Did I screw up for good?

[Kundera]

I am a university student who is about to graduate with a bachelors degree in a liberal arts field. A few years ago I started taking a few nursing pre-reqs. I got a "B" in my A&P I class at a community college, so I decided to take a 300 level A&P at the university I attend. Long story short, I got a lower grade taking it the second time! There are a few different nursing programs that I am wanting to apply to, and here's the problem... one program recomends we re-take courses in which we recieved a grade less than an "A" (and does not accept any grade lower than a "B" in the pre-reqs), while another program warns applicants that it looks unfavorably at course retakes. I also have a few "W" grades and a "D" in a chemistry course where I only took the first and last exams.... Yes, I have been flaky in the past.

What should I do? Should I forge ahead and retake the classes I screwed up? I feel like I have lost my chance to try to get in to nursing school because I wasn't really sure of what I wanted to do career-wise.

Any adivce or words of encouragement are appreciated!

[guiltysins]

There is always a way to get into nursing programs. I would suggest taking Chemistry over. Since you've already taken A&P twice they will take the highest grade which is a B and I don't think that's bad but maybe it's because my program doesn't require the 4.0 gpa. I think your best bet would be to retake the courses, at least that gives you a shot.

[ParkerBC,MSN,RN, PhD, RN]

Since you are graduating with an undergraduate degree, there will be more options made available to you. For example, you will be eligible to apply to “Second Degree” nursing programs. Those programs also have prereqs and GPA requirements. You will have to research each school that interests you to see what the requirements are for their program. I have found that each school has different requirements. For example, one school I am looking into requires Anatomy and Physiology 1 & 2, Micro, and Psychology. They use your cumulative GPA not just the GPA of the science courses. Other programs require Anatomy and Physiology 1 & 2, Micro, Chemistry, Lifespan Development, Abnormal Psychology, and a College Algebra course to get it. They also calculate your GPA based upon those classes. It really is different depending on the school. I have also learned that private schools, although more expensive, seem to be a little more forgiving for past academic performance. My suggestion: Research, Research, and Research.

Good luck to you!