Retaking Classes for Better Grades

[Music in My Heart]

Hello Nurse Educators.

I'm a career-changer who's been admitted to a DEMSN program.

Both in my prerequisite classes and in the student forums here, I hear a lot of talk about retaking classes solely for grade improvement. I'm not talking about failed classes but people trying to raise B's and C's to A's. I've even heard of people doing this 3 or 4 times.

I can understand retaking a class in order to meet a published minimum grade but it's hard to imagine that admissions committees look favorably on students who take multiple tries to get an A.

I'm wondering if these students have been encouraged to do so by the schools of nursing or if they're simply following pop wisdom.

What are the opinions of you professional educators, are students benefited by retaking classes in which they've earned B's?

[NPPHD]

Some programs admit on the basis of GPA. I am assuming that the students want to increase their GPA so that they will increase their chance for admission to the nursing program. Most programs have many more applicants than they do available spots. The students with the higher GPA are the ones that are admitted.

[VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN]

Some schools of nursing admit according to a "points" system and this can vary greatly from school to school. In many of these schools, an "A" in pre or co-requisites can make quite a difference in number of points awarded and thus, getting into the program. The competition can be fierce, with multiple candidates vying for each seat. In my limited experience, the school does not consider the number of times the student has taken the course to achieve the coveted "A." So, yes, this practice is encouraged by admissions counselors (usually not faculty). Of course, it depends on the admissions policy of the particular school of nursing as to whether this will benefit a potential nursing student or not.

[ReinventingMyselfAgain, MSN, RN]

I am involved in the admission process at my school. We do not look too kindly on people retaking classes to get a better grade. My theory is that everyone deserves a second chance, that sh*t happens and people end up failing or withdrawing or whatever. If it's only one class, I don't see it as a huge red flag. But if it is a pattern, then I'd worry. I have to say, it does depend on the grades, and the courses they are repeating. For example, we do not accept anything lower than a C for transfers. So if a student received an F, then retook it and got a D, then a B, it doesn't bode too well for that person to be accepted, even if their GPA is high enough. If it is a science (A&P or micro), then it really isn't a good sign for their performance in nursing courses. Id worry that it took so many times for someone to 'get' the info. But then again, if a school is admitting solely on GPA (which we do not), and if the #'s make you look better, then I guess they should be doing it.

[ElizaLou1982]

Hi I was just wondering what you thought about clinical experience for ABSN programs. I have a GPA of first degree of 3.04(I know...I had a very rough time...had to work), but I pulled it together towards the end. I worked for five years in a clinical setting. As a CNA in low income clinic, lab assistant, surgical assistant/medical assistant, and endoscopy critical care technician. TONS OF PATIENT CARE! Do you think that will help me in my application? I got into an ADN program, but rejected from another, and still waiting on the ASBN program. My hopes are low on it...but I am praying for a miracle!

What do you think about the clinical experience? Will it boost me in?

[ElizaLou1982]

And another thing...my ASBN program I applied for has a 2.75 minimum GPA.

[carolg]

most of the schools I have applied to have point system but you are only allowed one retake and it lowers your points if you had to retake a science for a higher grade. Always check the schools policies is the best I can tell you. Good luck