for this summer, and it caused his some major heart palpitations :chuckle ! He filed a grievance and will be given the chance to retake the course with that new grade replacing the F. Its sounds though, in your case you didn't know you'd fail if you just dropped out. I don't know if "ignorance as a plea" will work. My university usually will not erase the F unless you have "serious, unforseen circumstances", as my syllabus reads. If they won't take off the "F" grade, then I would explain the situation to someone at the anesthesia school before you apply. You might want to post this question in the nursing student forum.

[sandman1]

I would definitely call the program director and ask him this question, however, the personal statement is also an opportunity for you to explain any weaknesses in your application.

[pinkisnoopi]

Thanks to all who responded. I'm still thinking about this...

[London88]

Having an "F" will probably be frowned upon. However, it will be looked at in relationship to your other grades. You obviously have some A's on your transcript, and if they are in some of the other sciences that is even better. So like others have said, call the school and speak with the director because it is not necessarily all over!