Retaking classes (not necessarily because of bad grades) Good/Bad?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Hello!

I already have a BS degree (Environmental Studies) and have previously taken Statistics, Chemistry I w/ Lab, Chemistry II w/ Lab and Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy and Mammalian Physiology (both were semester long courses with labs). I'm retaking these classes now for different reasons but ultimately the goal is the same- to come out with A's in the classes and get into an accelerated BSN program.

My concern is that retaking so many classes will look bad to some admission counselors, even though I'm not necessarily retaking them because I got a bad grade. Also, I took all my initial classes at a 4 year college (so higher levels). The retakes are now at my local community college.

My first time taking Statistics I got a C. I retook this is a 5 week accelerated course and got an A.

I retook this class for 1 reason: To increase the grade

My first time taking Chem 1 I got a B-. I retook this and got an A- in lecture and an A in lab (the community college separates the grades for whatever reason..)

- I retook this class for 2 reasons: To increase the grade and because this class was taken in Fall 2004, so for some schools it is "expired."

I am currently enrolled in a 5 week accelerated course for Chemistry II. I'm hoping for an A to replace my initial grade of a C.

- I am retaking this class for 2 reasons: To increase the grade and because this class was taken in Spring 2005, so for some schools it is "expired."

I will be taking Anatomy and Physiology I and II next semester (Fall 2010) in an accelerated format. AP I for seven weeks and AP I the following seven weeks.

- I am taking these classes for 2 reasons: To increase the grade and because some schools will not accept my Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy and Mammalian Physiology courses as AP I and II (even though my initial courses were 400 level courses of which I received a B in each course!)

Thank you for taking the time to read this!

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Specializes in School Nursing.

If they won't take your school's version of AP1 & 2 than I don't think you have to worry at all about retaking it. I don't think you'll have issues with the others either since they are 'expired' for a lot of schools. I don't think there are any worries.

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With your degree and coursework, you ever consider the PA or AA route instead of nursing?

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My community college recommends retaking classes to increase one's GPA, so I would do the same thing.

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To GilaRN:

I've thought about it but my overall GPA is ~2.9, so that doesn't help my chances. (I took Calculus twice, failed the first time, got a D the second time. And I got a C in Statistics (have retaken at the CC and now have an A), Chem II, General Psychology and Cell Biology. All of this contributes to my low GPA. Everything else I've received B's or better.) I've thought about trying to write a letter explaining the low GPA (all those C's took place in the same semester/freshmen year) but I don't know.. But I also did an undergraduate research project which I received an A in. I have an impressive job at the moment (and would get a great recommendation from my boss). And have been doing well retaking my classes (while working this job full-time). But I don't know if any of this will be impressive enough to help with such a low GPA..

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

I would talk to a counselor/advisor first. Why retake if they don't see it as an issue? You could be wasting time and money

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Just last night I saw a girl from my A&P 1 class taking it all over again. She said that she has talked to a bunch of people from my first class who are taking again because they got B's. Its very common where I go to school.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

First off, they'll see that you needed to retake some of those classes anyways because they were expired. I believe most want the science classes to be taken within 5 years.

The Accelerated BSN programs you're interested in takes your undergrad GPA if it's less than 3.0? Or are you doing it online? In my area all of the colleges/universities that have ABSN (or FastTrack) programs require a minimum of 3.0 from your prior degree.

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Some are 2.8 and above. Others have no requirement. And some with 3.0 requirements just need you to explain yourself, if you look good everywhere else. I'm looking all over (mainly VA, MA, CT).

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Specializes in LDRP.

I don't think it would look bad to an ABSN program that you have retaken some pre-requisites... like everyone else said, it looks like you needed to refresh those courses anyway. PLUS, admissions for the ABSN program that I'm attending told us specifically that an undergrad GPA that isn't great doesn't necessarily mean you'll have a hard time getting in - what they're looking for is improvement. And your retaking all those classes would definitely show a lot of improvement, so I say go for it. :up:

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Do you mind me asking where you are going for your ABSN? Thanks.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

H0pefulStdnt:

I wish all ABSN programs gave that same advice. I went to an information session for an ABSN program I'm interested in, and the chairperson of the Nursing department said if you have less than a 3.0 in your undergrad and you still apply to the program, you will automatically receive a "rejection" letter. She said they won't look at anything else at that point. What can be said, it's their rules.

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