19 and starting pre-reqs in August, advice?

MrsStudentNurse · Jun 9, 2013

That's awesome Max! It's hard but hang on. If I could go back to 19 I'd of harnessed myself down and studied, taken school seriously and sucked up the FOMO (Fear of missing out) on social activities. Just remind yourself you'll be wayyy ahead of most people if you hang on. Best of luck!!

Idiosyncratic, BSN, RN · Jun 9, 2013

Welcome to the world of fun times, no social life, and lots of studying! :)

My best advice would be to not overwhelm yourself. Also, study study study. Don't ever fall behind either!

Im not sure what your program requires prior to being able to apply, but as long as you stay focused you should be good!

MaxwellHolmes · Jun 9, 2013

Awesome, thanks guys!!

i♥words · Jun 9, 2013

Learn to balance. I think that you can go to school, do well, and have a social life. I'm by no means a social butterfly, but I do hang out with my family and friends when I can. If you focus solely on studying the entire semester, you will burn out quickly. My first semester of prereqs I nearly lost it; I wanted all As so badly, and I made myself sick over it. I lost weight, felt tired and stressed, and had several breakdowns with full on crocodile tears. Keep up with assignments and try to stay ahead, but don't let school take over your life. My second semester I regrouped and tried to make one day a week school-free. I don't always stick to it (I mean, sometimes you just have to study, especially when you have a test the next day), but when I do I feel so much better mentally and physically. Good luck!

zoe92 · Jun 9, 2013

There is definitely a way to have a social life & do well. Buy a planner (or use the one on your phone/computer) & write down your assignments. Study a little every day even if you don't have a test coming up & really work on time management.

StudentN123 · Jun 10, 2013

Hello! :-) I was also 19 (last year) when I started my pre-reqs. I am now 20, and hoping to apply soon. ^.^ All I can say is focus! Make sure you study your material each day, and practice your anatomy. You do not want to fall behind, because it is not fun to play catch up with these classes. lol From experience, I was able to complete my pre-reqs successfully, and still have a "social life" on the weekends. In fact to be honest, I still partied a bit here and there; but I knew that I had to work hard all week to enjoy my saturday night off. And when I did party, I made sure to not attempt any over the board things, but instead have fun with some close friends or family. I'd figured that all the crazy stuff could wait until summer.. lol

Anyhow, I also drinked a lot of Starbucks coffee, as it helped to "stay focused". I do not recommend depending on caffeine too much though. I think that if I was able to work out, I would have the same energy boost, but because I was injured for almost a year, I had to depend on coffee and long walks. Anyhow, another important thing eat healthy! Avoid fast-food, lots of salty meals, and make sure to get enough vegetables, whole-grains, nuts, fish, chicken, fruit, ect. Apart from sleeping, healthy eating is essential. I would notice that I would feel much more alert and not suffer from any digestive problems; which could interfere with my studying.

Another thing, pick up yourself if you end up getting a C or below on a test. I would be one of those people that would beat myself up for getting such score, but I realized that it will happen to any successful student; and therefore we must learn from our mistakes. Perhaps there would be tests that I could had done better if I asked for more help on a certain topic. So don't be too perfectionist..lol and most of the time out a 1000 pts, you can still afford to miss some pts on a test and still get an A. :-) Furthermore, I strongly suggest asking your professor what exactly will be on the lab practical for anatomy class!! Ask them what you need to focus on, and how many different orientations will they be asking of a certain anatomy model. Also, record the models in class and search them on youtube. Study Study Study!! :-) lol Best of luck to you!!!

MaxwellHolmes · Jun 10, 2013

Hello! :-) I was also 19 (last year) when I started my pre-reqs. I am now 20, and hoping to apply soon. ^.^ All I can say is focus! Make sure you study your material each day, and practice your anatomy. You do not want to fall behind, because it is not fun to play catch up with these classes. lol From experience, I was able to complete my pre-reqs successfully, and still have a "social life" on the weekends. In fact to be honest, I still partied a bit here and there; but I knew that I had to work hard all week to enjoy my saturday night off. And when I did party, I made sure to not attempt any over the board things, but instead have fun with some close friends or family. I'd figured that all the crazy stuff could wait until summer.. lol
Anyhow, I also drinked a lot of Starbucks coffee, as it helped to "stay focused". I do not recommend depending on caffeine too much though. I think that if I was able to work out, I would have the same energy boost, but because I was injured for almost a year, I had to depend on coffee and long walks. Anyhow, another important thing eat healthy! Avoid fast-food, lots of salty meals, and make sure to get enough vegetables, whole-grains, nuts, fish, chicken, fruit, ect. Apart from sleeping, healthy eating is essential. I would notice that I would feel much more alert and not suffer from any digestive problems; which could interfere with my studying.
Another thing, pick up yourself if you end up getting a C or below on a test. I would be one of those people that would beat myself up for getting such score, but I realized that it will happen to any successful student; and therefore we must learn from our mistakes. Perhaps there would be tests that I could had done better if I asked for more help on a certain topic. So don't be too perfectionist..lol and most of the time out a 1000 pts, you can still afford to miss some pts on a test and still get an A. :-) Furthermore, I strongly suggest asking your professor what exactly will be on the lab practical for anatomy class!! Ask them what you need to focus on, and how many different orientations will they be asking of a certain anatomy model. Also, record the models in class and search them on youtube. Study Study Study!! :-) lol Best of luck to you!!!

Lol wow that's crazy, yeah I'm definitely gonna be eating healthy then! Thanks!

Also do guys think there is time to work part-time when pursuing an ADN? I have 3 pre-reqs to knock out in fall 2013 (bio 1, A&P 1, Pharmacology ) I think I can work while doing that but I'm not sure how demanding Nursing school is.. Anybody?

JUSTanLPN · Jun 10, 2013

Get nothing but a's in ur prerequisites. Best advice anyone can give. It will make admissions much easier

StudentN123 · Jun 11, 2013

Hmm, I would not recommend working... ! You will be taking 3 science classes, and that will take a lot of your time.. lol Remember that you need time for yourself as well, or you will burn out. :-)