Im soooo lost..what do I do next

WDWpixieRN, RN · Oct 27, 2006

I can't compare science courses per se, but I graduated with a general transfer AA to attend a local university and was astounded as how lousy this university was compared to what I had left. I felt like I was back in high school and the instructors were horrible (tenure :uhoh3: ). I was so very disappointed as this college was usually ranked pretty high and tuition was NOT cheap.

I kind of felt like the comment that CCs were not as good as universities was not a fair statement based on my experience. I think each stands on its own reputation and that's where your "homework" when you're looking for a college to attend is so very important.

Our CC nursing program has an excellent reputation in this area and there are several university programs and a hospital-based program in this area to be compared against.

LaceyRN · Oct 28, 2006

Well actually I do know what to do next..APPLY to nursing school but im scared... I don't have great grades im a B student and I repeated 2 classes(anatomy and micro.) ANYONE In the same boat???? OR AM I THE ONLY PERSON ON HERE WHO DOESN'T HAVE STRAIGHT A'S AND HASN'T REPEATED ANY CLASSES.....PLEASE TELL ME IM NOT ALONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OP-

I have FAR from a perfect transcript! My first few attempts at college in the 1990's left many blemishes on my transcripts, but I managed to earn my AA degree in 2000 with a 3.01 GPA. When I decided to pursue nursing, I KNEW it was going to be a challenge to get accepted so I decided to take all my non-nursing courses first at a community college. Since this past January, I have earned straight A's for all my co-req's for the nursing degree- Micro, A&P I & II, Intro Psych and Developmental Psych. I felt I had to "prove" myself so to speak. It worked, and I begin my nursing program in January. So, it definitely can be done without a perfect record- I'm proof of that- so keep working toward your goal! :)

Cree8ive1 · Oct 28, 2006

I guess it really does depend on the school. I've taken classes at a major university in the late 1980s, and classes at three CCs through the years since. The classes at the major state university were hard! Very, very challenging, and every time I got an A, I really felt like I earned it. I graduated from that school and years later went to a CC to get some classes to start working on another degree. I swear, those classes were harder than my classes at the university. I ended up with the first D of my collegiate career from that CC and ended up not finishing the program I'd enrolled in there.

Fast forward to present day. I've been taking classes at two CCs in my area in preparation for nursing school. I was horrified at the first school and how easy it was to get an A. I don't think I met one student at that school who didn't have between a 3.85 and 4.0 GPA, and I'm talking some pretty "non-academic" types of people, too (I'm trying to be politically correct -- please use your imagination, and lots of double negatives...). My AP I teacher there used to give us "study guides" before the tests. If we knew everything on that list inside out, we were pretty much guaranteed an A on the test. The study guides were that thorough. (Of course, there were STILL people who failed!). I think I got one 98 on a test, and 100s on all the rest.

The thing is, I didn't feel like I earned the A I got in that class. Does that make sense? Probably half the class got As in there. What's so special about that, you know? I really left that class and others I took at that school feeling like the school MUST tell its instructors to inflate grades so they look good on paper. But I felt somehow short-changed. I don't know. I mean, don't get me wrong. I love my 4.0 GPA this time around...but I don't love it as much as if I'd been only one of a handful to boast this GPA, KWIM?

So I guess my original question was: do people in the workplace, or people along the path of our further nurse education (I want to complete my BSN and then an MSN) look negatively upon the fact that I had a high GPA from a CC? I have to believe that CCs have a bit of a negative rep among higher-level "academes," etc., because of the "dumbed down" courses at SOME SCHOOLS and the grade inflation that goes on there...?

catzy5 · Oct 28, 2006

I guess it really does depend on the school. I've taken classes at a major university in the late 1980s, and classes at three CCs through the years since. The classes at the major state university were hard! Very, very challenging, and every time I got an A, I really felt like I earned it. I graduated from that school and years later went to a CC to get some classes to start working on another degree. I swear, those classes were harder than my classes at the university. I ended up with the first D of my collegiate career from that CC and ended up not finishing the program I'd enrolled in there.
Fast forward to present day. I've been taking classes at two CCs in my area in preparation for nursing school. I was horrified at the first school and how easy it was to get an A. I don't think I met one student at that school who didn't have between a 3.85 and 4.0 GPA, and I'm talking some pretty "non-academic" types of people, too (I'm trying to be politically correct -- please use your imagination, and lots of double negatives...). My AP I teacher there used to give us "study guides" before the tests. If we knew everything on that list inside out, we were pretty much guaranteed an A on the test. The study guides were that thorough. (Of course, there were STILL people who failed!). I think I got one 98 on a test, and 100s on all the rest.
The thing is, I didn't feel like I earned the A I got in that class. Does that make sense? Probably half the class got As in there. What's so special about that, you know? I really left that class and others I took at that school feeling like the school MUST tell its instructors to inflate grades so they look good on paper. But I felt somehow short-changed. I don't know. I mean, don't get me wrong. I love my 4.0 GPA this time around...but I don't love it as much as if I'd been only one of a handful to boast this GPA, KWIM?
So I guess my original question was: do people in the workplace, or people along the path of our further nurse education (I want to complete my BSN and then an MSN) look negatively upon the fact that I had a high GPA from a CC? I have to believe that CCs have a bit of a negative rep among higher-level "academes," etc., because of the "dumbed down" courses at SOME SCHOOLS and the grade inflation that goes on there...?

I am sure some do, some people who have never taken classes just assume CC is "jr college" I don't think its called that anymore thankfully. I have been to 2 other CC and both are really good schools universities happily take our transfer credits, the CC I am in now is highly regarded in the nursing program and the 2 classes I am taking now I can tell you are not Dumbed down in anyway. I look at the work others are doing in the same classes and mine is atleast doubled and its expected to be done on your own the instructors are there for very little besides to answer questions and unlock the doors hehehe. That being said I have taken a few others classes that quite possibly were not the most challenging, and have seen many "goof" off types trying to get thru class without studying the soon wake up to the real world though either buckling down or leaving all together.

I think in this day and age CC is a way for students who can't afford a big university, or for people who are working and can't devote a full time course load, also CC make higher education available to everyone, you pretty much just need a GED to get in, and many people can use this for mistakes they might of made in highschool can go to CC get the work done and keep moving up just as someone going for their masters or doctorate might move up from their under grad school. Its wonderful that some many communities have these schools available now. Where I grew up we didn't have that optiong "back in my day" Hahaha

WDWpixieRN, RN · Oct 28, 2006

So I guess my original question was: do people in the workplace, or people along the path of our further nurse education (I want to complete my BSN and then an MSN) look negatively upon the fact that I had a high GPA from a CC? I have to believe that CCs have a bit of a negative rep among higher-level "academes," etc., because of the "dumbed down" courses at SOME SCHOOLS and the grade inflation that goes on there...?

My guess is what you point out above....it depends on which CC you'll be talking about...if they've got a poor reputation in the community, if they're correctly accredited, then it will be looked down upon to some extent...if they've got a good academic record, then I doubt it will ever be a problem.

The most important thing is to try to determine where you will apply for higher education, and check with that (or any other) university to see what will be transferable and what won't. When I was looking at a local university, they were able to tell me by exact class title what would transfer into their program from my CC and what wouldn't. I think that will give you a pretty good idea whether this particular CC is in your best interest.

Good luck!

LaceyRN · Oct 28, 2006

I guess it really does depend on the school. I've taken classes at a major university in the late 1980s, and classes at three CCs through the years since. The classes at the major state university were hard! Very, very challenging, and every time I got an A, I really felt like I earned it. I graduated from that school and years later went to a CC to get some classes to start working on another degree. I swear, those classes were harder than my classes at the university. I ended up with the first D of my collegiate career from that CC and ended up not finishing the program I'd enrolled in there.
Fast forward to present day. I've been taking classes at two CCs in my area in preparation for nursing school. I was horrified at the first school and how easy it was to get an A. I don't think I met one student at that school who didn't have between a 3.85 and 4.0 GPA, and I'm talking some pretty "non-academic" types of people, too (I'm trying to be politically correct -- please use your imagination, and lots of double negatives...). My AP I teacher there used to give us "study guides" before the tests. If we knew everything on that list inside out, we were pretty much guaranteed an A on the test. The study guides were that thorough. (Of course, there were STILL people who failed!). I think I got one 98 on a test, and 100s on all the rest.
The thing is, I didn't feel like I earned the A I got in that class. Does that make sense? Probably half the class got As in there. What's so special about that, you know? I really left that class and others I took at that school feeling like the school MUST tell its instructors to inflate grades so they look good on paper. But I felt somehow short-changed. I don't know. I mean, don't get me wrong. I love my 4.0 GPA this time around...but I don't love it as much as if I'd been only one of a handful to boast this GPA, KWIM?
So I guess my original question was: do people in the workplace, or people along the path of our further nurse education (I want to complete my BSN and then an MSN) look negatively upon the fact that I had a high GPA from a CC? I have to believe that CCs have a bit of a negative rep among higher-level "academes," etc., because of the "dumbed down" courses at SOME SCHOOLS and the grade inflation that goes on there...?

I think it really depends on the specific CC in question and their reputation within the community. I have attended 3 different CC's, 2 in Florida and 1 in NY and they were anything but easy!! VERY challenging curriculum and highly respected, so it just depends on the area. My current CC is very highly respected and I had to work to earn my A's in the courses I took there.

EDIT: One more important thing- I chose to take my courses at the community college because of financial reasons and because I had contacted the nursing school to confirm the transfer credits would be accepted by them. It's VERY important to check with your specific program to confirm they will accept the credits. :)

CuriousMe · Oct 28, 2006

I went to a Univeristy the first time around backin the late 80's and skated through many courses with a B.

I'm attending a CC now, and the workload is amazing. Most of my science proff's teach at the big university in town as well, teaching the same curriculum. I have a 4.0.....but I've really worked my butt off for it.

Peace,

Cathie

-alice- · Oct 30, 2006

I'm doing the same. I originally started at a University this Fall but I have decided to go the ASN route at a CC and finish the BSN later.
The AP class at the University had a 70% first-time taker FAIL rate, mainly because, the school got special funding to 'beef up' their science and biology department and the AP courses are specifically designed for the Pre-Med student.

I took AI&II this semester and dropped out (like I said earlier) because it was mainly for kines and I really didnt feel like I was learning anything. I think CC would be m ore catered to what I need as a nurse, right?

stpauligirl · Oct 31, 2006

I just wanted to point out that while I totally understand your frustration and understand the point you're trying to make, that unless this SAHM doesn't cook (i.e. shop for groceries, do dishes, clean out her leftover both before and after cooking), do laundry (more shopping for soap/fabric softener, sorting, folding, putting away), clean house (more shopping for cleaning supplies, vacuum bags), or transport kids anywhere, including the doctor, dentist, dance, sports, etc., she's really not dealing with "plenty of quiet study time"....take it from a former SAHM....she's squeezing it in between all of the above and more!!
Best wishes to you!!

:yeahthat: I don't like people who minimize the efforts of a SAHM...I am one, too. NO JOB IS HARDER THAN BEING A GOOD PARENT AND A GOOD WIFE!!!!!!!!!!

wdpixie...you forgot to add the homework battles with elementary shcool children who are just starting to learn how to read and write and Lord have mercy if the kids have trouble in those areas!!!!! .... The endless paper crap that kids come home with from school, fundraiser this and fundraiser that.... my son has 3 separate reading logs to keep track off...I guess schools are totally over eager to teach kids how to read!!!! nothing gets more on my nerves!!!!!! also some SAHM have husbands in the military or husbands that work out of town during the week and only show up on weekends. Yeah right, we have ALL the time in the world to study!!! That's ridiculous! Kids wake up after bedtime, keep coming out of bed pestering parents....as a parent student YOU ARE CONSTANTLY INTERRUPTED.....BTW tomorrow is Halloween and I will take my son Trick-O-Treating, I have a test the next day....

Sorry but this just hit a nerve :uhoh3:

WDWpixieRN, RN · Oct 31, 2006

stpauligirl:

Yes, you're right, I did forget those items...the list is basically never ending actually (pets? yardwork? taking the garbage out? and then this minor issue of holidays -- costumes, turkeys, and Christmas trees)....I was trying to be nice because I can imagine what it feels like to "think" she's just a SAHM, but if unless she's a total self-centered woman w/maids, etc., I really wanted to point out that it's not just lay around with Oprah and the bon-bons!! And I had forgotten about the spouses that travel, etc...we have one (at least) in our class with that issue....

stpauligirl · Oct 31, 2006

stpauligirl:
Yes, you're right, I did forget those items...the list is basically never ending actually (pets? yardwork? taking the garbage out? and then this minor issue of holidays -- costumes, turkeys, and Christmas trees)....I was trying to be nice because I can imagine what it feels like to "think" she's just a SAHM, but if unless she's a total self-centered woman w/maids, etc., I really wanted to point out that it's not just lay around with Oprah and the bon-bons!! And I had forgotten about the spouses that travel, etc...we have one (at least) in our class with that issue....

...and the list goes on and on and on....my son is eight and also just got braces last week...the whining that his teeth hurt...now we have EXTRA long teeth cleaning sessions in the evening, and of course he needs SPECIAL dietary accomodations!!!! The endless "emergencies" with kids.... :uhoh3:

And you are right, the pets...both my cats need shots;)

My husband only comes home on weekends....I flee my own house to go to the library, power struggles between son and father can become very intense....I guess they call it "bonding" It drives me crazy and I disappear for a few hours with my books.

I'ts very hard to be a SAHM....or being a MOM period and going to school!!!!!! And people who don't have kids just don't understand.

stpauligirl · Oct 31, 2006

stpauligirl:
Yes, you're right, I did forget those items...the list is basically never ending actually (pets? yardwork? taking the garbage out? and then this minor issue of holidays -- costumes, turkeys, and Christmas trees)....I was trying to be nice because I can imagine what it feels like to "think" she's just a SAHM, but if unless she's a total self-centered woman w/maids, etc., I really wanted to point out that it's not just lay around with Oprah and the bon-bons!! And I had forgotten about the spouses that travel, etc...we have one (at least) in our class with that issue....

And you know it's not just with little kids....big kids too...my oldest son joined the Air Force and had some fallout up in Montana where he was stationed....guess who went on an "emergency" visit to help him through tough times..of course MOM who just had varicous vein surgery and could barely walk let alone sit on that plane for hours Even the overeager biological dad agreed that the son needed his mom....all other times biological dad felt he needed to push mom out of the way and sue her for custody every other week, but in this case he even realized that there is no substitute for MOM!!!!! Yeah sure, I have ALL the time in the world to study....it's ridiculous to assume!

CAN YOU TELL THAT I AM WORKED UP OVER THIS SUBJECT? LOL