which is better

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is it better to take your science preq. classes in the summer or not?

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I've never taken a summer science course. I'm in a math one right now. But one thing you have to remember, is that summer session is usually shorter than fall or spring. So it will be a lot more accelerated. You'll be expected to learn and memorize the same amount of info in a shorter time. If you think you can do it, go for it! Especially if it's the only class you're taking, that would make it much easier.

And if it gets you further along in your pre-reqs by taking it in summer, you're just that much closer to being able to apply to your nursing program.

My :twocents:, good luck! :D

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This is the first time I've ever taken a science class during the summer. And I can tell you that for some, it's good, for some it's doable. And others I know that say they would never take a science class during the summer again. With that said, I can only give you my perspective.

First of all, I work part time (~20 hrs/wk), so as to not overload myself I am only taking Microbiology, which meets 4 hours a day, Mon through Thurs. One thing I like about summer science class is that every detail is fresh in your mind when you take your exams. Because time is so compact, whatever you learned last week or this week, you get tested on it right away. As hard as they say Micro is, on my first test I got a 141.5 out of 150 points possible. One week later, we were tested again on the new material and again I got an A. I can guarantee you though that if the information was lectured to me about three weeks ago, I probably would have missed some of those points.

What I don't really like though about science class is that it is TRULY fast-faced!! You have to really be dedicated to read and study as you go along because if you fall behind, it will pile up. We have labs due every single day and we literally do two to four labs a day.

All in all, it's a decision based on your time and dedication to the class. If you like the challenge and never have problems with procrastination, then I think you would do fine. If however, you want to enjoy the summer and relax, I would leave it for the regular semester sessions. I hope this helps! Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

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Hey! I personally like taking summer science classes. I have taken A&P I/II, Micro, & Chem in summer. They throw a lot of material to you @ once, but you know it only last a few wks. Micro was 8 wks. The rest were 4 wks each. So I totally recomend it!

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I'm taking A&P right now during the summer. My instructor says that his students get better grades during the summer sessions. He also said he can't figure out why that is.:confused:

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This is the first time I've ever taken a science class during the summer. And I can tell you that for some, it's good, for some it's doable. And others I know that say they would never take a science class during the summer again. With that said, I can only give you my perspective.

I totally agree with this - it works for some, but not for others.

Are you the type who really needs the purported three hours of study for every hour of class? If so, summer is probably going to be overwhelming. If you feel you learn quickly and have historically done well in science classes, it'll probably be fine.

One thing I like about summer science class is that every detail is fresh in your mind when you take your exams. Because time is so compact, whatever you learned last week or this week, you get tested on it right away. As hard as they say Micro is, on my first test I got a 141.5 out of 150 points possible. One week later, we were tested again on the new material and again I got an A. I can guarantee you though that if the information was lectured to me about three weeks ago, I probably would have missed some of those points.

I feel the same way. I think the material would actually feel more overwhelming during the normal semester, especially since we have the same number of classes, just compressed into a shorter time.

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Time is money. The quicker you get through school, the quicker you get paycheck! Summer classes are great...class, class, test, repeat. it's not easy, but nothing good is.....

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Hey! I personally like taking summer science classes. I have taken A&P I/II, Micro, & Chem in summer. They throw a lot of material to you @ once, but you know it only last a few wks. Micro was 8 wks. The rest were 4 wks each. So I totally recomend it!

4 weeks! :eek:

I give you props on that one! :bowingpur

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

I took two science prereqs over summer sessions. I loved it.....I work better under pressure! I'm actually going to try and take 2 of my nursing classes over summer session I next year.....we'll see how that goes! :D

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I'm taking my Chemistry +Lab in the summer (Summer C 12 weeks). We're going over about 2 chapters per week and our tests are made up of 4 chapters.

It's alot of information given at once. I think that if you're comfortable with the science class you're going to take go for it. I see alot of classmates that are chemistry weak that are struggleling in the class. I am happy that I took it in the summer.

Hope this helps!

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Specializes in Critical Care. CVICU. Adult and Peds PACU..

i think doing a summer science class is a great idea. i didn't do it but i would if i had to do it over again.

it's nice because during the whole summer you are fully focused on that one subject.

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