Start from scratch or bring in old credits?

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · May 1, 2014

I think you should look into local nursing schools that your considering applying to and speak with a nursing advisor. They usually have good insight and can give you their input. They will have a better idea of the applicant pool and can suggest whether you'll be okay with your current grade for the prereqs or if you should retake those classes.

summerskiss88 · May 1, 2014

I would only retake classes if my gpa was too low. It is a good idea to talk to a nursing school advisor who can look at your transcript though :]

Medic6758 · May 1, 2014

I believe you might have to disclose all the classes you have taken, especially if you are using financial aid. I know when you apply to a college they want the transcripts of all the schools you have attended.

ArrowRN, BSN, RN · May 1, 2014

I thought it depends on the number of years ago the credits were taken (I'm thinking 5 years) and if they were passes or not. IF it was more than 5 years you'd probably have to retake them anyways. If they were within the 5 year limit and qualifying passes, like C and B's you wont get financial aid to pay for them again.This depends on your state and school rules but I'm not 100% sure on this.

loriangel14, RN · May 1, 2014

Usually there is a limit as to how long ago you can have taken the classes. Ask the school.

pmabraham, BSN, RN · May 1, 2014

Good day:

I was able to transfer classes from 1981/1982; but they were not any of the hardcore sciences... just two English classes and a philosophy class that counted towards an elective. If you can transfer them, why not?

Thank you.

ArrowRN, BSN, RN · May 1, 2014

Good day:
I was able to transfer classes from 1981/1982; but they were not any of the hardcore sciences... just two English classes and a philosophy class that counted towards an elective. If you can transfer them, why not?
Thank you.

Because sciences is an area that changes rapidly and your knowledge from then would not be current to what is known today. It's probably beneficial to retake if it is allowed. Maybe a history class or stuff like English and Philosophy it may not matter and would save you the time of retaking, it just depends. But as for English , there's new ways of writing, as far as APA format that was updated, and if you plan to go grad school, you might want to be up to date, again it's really up to the school

PNW0212 · May 1, 2014

Nursing schools in my area do not frown on re-taking classes. I believe that's true for mostly everywhere. I suggest asking your counselor/advisor. Over here in WA state, there is a time limit on how long you can wait until a class "expires." Sciences are 5 years over here. If you took general English or communication requirements and got a B or better, I would say those are fine. But any math or sciences should be repeated and try to get an A! Not only will it look good on your transcripts, but it will really help you touch up on those topics! Good luck :-)

igotaxed · May 1, 2014

It's hard when you're going back to school after many years because you feel like you want to make up for lost time and go at lightning speed. I battle with that feeling every single day because I've been out of school for over 10 years.

Nursing schools are highly competitive, and the ones I'm familiar with (around the Atlanta area) are inundated with applicants every semester. So my recommendation is to ensure you have the best GPA possible when applying. That might mean taking your sciences over. Yes, that takes more time, and it's not exactly fun -- especially Chemistry. :)

But... I will say that taking a semester or two to dust off the brain before nursing school isn't exactly a bad idea. Good luck to you! I'll be right here in Atlanta on a similar mission. :up:

Betty 1 · May 2, 2014

Don't you have to turn in transcripts from all colleges attend when applying? I think you'll have to turn them in. Most colleges won't transfer developmental classes or ones with below a C grade and science classes older then 5 years. At least that's what I heard. Good luck with going back to college :)

pmabraham, BSN, RN · May 2, 2014

Good day:

"But as for English , there's new ways of writing, as far as APA format that was updated, and if you plan to go grad school, you might want to be up to date, again it's really up to the school"

If you want to save money, then there's the Internet. If the classes for such transfer, save time from retaking them, save study time for studying for them, and save money for books and the classes.

Thank you.