Help...what school to choose and what pre-reqs to take?

Heloisea3 · Nov 1, 2007

I am in my first semester of the nursing program at TCC, so I am probably a little biased, but I think you should go for TCC. That is just my opinion, and it isn't worth much. I just know that this first semester has been so busy and time consuming. When you have to get up at the crack of dawn for clinicals, the last thing you want to do is have a longer commute than necessary. When you have a lot to do, a long commute can make a big difference. This is even more true if you have to work or you have a family.

Also, it is true about the prereqs. If you are missing any of them, even Speech or PE, it would be hard to get in. It all depends on your situation and preferences, though. I know all of the prereqs seem time consuming. They are. I took summer classes, a mimimester class and a fall and spring semester. I packed in as much as I could without feeling like I was sacraficing my grades because grades are VERY important, especially in your science classes. TCC only has 2 more classes than the other two schools. You could take those during minimesters. PE and Speech are good mimimester classes. I took one science each summer session, one during the fall, and one during the spring. I do know a few people who took two sciences a semester, though. If you did that, you could probably fit in a Spanish and an Algebra class during that time which you could use to apply to more than one school or use later towards a BSN.

Whatever you decide, good luck. Once you start classes, time will fly by, and you will be applying to nursing school before you even know it.

arabmagic · Nov 1, 2007

I will be finishing my pre-req's at TCC in the spring. But there is a small chance that I may be moving to Dallas county in the next year. So just tonight I was looking at Brookhaven's program & feeling just as confused as you!

So unfortunately I don't have any advice. But I'll be keeping an eye on this thread to help with my decision as well.

I think you can take your pre-req's at TCC even if you ended up going to a different nursing school. If it is closer to you, I would go ahead & start there.

8mpg · Nov 1, 2007

I will be finishing my pre-req's at TCC in the spring. But there is a small chance that I may be moving to Dallas county in the next year. So just tonight I was looking at Brookhaven's program & feeling just as confused as you!
So unfortunately I don't have any advice. But I'll be keeping an eye on this thread to help with my decision as well.
I think you can take your pre-req's at TCC even if you ended up going to a different nursing school. If it is closer to you, I would go ahead & start there.

The TCC NE campus is the close one to me... I really think Brookhaven, TCC South, and El Centro are about the same distance...just different directions. I plan on doing all my pre-reqs at TCC NE if possible just for convenience.

cad4296 · Nov 2, 2007

Why not start with the pre-reqs you need for all three schools first, like A&P 1, Comp 1, and Intro to psych or the ones that all three schools need. Then you can take the remaining ones needed for Brookhaven and El Centro and apply to those two places first while finishing off the rest you need for TCC or the ones not required to apply to the other two places. It looks like you'll need the others like A & P 2, Micro, growth and development, speech, etc at all 3 places anyways, so you can be taking those while waiting to hear something. All the classes should transfer to any of the other institutions so that shouldn't be a problem. I don't know anything about any of the schools so this is just my outside opinion! Best of luck to you!

8mpg · Nov 3, 2007

Why not start with the pre-reqs you need for all three schools first, like A&P 1, Comp 1, and Intro to psych or the ones that all three schools need. Then you can take the remaining ones needed for Brookhaven and El Centro and apply to those two places first while finishing off the rest you need for TCC or the ones not required to apply to the other two places. It looks like you'll need the others like A & P 2, Micro, growth and development, speech, etc at all 3 places anyways, so you can be taking those while waiting to hear something. All the classes should transfer to any of the other institutions so that shouldn't be a problem. I don't know anything about any of the schools so this is just my outside opinion! Best of luck to you!

I just hate to waste time and money taking classes I dont need for say El Centro. PE and Comp II are the ones Im dreading the most, and the 2 other schools dont require them. I think you are right though, its best to be able to apply to all 3.

JaxiaKiley · Nov 9, 2007

Well, here's my story.

I went through the same thing. Since I'm not just coming out of high school, I had to take timing into consideration (because I have rent, a car payment, etc). I wanted to aim for the program that I had the best chance of getting as soon as possible. Yes, in the long run, I'd like to qualify for all of the programs. But, if I can start one program a YEAR before I can start a different program? That's my winner.

After evaluating what it took to get into each program (not just pre-reqs -- what the actually cut-offs are for acceptance the last few semesters (which it seems you are doing)), El Centro looked like my best bet. After ONE full-time semester of classes, I could apply and have a pretty decent shot of getting in. My plan was to take that one semester, apply at ECC, and continue to take classes for TCC, Brookhaven, Denton County and Collin County while I waited to find out if I got in. If I didn't, then I'd be one semester closer to those other programs. If I did, then I'd have A&P II and Micro (and whatever else) out of the way.

Really, in the end, it boils down to your preferences and your timetable.

I wish you the best!

~Jax

8mpg · Nov 9, 2007

Well, here's my story.
I went through the same thing. Since I'm not just coming out of high school, I had to take timing into consideration (because I have rent, a car payment, etc). I wanted to aim for the program that I had the best chance of getting as soon as possible. Yes, in the long run, I'd like to qualify for all of the programs. But, if I can start one program a YEAR before I can start a different program? That's my winner.
After evaluating what it took to get into each program (not just pre-reqs -- what the actually cut-offs are for acceptance the last few semesters (which it seems you are doing)), El Centro looked like my best bet. After ONE full-time semester of classes, I could apply and have a pretty decent shot of getting in. My plan was to take that one semester, apply at ECC, and continue to take classes for TCC, Brookhaven, Denton County and Collin County while I waited to find out if I got in. If I didn't, then I'd be one semester closer to those other programs. If I did, then I'd have A&P II and Micro (and whatever else) out of the way.
Really, in the end, it boils down to your preferences and your timetable.
I wish you the best!
~Jax

Jax... looks like I will be following your footsteps. Im just hoping with a late application somehow I might get in during the following semester. Im taking all 5 pre-reqs this spring and going to apply...then the rest of the other classes needed for the ADN over the summer at TCC. Then if the stars align correctly, hell freezes over and we have a blue moon, I will start nursing school in the Fall. Im doubtful it will happen...but its worth a shot. If I dont get in, its off to TCU/TWU/UTA to start the classes I can that will be needed for BSN.

Thanks for the advice in all the PM's

Tim

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Nov 9, 2007

how are you doing in nursing school? i have not seen you around in a while....hope all is well

i am in my first semester of the nursing program at tcc, so i am probably a little biased, but i think you should go for tcc. that is just my opinion, and it isn't worth much. i just know that this first semester has been so busy and time consuming. when you have to get up at the crack of dawn for clinicals, the last thing you want to do is have a longer commute than necessary. when you have a lot to do, a long commute can make a big difference. this is even more true if you have to work or you have a family.
also, it is true about the prereqs. if you are missing any of them, even speech or pe, it would be hard to get in. it all depends on your situation and preferences, though. i know all of the prereqs seem time consuming. they are. i took summer classes, a mimimester class and a fall and spring semester. i packed in as much as i could without feeling like i was sacraficing my grades because grades are very important, especially in your science classes. tcc only has 2 more classes than the other two schools. you could take those during minimesters. pe and speech are good mimimester classes. i took one science each summer session, one during the fall, and one during the spring. i do know a few people who took two sciences a semester, though. if you did that, you could probably fit in a spanish and an algebra class during that time which you could use to apply to more than one school or use later towards a bsn.
whatever you decide, good luck. once you start classes, time will fly by, and you will be applying to nursing school before you even know it.

jla623 · Nov 9, 2007

I am not sure where you got that, but that isn't correct info on Brookhaven. Just go to the website for the current classes.

JaxiaKiley · Nov 9, 2007

I did the same thing with the BSN classes, too: I took Statistics and stuff while I waited. IIRC, you can take all of the classes you need for the ADN - BSN at TCC -- cheaper that way.

Honestly, I don't think the late app is going to help because from what I understand, that's only if they don't get enough qualified applications. It never hurts to try, though. If you take all you can during Spring and Summer I, you'll be able to apply to El Centro with your pre-reqs complete (and maybe an extra class or two) to be able to start Spring 09.

Best of luck!