Take Two Science Pre-Reqs at Once

[rozlips]

So I've taken a deep breath and realized that theoretically I can finish nursing school in less than three years. Emphasis on theoretically. It would require admission to Kennesaw's accelerated 16 month second degree program.

I could start this fall at GPC with Chemistry I, then take A&P on a split semester in the spring. That would leave me with only Chemistry II and Microbiology to take in the summer session. So here's my question. Does it make more sense to take Chemistry II with A&P or with Microbiology? Keep in mind I haven't had a science class since undergrad some twenty years ago. I got a B in Biology I&II, but it was a long time ago. Still, I enjoy science and usually do reasonably well in it. I'm assuming that I'll need to ace all these pre-reqs in order to get accepted into nursing school.

An advisor at Kennesaw reviewed my transcript and apparently the Statistics class I took in grad school doesn't fulfill the math requirement for pre-reqs. That's a serious downer. I busted my chops in that class!

This is my ideal situation. Obviously, I plan to apply to all the nursing programs within reasonable distance of me. Starting Kennesaw's program in the fall would actually be a bit of a pain because I'd have to go to Rome for classes. I live in Dunwoody for Pete's sake. (A 1.5 hour one-way commute!) With gas like it is, I may well have to scratch the whole thing anyway. But I would love to try.

And what's this I hear about your undergraduate gpa having to be a 3.0 to get into Georgia State's accelerated program? I don't think my undergrad gpa was that high, though my grad school gpa was a 4.0. Does anyone know whether they'll count that instead? Georgia State would actually make more sense, since I wouldn't have to schlepp out to Rome for two semesters.

[caliotter3]

Unless you are prepared for some major life style changes, I would play it safe and separate the two science courses. It is true that many people pile it on and are capable of coming out of the battle with all A's, but that may or may not be so in your case. Only you know how ready you are to tackle such an endeavor. Perhaps you could obtain some study material ahead of time and take a look see? At my schools, students would sell their notes/old exams along with their texts. Maybe you could get a sneak preview and it would help you decide. If you know that you have to get A's, I would think long and hard about attempting too much and tempting the fates. JMO

[rodeo417]

I would not take two science classes together if i could manage it. A&P I is harder than two because you are learning the basics. I heard that Micro will make your head spin. If you could double up on another class then do that.. Like i knocked out my sociology and pysch classes together then double a science..

[AtomicWoman]

Key question: does your Chem II class include any organic or biochem? Or is it strictly Inorganic Chem II? I'm in Inorganic II right now, and I have to say, it wouldn't have mattered which other science I was taking (if I hadn't finished them already) at the same time as Chem II. However, when I was in microbiology, I was wishing I had some organic background, because there *can* be (depending on your teacher) places in micro where a background in organic or biochem would make some concepts easier. So if your Chem II has organic/biochem, you might want to take it first and then take microbiology.

Having said that, and as a veteran of taking multiple sciences each semester, I must say that you need to be able to keep yourself centered, and focused and able to go to "your happy place" when you need to. :) Having an A&P and Chem exam on the same day is NOT FUN!

Also, I noticed you're contemplating taking Chem II in the summer, which is what I am doing. I love chem, and really wish I had more time, but it's a very intense experience no matter how you look at it. I would *not* even consider taking another science during the same summer session as Chem II, unless your summer sessions are unusually long. Just my 2 cents, of course.

Hope this helps.

[rozlips]

My Chem II does have an organic component. All this may well be for naught anyway. I just found out today that I can't apply for nursing school until I've completed ALL FIVE of my math and science pre-reqs. Which means even if I did finish them summer of 2009 I couldn't even start nursing school until Fall 2010. I simply don't have that much time, so I think I'll be going the ASN route.