Moms of little ones, how many pre-reqs do you take at a time?

JeanettePNP, MSN, RN, NP · Nov 4, 2009

When I was taking pre-reqs, I took only 1 science class per term, but 3 online classes. The science classes required labs so I couldn't get away with doing them online, but whatever I could do online I did. I also took lots of CLEPs--check with the schools you want to apply to see if they'll accept credit by exam. By the time I finished my Science pre-reqs I also had earned an online BS degree in Psych, which allowed me to apply to an accelerated program.

LuckyinKY · Nov 4, 2009

I earned my BS in animal science/biology when I had my first son. I was a sophomore when I had him. I started back part-time at the community college taking 2 classes a semester and one during the summer. Once I was back at University of Kentucky, I stayed around 12 credits a semester, just enough to be full time so I could get

Pell Grants. I would always take summer classes to help progress my degree a little faster, also look into mini semesters like a winter session if your school offers them.

I had to take pretty difficult classes, but tried to balance my schedule with no more then 2 difficult classes at a time and tried to take classes that interested me for electives. Also try to do online and evening classes when possible, they tend to be easier. Another tip is to take any pre-reqs you can at the community college, the classes are generally easier, classes are much smaller, and the professors seem to care more since they are focused on teaching and not their research. Your GPA will thank you, I wish I had just gone to a CC to begin with, my GPA suffered when I took alot of difficult classes at the university.

One1, BSN, RN · Nov 5, 2009

I have 2 toddlers (now 2 and 3 years old) and usually took one science course plus 2 online courses. I took classes at different schools at the same time and the schools had different systems (quarters, blocks, semesters) so it was not unusual that classes overlapped, making it at most 4 classes at a time for a few weeks. My younger child was at home with me while my older one went to preschool 3 days a week, and I thought it was very doable, and was able to get good grades in all classes.

hopefulabby · Nov 5, 2009

I have a 2 almost 3 year old and a baby turning 1 tomorrow:redpinkhe. I am currently taking 8 hours of credit which equals to three classes. A 4 hour A&P I, Gov., and 1 hour foundations of leadership ( dumb class that is required for everybody to take by my school). I try to balance one hard class with two or three easier classes. It all depends on your strong and weak areas. I had never taken a college level science course so I tried to not overload myself this semester. Now that I know I can handle and do well at it I will be going for four classes next semester. Good luck! Remember to get your sleep and take of yourself and whenever you have those extra little moments with your kids make the most of them even if your tired or stressed. Good luck!!!!

brittany_micah · Nov 5, 2009

I did like a lot of others, I took 2-3 online classes and 1 science a semester. I have a 1 and 4 year old and found that it was easy to do my class work while they were asleep during the day or at night and still found time to be with them. I've maintained a 3.89 GPA, too. So for me slow and steady worked :) Good Luck!

agray80 · Nov 5, 2009

I also have 2 small children. I have personally decided to go year round, taking 1 class that has me out of the house and 1-2 online classes. I have also chosen to take all of the non-NRN classes except for 2 english classes since I have to maintain at least part time in order to get my reimursement. I will then take 1 english and 1 nursing class per semester for the first 2 semesters. I suggest that you look at the max amount of classes u think you can handle and take 1 class off. Doing good in school and not overstressing yourself with it will keep you motivated and what is an extra semester if u decide to lower the load a little bit. You are working at your goal and keep that in mind. Your closer today than you were yesterday!!!!

Sand_Dollar, BSN · Nov 5, 2009

My kiddos aren't so little anymore, but I home school so they still require lots of time during the day. I took all my classes online, including the sciences. I am pushing it this semester at 16 credits and will be taking 18 next semester. I can't praise the online classes enough, it allows me to be at home where it matters until I *have* to go to campus for NS.

I tend to do work early in the morning before the kids wake up and in the late/afternoon and evening when their schoolwork is finished. If I am lucky I can even get in some time during the day. I did the same with putting one science (usually) with a couple easier ones. I only have social sciences and math right now, let me tell you - I miss my sciences!! I would trade microbiology with art appreciation any day! lol

3rdgenRN2B · Nov 9, 2009

I think this is a very personal decision. You have to do what you can. If you can handle several classes I say go for it. But don't sacrifice grades or your sanity just to finish sooner. I have an almost three year old and work full time so I will be taking 1 prereq at a time, that's all I can handle. Just one class meets 2 nights a week plus study time so I know I can't handle any more than that and still get good grades.

Whatever you decide, good luck!!

Elle16 · Nov 9, 2009

I take one science and another non-science class and it keeps me very busy. My memory is different now and I find I have to spend much more time with my studies, especially the science classes.

krimicrat · Nov 9, 2009

I have a 7 yo, 5 yo (she turns 5 tomorrow!!!), and a 1yo. I am in school full time. I am very fortunate b/c the girls are in school while I am, and my son is cared for between my MIL, my mom, and one day of mother's day out. I start nursing school in the Spring, and I have been able to piece together care for him between my mom, MIL, and a drop in day care that he loves. The down side is it is very expensive.

For next year (Fall 2010), I will need to have him in full time daycare b/c I'll be in clinicals + classes.

This has worked well. I am insanely busy sometimes, but I stick to my schedule and have managed to make it all work out so far. It's definately worth it!