Take Intro to Bio or AP out of it?

dorkypanda · Sep 30, 2014

Careful here,did you take and pass AP bio while in HS? I would double check to see if the bio course required for the nursing program allows you to substitute AP credit for the course because they may give you a certain grade that is equivalent to what the AP score is. the program I applied to did recognize AP credit (pass with a 3 or higher) but was only equivalent to a C for a college course. so if you read up on something similar you might want to consider taking the bio course. Intro to bio shouldn't be such a difficult course given you dedicate to it, spend time studying for the course.

Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

ThatOneDude822 · Oct 1, 2014

I agree with dorkypanda in that you should check how your school factors in AP scores to your GPA. Some schools do it the way they mentioned, and I've also heard of schools who give you the units for the class, and just don't factor the class into the GPA calculation at all (so it doesn't hurt you, but it doesn't help you either). If you still think APing out of the class is an option after you answer that question, and you have room in your schedule & think you can do well in the class, then I would just take it. It would be a nice refresher (basic biological knowledge is really nice in anatomy), plus it would be a nice GPA booster/cushion if you think you'll do well in it. I would only AP out if it if you're still confident in your knowledge of biology (confident enough that you'll be able to use it in other classes like anatomy, micro, and physiology), you don't need a GPA cushion, and/or you absolutely don't have room in your schedule for it. Otherwise I would just take it.

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Oct 1, 2014

Good day,

I took human biology (an intro course) so it would prepare me for AP1, AP2, and Microbiology; it was among the best decisions I made in terms of class planning. I don't recommend trying to place out of it.

Thank you.

AspiringNurseMW · Oct 1, 2014

I think it depends on what everyone else mentioned. Will it postpone your application into the nursing program? Is getting in sooner a priority for you? How confident are you in understanding science? The last time I took biology was a little over 10 years ago like you, I dont remember much, probably not enough the challenge the class. However I am really good and enjoy science, especially A&P where I can understand concepts because it applies to the human body vs some vague concept, and I am doing pretty well for not having taken Intro to Bio. Would it help? More than likely. It seems like a wise choice as A&P & Bio is the foundation of which nursing is built upon.

funtimes · Oct 1, 2014

I took college biology 101 prior to A&P and it was somewhat useful, although not hugely beneficial. If nothing else it conditioned me a little for A&P and made me familiar with some subjects that pop up repeatedly in A&P.

Kuriin, BSN, RN · Oct 1, 2014

My school required general biology as a prerequisite before attempting microbiology. General biology and algebra were required for chemistry. Chemistry and biology were required for physiology. Biology was required for anatomy.

So what I'm trying to say is: Don't skip these important classes because they are fundamental and will help you later on.

Leonardsmom,LPN · Oct 1, 2014

At my school they have a biology for physiology foundation class that they recommend, not required. I found the class to be helpful on making sure that basic knowledge that was going to be needed for anatomy and especially physiology. A lot of the information was covered in high school but especially if it has been awhile since those classes, I found it helpful to remind me of information that I may have already learned and to make sure that I had a solid foundation for my future classes.

krrbrr, ADN · Oct 9, 2014

My school had an intro to bio class listed as a pre-req for A&P. However my adviser told me that it's not needed (and the professor doesn't care if you take it), so I proceeded on with A&P without taking it. BIG MISTAKE, I'm not saying that I'm doing poorly in A&P (I'm on week 4 of the class right now) in fact I have a 4.0 in the class, but it is HARD. When the teacher says that I need to study 2-3 hours a day to be successful, I instead have to study more like 4-6 hours a day to play 'catch up' on things that everyone else already seems to know (I've been out of school since 1999). I WISH I had taken the pre-req now and avoided some of the stress I've been through with these first few weeks of class.

mae0218 · Oct 10, 2014

I would take the intro to bio class. It was required for my program because it had been over 5 years since I took it. I had taken bio and chem in college back in 1998, but retaking them helped me so much with A&P 1 and 2, and microbiology. I would have had to work a lot harder if I hadn't.