community college vs. university for prereqs

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Specializes in acute care, detox nursing, critical care.

I am hoping to apply to OHSU's accelerated BSN program and need to fulfill the prereqs.

Anatomy and Physiology - 12 quarter credits -> 1st quarter done at cc "B"

Nutrition - 3 quarter credits -> not yet taken

Human Development - 3 quarter credits -> taken in college "B+"

Microbiology with lab - 3-4 quarter credits -> taken at cc "A"

Introduction to Genetics (a course or a module within a course) - 3-4 quarter credits -> taken in bio 101/102 in college "A-"

Statistics - 3-4 quarter credits -> taken in college "A-"

So basically I have to retake A&P 1 and take A&P 2 and 3, in addition to nutrition. The counselor at my college recommended that I take a full genetics class too. What do you think about that? And should I take the classes I have left at my community college (which I much prefer- smaller and less anxiety provoking) or at a local university? I have a so-so GPA 3.21 from a really tough college that has a reputation for not having any grade inflation. I majored in psychology btw. And should I take a couple of other classes to raise my GPA? I think that programs such as OHSU are looking for around 3.8+. I know I can't possibly raise it up that high but anything helps yea? My counselor also recommended becoming a CNA and getting some direct experience with nursing and also perhaps volunteering in the hospital. Is there anything else I can do to be a solid applicant?

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I would definitely take prereqs at a community college - no need to pay more than you have to for tuition, especially if you're more comfortable in a smaller setting anyway. Since they're looking at your cumulative GPA it couldn't hurt to take a few "fluff" classes to boost it, but only if they're not going to interfere with progress in your core nursing prerequisites. Relevant volunteer/work experience will definitely make you a more attractive applicant; you might also think about taking Spanish if you haven't already as some schools will give you extra points for proficiency in a second language.

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This is my personal opinion but why would you retake a B? I know what it's like to need the high GPA and straight As but Bs are still good! I would def retake anything C or below..that's what I did. Good luck!

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Specializes in acute care, detox nursing, critical care.

Scientist- hmm I hadn't thought about language classes. I took a bit of spanish in college, but remember nothing. I'll look into that. The cost factor between schools is important too, something like $1000 difference for some classes.

Mandy- I would be retaking A&P 1 because I was rocking the class until I let things slide a bit then some family stuff happened... basically I know I can earn an A and I want that reflected on my transcript. Plus OHSU has something like a 29% acceptance rate and I want to know that I am applying having put forth my best effort. My counselor agreed, but thought I was being a bit neurotic about potentially retaking developmental psych with a B+. :)

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

A lot of nursing programs have a genetics course your senior year. I wouldn't take that unless you have to.

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Scientist- hmm I hadn't thought about language classes. I took a bit of spanish in college, but remember nothing. I'll look into that. The cost factor between schools is important too, something like $1000 difference for some classes.

Mandy- I would be retaking A&P 1 because I was rocking the class until I let things slide a bit then some family stuff happened... basically I know I can earn an A and I want that reflected on my transcript. Plus OHSU has something like a 29% acceptance rate and I want to know that I am applying having put forth my best effort. My counselor agreed, but thought I was being a bit neurotic about potentially retaking developmental psych with a B+. :)

Lol! Good luck to you! I got a B in A&P I and that was a year ago...I'm taking A&P II in the fall & I seriously forgot everything I learned! Lol

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Specializes in acute care, detox nursing, critical care.

From what I've heard A&P II is easier than I and while I think the course builds on itself, the fact that its usually divided into systems I think makes it easier if we've forgotten something from the previous unit. I'll be taking both I and II in the fall so it will be interesting to see how much I've forgotten from over a year ago and how much I should have retained to be on top of A&P II ;)

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