I'm scared

fyrephish, ADN, RN · Apr 5, 2016

Ooh, Khan academy! Good idea!

wannabeny · Apr 5, 2016

I don't know if I'm completely crazy, but I've signed up for Microbiology over the summer. It's a 6 week class, from May 23-July 8 that meets 4 days a week for about 3.5 hours each day.
I've never done a summer course and I don't know what to expect. I'm sure it's going to be a pretty good s* storm, as I work a full schedule M-F that averages from 38-43 hours a week including Saturdays on my long weeks.
Deep breaths. I suppose I can drop it if things look especially grim.
Any tips on summer classes?

It won't be that difficult. I took AP I during a 5 week summer session, then AP II and Chrmistry during the second summer session.

My class was Mon- Fri, and I worked full time. It was alot of material, but very doable. I made sure everyone knew studying came first.

i went over all of my notes on my lunch breaks. Studied the new material on the day it was presented. It wasn't entirely difficult with proper planning, and sticking to your study schedule.

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Apr 5, 2016

I took Micro over the summer and got a C; I ended up CLEPing (testing out) it later got a B when I applied for my BSN several years later.

I knew the material, but is was challenging-still don't regret that C. :laugh:

I found a Micro review book and Micro flash cards on Amazon to be a supplemental review, which helped when I did my CLEP exam; my suggestion is to get those cards and prepare for the exam.

Here are the cards I used; they are worth every penny:

Lippincott Microcards: Microbiology Flash Cards: 9781451192353: Medicine & Health Science Books @ Amazon.com

Best wishes.

wannabeny · Apr 5, 2016

I took AP I during a 5 wk summer session, then AP II and Chem during the second 5 wk session, while working full time. It is doable.

It was alot of material, but very doable. I made sure everyone knew studying came first. I had a B in AP I (my first science course in 9 yrs at the time), and an A in AP II,

some tips:

-i went over all of my notes once a day.

-Studied the new material on the day it was presented.

-Emailed my professor the second I wasn't clear on something, then went back and found tests specifically on that concept to test my understanding.

-during lecture, i wrote down any questions i had, and emailed my professor after class.

-take advantage of any free resources the college offers in regards to tutoring help.

Would I take two science courses during a 5 week summer session again? No. I still worked full time, and I spent all of my spare time studying.

goddess9 · Apr 5, 2016

I did the same with a science and worked full time... It's doable, but don't expect to have a thriving social life. The key is to stay slightly ahead of the material... That way by the end of the session you'll have an extra week or so to prep for the final. The great thing about summer classes is that they're involved but they're over before you know it. I actually prefer the shorter class lengths, and you might like them too. Best of luck.

fyrephish, ADN, RN · Apr 6, 2016

-i went over all of my notes once a day.
-Studied the new material on the day it was presented.
-Emailed my professor the second I wasn't clear on something, then went back and found tests specifically on that concept to test my understanding.
-during lecture, i wrote down any questions i had, and emailed my professor after class.
-take advantage of any free resources the college offers in regards to tutoring help.
Would I take two science courses during a 5 week summer session again? No. I still worked full time, and I spent all of my spare time studying.

Fantastic suggestions. I will commit to these techniques.

nurse2bnat94 · Apr 7, 2016

I've done AP1 & 2 over the summer (6 weeks, just like you) and it wasn't a big deal. Just study, do your homework, and turn it in on time.

wannabeny · Apr 7, 2016

Fantastic suggestions. I will commit to these techniques.

what also helped me, was to write out concepts(say for AP, explaining the parts and function of the heart) as though i was explaining it to someone who knew nothing about it,

(if you can teach it, you know it)

NotAllWhoWandeRN, ASN, RN · Apr 10, 2016

The bad news is, it's only six weeks. The good news is, it's only six weeks. I took all 3 of my A&P classes and microbiology in 8-week classes, and I enjoyed it. If you have the time and inclination, you might want to get the textbook and ask for the syllabus in advance and start looking things over. But if you are an A student and science classes have not been particularly challenging for you, you should be fine. If you can't quite keep an A, though, don't beat yourself up over it. You will feel SO good once that course is over and done :)

fyrephish, ADN, RN · Jul 12, 2016

I can't believe it. They just posted grades for summer Microbiology and I got an A. She had to curve that class because my exam grades were only in the high eighties. I am counting my blessings right now. I logged in while at work and I literally started crying when I saw that grade. Emotions are running a bit high for me right now, so I'm not surprised by my reaction. Wow.

RaggedyAm · Jul 12, 2016

Congrats!!!

I can't believe it. They just posted grades for summer Microbiology and I got an A. She had to curve that class because my exam grades were only in the high eighties. I am counting my blessings right now. I logged in while at work and I literally started crying when I saw that grade. Emotions are running a bit high for me right now, so I'm not surprised by my reaction. Wow.