Becoming discouraged with science prereqs

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Hey everyone,

I decided to pursue a nursing degree at the end of my freshmen year of college. I'm about to enter my 3rd year of college, and so far I've completed and done very well in many of my prereqs (human development, psych, stats, etc). My only disadvantage, and basically the GREATEST disadvantage, is that I haven't done well in the required science courses at my university. I've taken Chemistry twice (passed both times, but didn't get the grade required to be accepted to my nursing college), biology once (completely failed it), and I'm currently taking Anatomy and Physiology (two separate courses). Physiology is going well, but I don't think Anatomy is going to end well due to the fact that it was a 6 week course with A LOT of material to cover. My final is tomorrow, and I'm just barely at a passing grade already (definitely far from getting the grade required for the nursing college). That means that I will have 3 science classes to retake before I can apply for my nursing college...and I still have a few more to take this upcoming year! Not only does this mean I won't be graduating in 4 years (I pretty much knew that from the time I went to college though), but it also means that I probably won't even be in the nursing college by the time I'm in my "senior" year. I'm feeling VERY discouraged and incapable of being a nurse. I know that I can succeed in my science courses; it's just that I have a tendency to become overwhelmed when I have to balance them with other classes. Has anyone else struggled with their sciences, but overcame them? Thanks in advance

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Specializes in Hospice, Palliative Care.

Good day:

In high school, I just did ok in the sciences area. So I already know that in order to do good, I have to put science first before any other classes.

When you mention about "balancing them with other classes," have you thought about the idea that it might just be ok to get a C in a non science class so you can get an A in the science class?

Have you sought out tutoring in the science areas you are having trouble?

Have you tried different study methods - whether a complete change or adding /subtracting things to what you are already doing?

Thank you.

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Tcov93,

Take your science pre-requisites online. Check out RateMyProfessor.com to find out what people think of the professor. If they get a 4 or higher they are excellent. Make sure the school offers a hands-on lab experience and that the school is regionally accredited then it should transfer everywhere.

Good luck! Lizzy

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It's all about time management and dedication, I worked full time 40+ hrs while taking my pre req's I would take 3 classes at a time science and non science. Study anytime you have a chance I would bring my books everywhere!! Also with sciences you have to understand that it's not just memorization the more you take time to understand the way bodily proccesses work the better off you will be. And there is always tutoring, study groups etc!! If your book comes with interactive CDs use them. Maybe get yourself a planner and a lot certain days or certain times each day for studying certain subjects. If nursing is something you truly want to accomplish you can do it!

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Tcov93,Take your science pre-requisites online.
I actually disagree with this. If you are having a hard time, I do not recommend you taking it online (so you have to then teach yourself). I did not think I could do well with the sciences, so I took them one at a time. I went to the tutoring center often, spent hours in the lab, and went the extra mile... I did any extra credit offered, went to every class & lecture. Become friendly with your teacher by emailing them any questions you have. Read before you get to class. Study a little every day. Avoid taking any sciences in the summer (unless you have to) because you get a lot of material every day & you have to be able to keep up. Good luck!
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Rate your professor and other students is the best way to go. Honestly, it is. So many people get screwed over by bad professors. In fact, do that with everyone you can. Sometimes you can get lucky like I took a chance on a clinical instructor who did not have a rating and she was excellent. The thing is that you can really crash and burn.

Also, make sure the reviews are in your subject area. I took chemistry with an instructor who is an established great micro teacher but an okay new chem instructor. She's new to the chem class and it shows.

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If you are taking accelerated courses, I would recommend you NOT do that for a science esp. if you are struggling. Also, have you considered taking only 1 science class alone without any other courses or in a traditional semester with one other easy general education class.

I heard an interesting statistic the other day from a nursing director. She said those that do well in A&P statistically have the greatest success in nursing school. So, it is important that you focus on these important science classes. Maybe you are trying to cram way too much into one semester. It will take longer, but if you go slower then you have a greater chance for success and getting the foundation that you need for nursing school success!

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Frankly, you should be excelling in your science courses in order to do well in nursing school. It's encouraging that you've done well in Physiology. What happened in Biology?

Chemistry is a tough class for a lot of people. But it's troubling that you've taken it twice and still not done well.

You need to be wise and take difficult classes like Anatomy during a normal 16-week semester, unless you have lots of time to devote to them.

Take good professors. Keep up with the reading and homework. Do all the extra credit assignments. If you don't understand something, look up the information online or get a "dummies" book from the library. Chemistry for Dummies really helped me understand the basics.

If you give it your best try and still aren't doing well, you should probably visit with an advisor in the nursing program and ask for his or her advice. It might not be a career that plays to your strengths. And the reality is that most nursing programs are very competitive so if your grades aren't strong you might not be accepted.

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Knowing anatomy is important for nursing school, but as far as chemistry and biology go...it may be a little helpful, but you shouldn't stress if you don't know the material inside and out. It doesn't mean you won't be successful in nursing school. I had 100 averages in chemistry and biology and made A's in A&P, but nursing school wasn't any easier for me than for people who had more average grades in the science pre-reqs. It's about learning how to prioritize and make judgement calls, which is difficult for everyone. However, I can assure you that nursing school is much more overwhelming than all of the pre-reqs combined. If that's really your issue, you need to work on establishing more effective study habits now, because you can't just keep retaking classes if you fail them once you're in nursing school.

Something else you may want to consider, is the possibility of taking those classes at a community college. In my area at least, the classes are typically a little easier, and the classes are smaller. Teachers at a community college don't have the same responsibilities outside of teaching as those at a four year college (producing research, etc.), which can often times mean they have more time and are more willing to work with students outside of class. I've taken science courses at both a four year college and community college, and this has been my experience.

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I would suggest maybe trying different study strategies to find one that helps you retain information better. For instance, especially when it comes to science, reading the book and taking notes does nothing for me. I draw pictures or watch animated YouTube videos to help me see the concepts in motion. There are some really great YouTube channels out there with videos that relate scientific concepts to everyday life. For both Biology and Microbiology I had a coloring book that I colored and wrote notes in to help me connect the dots and understand the processes. Some people sing songs or write poems, create mnemonic devices to remember certain bits of info, etc. Right now I am taking a summer Chemistry class and on the first day my professor told us we need to study for three hours every single day in order to pass her class. I didn't buy it and only studied for 10 hours for the first test and I got a 70%. I'm taking her study suggestions more seriously now, haha!! You just need to get adventurous and try new ways to study in order to help yourself understand the info.

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I totally agree with nursingstudentjess! I am taking an A & P this summer (6 weeks) and was VERY overwhelmed the first few days. Actually, I was a mess and yes there were tears. I too doubted myself and wondered if my brain could grasps everything so quickly.

I realized I didn't have my game plan down and I didn't even know how to begin studying. First, figure out the best way to learn/study based on your personal learning style. At first, I looked at words with the sole purpose of memorization and the words and their meanings were NOT sticking for me. Looking at index cards over and over to memorize the meaning of a word does not worl in an A & P course (for me at least). I needed to truly understand the function (physiology) of the words.

Here is what I do. I work through each section block by block. Let's say I was learning about tissue and tissue types. I would take that section and study it as long as I needed to and when I felt I had a good grasp on what I was learning, I'd have my husband test me. When he tested me, I would not only give the meaning but I would explain the function. Basically, I would talk it out with him until I had it.

I also use youtube. For example, if you are learning about cells/organelles, you can watch some pretty awesome videos that break down how these little mini-organs function and work together.

For a 6 week course there really is no time for play. I realized I was so overwhelmed because I didn't have a grasp on the HOURS upon hours of studying a course like A & P requires. Commit yourself to studying, it is your priority. That doesn't mean you have to study at home or school only. Try new environment, a coffee shop, or a book store. Also, take mini-breaks from studying in order to relax your brain. Last weekend I studied from Friday to Sunday, but took breaks in between. One night we ran out to a short dinner and ice cream. This gave me some normalcy and helped me relax. Yes, I took the page I was studying with me, because it made me feel secure to know that I could look at it if need be.

Anyway, sorry for rambling. I feel so much better now that I have figured out what works for me. I have found that the words, their meaning, and their function don't feel so overwhelming now. Take it section by section, talk it out with someone to explain what you learned, study your booty off, figure out which learning style works best for you, take breaks to feel normal and relax your brain, and don't give up!

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Thank you so much! Yes I just came to the conclusion that I'm putting too much on myself. My sister has always told me not to double up on sciences if I know that's my problem area, but I tend to want to be superwoman and I was too concerned about graduating from college within 4 years. I'm just gonna take my time now.

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