How do schools view/accept classes which are retaken?

[Hartley]

I'm currently pursuing the CRNA route. I've just completed my BSN and my overall GPA around 3.5 or so. My question pertains to retaking of sciences classes, specifically Anatomy and Physiology. I'm enrolled to retake them both starting the September 1st (online) because I originally had a C+ and a B- respectively. Not sure why i did poorly in those classes, i feel it was perhaps early in my college career. Anyway, I have A's in all my other science classes (chem, patho, microbiology,ect). Now my question relates to CRNA schools looking at the whole transcript picture, they will obviously see that i retook these classes, as they are going to be from a different institution. However, will they just accept the ones with better grades instead? My old classes won't be erased from my overall GPA unless they selectively decide not to use the old classes at all.

I signed up to take these classes a while back thinking that they will be no sweat, and that is probably the truth if i had the time, however, retaking both at the same time while working full time and transitioning to a new unit (MICU) is causing me to have second thoughts.

I know schools want your science classes to be 3.0 or better, and cumulatively my sciences are above a 3.0, but not individually. It it really worth it to retake the A+P classes? On the whole i really rather just retake my C+ grade over, concentrate on the GRE, and then figure out a way to work in O-chem next semester.

Anyone have experience retaking classes for CRNA school? Or have any advice on whats is important to concentrate on and whats not.

Thanks

[gwapo]

It will be to your advantage to retake those classes. Where are you taking you online anatomy and physiology? are they undergrad or graduate level courses??

[Hartley]

They are undergrad glasses, im taking at kellogg community college here in MI. However they are online, so it seems that retaking them is actually possible while working full time, however, it they may require quite a large time commitment.

[Hartley]

It will be to your advantage to retake those classes. Where are you taking you online anatomy and physiology? are they undergrad or graduate level courses??

I do agree that retaking them would be to my advantage, yet i cant help but try and evaluate the whole picture, will these classes be the deciding factor in acceptance or not? Is it worth it to concentrate on these or try to pick up some organic chemistry, or is both the answer? Its tough to know, it may just depend on the school and the competitiveness of the applicants applying with me at the time. I suppose im still about a year or so out of applying so i have some time to determine the best path.

Thanks again

[fyrace]

I'm not so sure you should hold up applying to retake this class, especially at a community college level. If you were to retake them to show you are motivated, I would retake upper division or grad level. As well, one C- for an applicant with a decent overall GPA, good GRE scores, and good experience is not going to destroy your chances. Be prepared to answer for it, but one blemish will not shut you down. People have gotten in with significantly less than one C- in a core class. If you have time to retake, and are not ready to apply, I would surely retake a higher level class and be successful there. Don't retake the community college stuff and think that will carry you.

Otherwise, if you are together everywhere else, apply.

[manusko]

I'm not so sure you should hold up applying to retake this class, especially at a community college level. If you were to retake them to show you are motivated, I would retake upper division or grad level. As well, one C- for an applicant with a decent overall GPA, good GRE scores, and good experience is not going to destroy your chances. Be prepared to answer for it, but one blemish will not shut you down. People have gotten in with significantly less than one C- in a core class. If you have time to retake, and are not ready to apply, I would surely retake a higher level class and be successful there. Don't retake the community college stuff and think that will carry you.

Otherwise, if you are together everywhere else, apply.

If the OP has a C- and wants to make that an A, then there is nothing wrong with taking a community college course to make that up. I did the same thing with a C in chemistry and earned an A. Make sure you hit the school's GPA in sciences that is needed to apply. Chemistry was the only science C I had but it was 5 credit hrs and hurt my GPA, after taking it again I averaged out to a B overall with my A. WHatever it takes to stand out.