Decisions, decisions--need course advice please

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Oh boy--I just have my micro final this Monday and then I'm done for the semester--yeaa! Trouble is, what to do next? I was heartbroken not to get into the RN program at my CC for next fall, despite a 4.0 GPA over 34 credit hours, and I took advice and applied as a transfer student to a BSN program at a nearby state college. The trouble is, I applied REALLY late and was told because of that my chances of getting in are extremely slim. BUT, if I were to be accepted, I would have to have completed at least one chemistry course. With that in mind, I signed up for an accelerated (4/12 weeks) course at my CC this summer (but have not paid yet and am not locked into the decision).

My dilemma comes from the fact that I hate chemistry and know next to nothing about it, and do I really want to do this course? If I don't get into the BSN program I will be trying for the ADN again for fall 2009, and my school does not require ANY chemistry for the nursing program. In other words, I could have put myself through an extremely stressful 4-1/2 weeks (I work more than full time as well) at a cost of over $600 for nothing. I know that no education is wasted, and I might end up going for my BSN eventually anyway but still.... I'm no spring chicken (50) so that may not happen. What do do? What to do? :confused:

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I have 3 weeks left in my intro chemistry class that was 16 weeks. It was very hard and my teacher also does the summer 8 week class and says that is unbelieveably hard also so I can't imagine what a 4 week class would be. I would factor in whatever the drop date is and if you can get any money back if you need to drop. I know I wouldn't be able to do this class and work full time and get a good grade since I had no science backround and still really don't "get" chemistry. Good luck with whatever you decide, this is a hard decision.

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Thanks so much for your reply. I am definitely close to cancelling that class. Not quite there yet, but very close! I JUST finished micro--had my final today--and it would be so terrific to think that that was IT until the fall. Perhaps it should be. :wink2: Thanks again.

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You couldn't pay me enough to take chemistry that wasn't a normal length (15 weeks). It was the worst class I have EVER had to take:banghead:. The amount of info to absorb was obscene.

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I agree with previous posts. If you have no prior chem experience, chances are you won't do well in an accelerated class. Chem can be learned, but the concepts are so unfamiliar to so many that they take a while to comprehend.

Can you wait and take it in the fall?

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Okay, I think you guys have convinced me (I was half-way there already) to drop the class. I really could do without the stress. I just found out that I got an A in micro, which finished yesterday :yeah:, and I would hate to ruin my GPA by falling down with this chemistry class.

I will definitely consider it for the fall. Thanks so much for your input, everyone.

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Specializes in Hospice / Ambulatory Clinic.

Try take a intro to psych or lifespan pysch class over summer. Usually they are manageable in a short time

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Try take a intro to psych or lifespan pysch class over summer. Usually they are manageable in a short time

Funny you should say that, tothepoint. I took intro to psych plus one other course last summer! I think I may as well take this summer off. :zzzzz I have both my psych courses, in fact, I have everything I need for the RN program at my CC except for one elective (humanities or something like that). Next year I will just be killing time, apart from getting that one, so I will leave it until then. I was only taking chemistry on the very slim chance that I got into a different RN program, but it's just not worth it.

Thanks for your input.

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Specializes in Hospice / Ambulatory Clinic.

Well then your go to go then. I always mange to take at least something at a community college each semester even if its fluff course like band ( we get to play at disneyland) but then again at $22 a credit its not a lot out of the pocket.

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Well then your go to go then. I always mange to take at least something at a community college each semester even if its fluff course like band ( we get to play at disneyland) but then again at $22 a credit its not a lot out of the pocket.

Holy moly! Is that all you actually pay? :bugeyes: Our tuition is only $25 per credit hour, but then they tack on $117 "college fees" for a grand total of $142 per credit hour. That's another thing about that chemistry course--by the time you add on the lab fees, it came to almost $700 PLUS the book was been offered at the low, low price of $179. :banghead: I'm gonna spend the moolah on a treadmill instead and get fit for nursing school.

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Specializes in Hospice / Ambulatory Clinic.

Believe it or not California used to have $11 per unit fees at community colleges until a few years ago. The they raised it to $29 then dropped it to $22.

It may not seem like alot but unfortunately when they raised it the campus I was at lost 1/3 of its students because if your working in la for minimum or near minimum there isn't alot left for tuition and books. The financial aid office always has a 2 hour long line.

I am very thankful that my husband has a job that working or not is an option for me. I really feel for those student who are earnestly trying to better themselves through education but life just gets in the way.

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I agree that it is really sad that so many people are caught in a catch-22 situation. Can't get decent pay without education, can't afford education without decent pay. I can't afford to quit work, even though hubby is in a fairly well-paid job, because we live up to our means (and with 2 kids in college the expenses never end). I am lucky, though, in that we are not on the bread line and I can afford to pay for school. If only everyone who wanted to could.

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