cant get into pre-reqs?

caliotter3 · Jul 19, 2010

I have read posts from people in SoCal who say they are taking online science courses at UNE. Don't recall reading what nursing schools they said are accepting those courses.

alyssa* · Jul 19, 2010

Hmmm...I wonder which ADN programs will take them...is UNE expensive? I hope they take loans...

caliotter3 · Jul 19, 2010

UNE is expensive, http://www.une.edu/com/online. I know that there are some SoCal nursing programs that accept their courses, otherwise, SoCal students would not be taking them.

caliotter3 · Jul 19, 2010

Tuition for UNE courses is increasing on August 15, so best to enroll now for your first course if you plan to go with them.

iPink, BSN, RN · Jul 19, 2010

I tried to take advantage of unemployment tuition program. I'll never do that again, because the catch was I had to register for classes on the day of late registration and of course by that time the classes that I needed were full. To make matters worse, the Chairperson of the department wouldn't give me an override to still take the class.

So, I ran into his secretary who gave me the best advice. The school offers what is called "class charge back". What that is, I could take the class I need over at another college that is offering it and has seats still available. I won't have to pay out-of county fees and when I complete the class, it will be transferred to my original college. She said many students are unaware they offer this. Why don't you find out if your school does this. It was great because I ended up getting an A in the class (A&P 1) and was taught by a fantastic teacher.

BellsRNBSN · Jul 19, 2010

WOW talk about the state taking money away from schools and the economy still in a dump! My school is only offering ONE class, (your heard me) ONE stinking pre-req class. What am I supposed to do if I don't get in??? I have nothing else to take...Plus I register really LATE on top if that...
Anyone else worried they can't even get into pre-req classes LET ALONE ns one day???

I was in your same exact position for the past 2 years. I took all my pre-reqs in SoCal. I took half of them at the university where I got my bachelor's degree, but had to take the other half at community colleges after I graduated. The overflow of students trying to get into nursing school has trickled down to the pre-requisite courses, especially at CCs. It took me 2 years of crashing classes at at least 5 different CCs just to get into a human anatomy course.

I would be hesitant to take science courses online too. What I suggest is that you be willing to commute to other CCs in your area. There are a TON in SoCal! Find as many as you can that you will be willing to drive to, register at all of them, and if the classes you need are full by your registration date, then show up at the first class meeting of every single section of every single class you need that you possibly can. There is ALWAYS someone who is registered for the class that doesn't show up, and by now, professors are realizing how impacted these classes are, so they will usually drop people who don't show up to the first class, and allow someone who is not registered and trying to crash the class to take their spot.

Some Advice: Check the college web-sites for waitlists that you may need to sign up for in order to be eligible to take the spot of someone who was registered but ends up dropping the class. If you don't find a waitlist on the web-site, contact the professor of the class as early as possible to ask if he/she has their own waitlist. Some professors I knew had a whole process for replacing people who end up dropping the class that involved attending class for 2 weeks (even though not enrolled), taking quizzes, etc. Also, I don't know your work schedule, but be willing to take the classes that are offered at undesirable times - there will be less people trying to take these sections. The only reason I got into my anatomy course was because it was offered on Friday nights and Saturday mornings - but it was so worth it!

Unfortunately, you are going to have to learn to be painfully patient. It is very likely that it could take you a year or longer to get into all the classes you need (depending on how many you need). But stay dedicated and determined and remember your nursing goal! I was so ecstatic just to get into my pre-req courses, which really pushed me to excel in them and get good grades. A lot of us have been where you are now. You can do it!!!...it just might take a while.

GOOD LUCK!!!!! :nurse:

StayingCalm, BSN, RN · Jul 19, 2010

Find out if there's a deadline for semester fees at your school. Perhaps registered students might forget to pay their fees and therefore be dropped from those classes. All you have to do then is "swoop" in on that date, register, and pay for the class(es). I know this happens quite often at my school & not many people know about this tactic. Also, try to find out if there are other ways to "boost" your registration priority. At my school, we are able to "boost" our priority significantly through counseling (educational plan, orientation, etc). That way you'll be better positioned during future registration periods.

alyssa* · Jul 21, 2010

Yeah.

Thanks for all the advice everyone. I found out that they r still putting up classes so hopefully they add more sections; plus, when winter comes my status changes to get priority registration, which is really helpful.

Yes I definitely will show up to each section and I am planning to email the teacher who teaches the pre-req courses to see if they got their own waitlist. I mean, its brutal out there, you take what you get.

And unfortunately I am unemployed which means I can take class whenever, even the "undesirable" times (which I prefer anyway)

Thanks again to everyone!

curlyq28 · Jul 21, 2010

Um, I just started my adventure in pre-requisite taking land this past Spring quarter and the way you get into classes is to apply to ALL the CC's in your area (which I am sure is quite a few since I am in So Cal too!!) and be very flexible about the days/times you are willing to attend class.

I probably won't be taking more than one prereq class at any one of the 10 or so I applied to so I had the OPTION of registering for classes. Meaning the 5/6 prereq's I have left will prob be at 5/6 different CC's! And it's ok with me because I am applying this fall and on a mission to get these done by next summer so I can start NS next fall! So, if you are willing to drive around So Cal, you can do it!

BSNMomOf6 · Jul 21, 2010

FIND a NEW school, and quick. There ARE on-line options. I would start searching for other schools quickly.

SoCalCrystal, CNA · Jul 22, 2010

If you dont mind me asking what college are you registered at? I'm in so cal too and registered with LACCD which is most of the LA Community Colleges and it works out great. I do drive out to Mission for most of my classes though because they seem to be easier to get into then Pierce which is closer to me.

Show up on the first day and continue to show up even after that. Most people start dropping and you can sometimes snag their spots. Email professors, get to know them, sit in the front row, and make yourself known. My friend got into my Bio class this semester because the first day he particpated like crazy, even though he was at the bottom of the add list my professor slipped him in. Professors usually like students who try to engage in the class. It helps make their job easier.

Good luck!

mariposabella · Jul 22, 2010

Registration time for pre-reqs was such a stressful time. I live 75 miles from the campus where I needed to take my pre-reqs. There are many people wanting to sign up for not a lot of classes offered. I was too nervous to try to register online in case my internet failed or something...so I would leave my house at 4:30 a.m...to be there at 5:45 a.m....to be the first one when the admission doors opened at 7 a.m. to register in person. I did this for several quarters. I was always fortunate to get the pre-reqs I needed. I know so many who didn't get in. If your school doesn't offer the pre-reqs you need....drive somewhere that does. If you want something bad enough you'll find a way to make it happen. I was accepted in nursing school and start this Sept. 2010. I will be driving 166 miles round trip a day, 5 days a week, for the next 2 years. Good luck!

WOW 166 miles a day 5 days a week!!! Good luck with school! You are determined to get your nursing degree. Thats admirable. I hope you do well.