Should I take Chemistry for the more "Prestigious" school??

Alert&Orientedx0 · May 26, 2007

Anybody???? :uhoh3:

Megsd, BSN, RN · May 26, 2007

Personally I'd take O-chem because what happens if you wind up not getting into the program that doesn't require it, and the one that does says "Oh, if ONLY you'd taken that class..." Basically, I'm all for keeping as many options available to you as possible, so I'd take the class if you can afford to. It's not that bad, and the concepts will probably benefit you in the long run anyway.

As far as which program to pick, I'd probably get a feel for what your living expenses would be at program 2 and see how it compares to the semester cost of program 1. While it's always nice to go for the program with the best reputation, if you can't afford it, you can't afford it. That said, you may find that it's actually cheaper to do program 1 since they take care of housing, which will/may eliminate your rent, electric, gas, water, sewer, phone, cable bills you'd be paying off campus. And with gas prices as crazy as they are right now, I'd take that into consideration too.

CuriousMe · May 26, 2007

Hi all, heres my situation. I might get provisionally accepted into an accelerated BSN program pending I take organic chemistry before the fall semester starts. However, there is another accelerated program that I am waiting to here back from next week (I think I'll be accepted because I was accepted before & admissions told me I have a good chance getting back in).
My dilemma is that the program that requires organic chem cost about 20K/semester (includes tuition, housing, board)(5.sem program) & has a better reputation than the other program :uhoh21: . However, the other program is 10K/semester, no housing (in the same very expensive area), & gets mixed reviews but doesn't require I take an extra chemistry. In addition I have to factor in gas, food, etc since Id have to live off campus :uhoh21: .
If I am provisionally accepted into the more prestigious program, should I bite the bullet & take the chemistry class or just settle for the program that doesn't require it??? thanks for any suggestions

You're better off taking Ochem either way. As someone else said, it keeps your options open and the reality is, that it won't hurt your understanding of pharmacology later on.

As far as programs, the other thing to consider is that what kind of financial aid package you can get. Often pricier schools have more scholarship money to give.

Peace,

Cathie

Alert&Orientedx0 · May 26, 2007

Ok, so if I take the organic chemistry, will I have to have taken General chem 1 & 2 or can I take organic with me have only taken General chem. 1??? Will I be lost if I haven't had 2 semesters of chem already before taking organic chem??? Oh, & about financial aid packages, I have spoken with both schools about it & since it is ABSN they only offer loans, no scholarships for second degrees:o & Id probably have to take out a private loan to pay for living expenses for the school that doesn't offer housing. In addition, since Im still considered dependent my parents EFC is too high for federal aid. On the other hand they do have loan forgiveness. Then again, I still have the option of the diploma program here at home with free housing( mom & dad). I dont know what to do:uhoh3: Thanks guys for your suggestions

justme1972 · May 26, 2007

Honestly? Probably not. When you start looking for a job when you graduate, it will not make a difference where you got your degree, so long as you did.

CuriousMe · May 26, 2007

Ok, so if I take the organic chemistry, will I have to have taken General chem 1 & 2 or can I take organic with me have only taken General chem. 1??? Will I be lost if I haven't had 2 semesters of chem already before taking organic chem???

Only your college catalog will tell you that....just check the prereqs for Ochem and speak to an adviser to see how what you've taken matches up with what is needed.

Good Luck!!

Peace,

Cathie

Megsd, BSN, RN · May 26, 2007

Ok, so if I take the organic chemistry, will I have to have taken General chem 1 & 2 or can I take organic with me have only taken General chem. 1??? Will I be lost if I haven't had 2 semesters of chem already before taking organic chem???

It honestly depends on the school. I started taking prereqs at the school I got my undergrad from and did not take o-chem there because I would have needed an additional semester of chemistry (took one as a freshman) and possibly multiple semesters of o-chem because of how the curriculum was set up at that school.

Then I wound up taking o-chem at the community college here. The one chem class I took 4 years ago was accepted as a transfer credit (not that I remembered ANYTHING from that class) and I managed to get an A in o-chem anyway. I didn't feel like I was at a disadvantage for not having taking additional chem classes.

casi, ASN, RN · May 27, 2007

Take the o-chem and apply to both schools. Honestly 20k/semester when housing is included is probably about the same if you were to spend 10k+living expenses.

Make a budget for both schools factor in the 20k + living expenses (ie food and personal items) then budget the 10k school with living expenses and see what comes out cheeper.