Should I drop my 6 weeks Microbiology course?

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So I've been in this 6 week Microbiology course for 2 weeks. We run through 3/4 sections a week and then do an exam. First exam grade I received was 69% and the second taken today was a 55% . There are 3 more and an optional final that replaces the lowest grade but it has to be done the same day as the last exam ? . The exams counts for 37% of my grade. Unfortunately I'm not grasping the information well because of the fast pace+heavy work load, my instructor's method of teaching and structuring her exams, my bad study habits, the fact that I'm doing the micro lab  separately and my previous work schedule. I quit my job this week so I could devote more time to school but now I'm worried that it does not make sense because my grades so far are horrible. There are other assignments I can use to cushion my grade and so far I missed one. I might be able to pull a low B with better studying habits (not counting on it) but I really wanted an A or solid B in this class and the lab. I'm wondering if I should withdraw and take it at a regular 16 week session or stick it out and try my best with the rest of this 6 week session. Starting August Microbiology is necessary and counts toward the science GPA acceptance for potential nursing students at my college and my GPA is 3.45 - thats why I'm freaking out.

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As someone who has taken a Microbiology course in a short amount of time just as you have, I would suggest you to withdraw if possible. It's better that you understand how you study and how you take in information instead of focusing on getting a certain grade. The grade only reflects your ability to understand the topic. For Microbiology, it is not a simple memorization class like Anatomy is. If you do not understand the concepts and cannot apply them, it is not an easy A. 
May I suggest you try taking a biology class and/or physio prior to taking microbio, if you have not yet? It makes it easier.

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Hello there ?

 I'm assuming this is a Summer-based pre-req and those can be though (I'm assuming from this post maybe you're going to lab 3-4 days a week instead of one) , I think there are 3 factors ; 1. The stress level , 2. the study habits and 3. how it will affect you academically (the financial part , does your college do retakes where the highest is accepted, etc.) The thing is with Summer pre-reqs there is an exam every week and it doesn't soak in. 

I will say that with the grades I can see you try very hard which is good but if you're not grasping the information I think it's best to withdraw. If possible try to find a professor whom isn't difficult and write down or talk to a professor (another) about what you're having trouble with or how to develop better study habits. 

If possible go for the 16-week class , while it may still be a lot of information it is more spread out.  I think it's best to withdraw from the course

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical.

Not going to lie, I did the same thing. I did classes back to back that were only 6 weeks long. I loved how short it was, but you're completely devoted to that class for 6 weeks. There was one point I was so hypoglycemic. But, I always told myself, "what is it that I wanted to do in life? You got to make something of yourself" that's what I would say to myself. 

Now that I look back, I would have done it again the same way. With high rewards, comes high risk. Are you willing to take that risk for something you really want? Go for the gold if this is what you want to have. 

 

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If you had a high C and low B on the tests so far, I'd say stick it out.  Based on the grades you've shown us, drop!  I'd rather have the W than a F.

For me, Microbiology was a bit more doable- comparing it to Anatomy, Physiology, etc..  Still, it was a lot of information to absorb.  I took it in a Summer Semester which was 8 weeks long and I was doing Micro non-stop.  There was no time to have a job.  I did get an "A," but it was with full-on dedication.  I also was taking another class needed (Communication) while doing Micro.

Not sure what state you are in,  but it's always important to get the best grade you can when applying to schools.  Competition is rough out there!

Good luck!

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Specializes in Customer service.

That's tough to pass with your grades right now. I'd drop it. ✅ 

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Thank you guys so much for your advice! Im going to drop the lecture and do it in the upcoming semester as a 16week course. But stay in the lab. 

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Just now, MilaAlex19 said:

Thank you guys so much for your advice! Im going to drop the lecture and do it in the upcoming semester as a 16week course. But stay in the lab. 

I wish you the best of luck ❤️ 

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