Pre reqs at community college v/s university

verene, MSN · Apr 20, 2014

It depends on the university, but my experience has been that community college is better for the pre-reqs. It's much cheaper, the classes are substantially smaller and easier to pass. My local university is known for having killer introductory science classes because they are a well known science research university with a prominent school of medicine and research hospital. The community college classes offer the same education, with substantially smaller classes (30 vs 300+) and less competition. The instructors at the CC also want students to pass unlike the big lectures where the goal is to "weed out" anyone who isn't cream of the crop.

Everything I've heard from advisers at both schools is that students are not-penalized for taking the course work away from the university so long as the course is in the transfer guide. In many ways it is better because CC students are likely to get higher GPAs in the science classes.

dt70 · Apr 21, 2014

The schools are in a bit of conundrum.

Do the schools allow community college students apply to their program, that may have grade padding, their own students would possibly be disadvantaged, or not allow transfer students apply to their program, loosing out of potential income.

I have never heard of a nursing program that forbid transfer students from applying.

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Apr 21, 2014

Good day:

Since grades (GPA) does not transfer, there would be no grade padding.

Thank you.

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Apr 21, 2014

Good day:
Since grades (GPA) does not transfer, there would be no grade padding.
Thank you.

Usually THIS.

When I transferred to get my BSN, I had a general studies degree without of the pre-req's completed; I did have to complete three university required courses, but they were so much cheaper than the nursing courses, it wasn't a big deal. No GPA was transferred, and my GPA was my nursing GPA.

dt70 · Apr 21, 2014

Good day:
Since grades (GPA) does not transfer, there would be no grade padding.
Thank you.

True, no GPA transfers but they use the grade you received on the prerequisites for the application determination.

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Apr 21, 2014

True, no GPA transfers but they use the grade you received on the prerequisites for the application determination.

Depends on the school; they may look at the first grade only, or if they take the second grade, they still deduct points due to retakes; it's never, "oh, we'll take the higher grade, come on in!"; at least not where everyone and their cousin father's mother's aunt wants to be a nurse; most schools pride themselves on their program and do want people who are able to grasp concepts, put in the work, and be able to understand the aspects of basic nursing once they are ready to take the NCLEX; especially when schools are being scrutinized for graduation and NCLEX passage rates by their states' BON.

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Apr 21, 2014

Good day:

While grades may effect what credits are transferred, the point remains that the grades themselves are not transferred. Since ZERO grades transfer, there can be no grade padding.

thank you.

neld257 · Apr 27, 2014

Have you looked into whether your cc has any agreements with the universities you are interested in attending? I am currently pursuing my ADN at a cc that has agreements with several universities in our general area. I have chosen the university that I want to obtain my BSN from and I am currently "dual enrolled" there. This means that I will complete my ADN at the community college and then complete my BSN at the university. They have the plan all mapped out on paper as to exactly which courses I should take at the cc to fulfill the requirements at the university and after each semester the university evaluates my progress and sends me feedback. Although I will not begin my actual nursing clinicals at the cc until this fall, I already have a full semester's worth of general BSN courses (my university requires inorganic chem, statistics, and I took 2 more humanities courses that I need for the BSN) that I completed at the cc. I am saving so much money by going this route. Plus, if I decide to, I can work with my ADN while pursuing my BSN and have the benefit of employer reimbursement for part of my tuition.

PNW0212 · Apr 27, 2014

At the nursing programs in my area (Seattle), it really does not matter where you take the classes, as long as the school is accredited and your credits transfer. Get good grades and as much experience/volunteer work as you can. At least in most programs, they like experience and volunteer work. Some will only look at GPA. All in all, aim for those 4.0's!