How to explain retaking prereqs you got A's in?

hb08491 · Mar 24, 2012

I am assuming they are requiring you to give a reason for retaking them? If not I wouldnt say anything. However if you are required just tell them you need to retake them for your current program and the credits are too old. Most schools, even the ones without nursing programs, understand that certain programs only accept pre-reqs taken in the last five years. I dont think there is any reason you should have to explain your personal reasons for stopping school the first time. And they shouldnt care anyway...its money in their pocket Hope it helps! Good luck!

jocy_anne · Mar 24, 2012

I think the best thing you could do is just be honest in your admissions essay. I was always interested in the medical field, but my lack of self-confidence prevented me from pursuing Nursing the first time around. I psyched myself out and told myself there was no way I was smart enough to be in any sort of medical profession. So I got my B.A. in Law & Justice Studies back in 2006 and have spent almost 6 years working in various administrative jobs, trying to figure out what I want to do with my life. It took me until last year to realize that Nursing is where my passion lies, so I started my science prereqs last year and will hopefully be starting an Accelerated BSN-MSN program at Jefferson in Philly in September (I have my interview this week!). I was honest in my admissions essay and told them that I lacked the confidence to pursue this field when I was 20 years old. But I also acknowledged that getting the first Bachelor's and working in an office for almost 6 years was the path I needed to take in order to be fully prepared for Nursing school. I wasn't ready for this when I was 20, but the experience and confidence I've gained over the last several years have made me ready for this now (I'm 28).

If you acknowledge that you didn't feel ready 7 years ago, I don't think that's something they would hold against you. If anything, it shows them that you don't take this field lightly. The last 7 years have helped mold you into someone who is ready to take on this challenge. In my opinion, they should respect the fact that you backed out when you weren't ready. Everyone's timing is different! Good luck with everything!

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · Mar 26, 2012

You don't have to explain anything at all. Their standards are no courses older than X years old to qualify as a pre-req. There's nothing to explain. I'm going through the same thing. Finished my Associates 18 years ago, had most of the pre-reqs complete. Now they're too old to accept. I got As in all of them, so it's a shame I have to re-take them.

I look at it this way...it'll be a great refresher and I should get As in them again. I'm 42 years old, I took those courses in my late teens/early 20s. Time to dust off the gray matter

cally527, RN · Mar 26, 2012

Is the essay asking why you are retaking pre-req's. I would think you would only need to explain the reason for retaking classes if you took the classes last year or 2 years ago and failed them and then took them this year and passed with all A's. The only reason you are taking them now is because they are to old for the school to accept.

Keep it simple, don't jump to conclusions... that is how you start looking for ways to discourage yourself from your dream again.