The Threat of a "B" on a Transcript

[jnichox2]

This is a question to all the people taking their pre-reqs, already in a nursing program, or graduates.

So with programs being so competitive, many students, including myself feel the pressure to maintain an A in all their pre-reqs(especially the sciences). This is my second semester of pre-reqs and I may end up with a B in college algebra. I apologize if I sound ridiculous, but can anyone comment on how a B or even a C may have affected your admission status? If you get a B should you retake the class? I know I sound absolutely insane. A "B" is not a bad grade but at my CC the mentality of students entering a health care/allied health field is to obtain a 4.0 above all.

I appreciate any responses.

[cracklingkraken, ASN, RN]

It really depends on the schools in your area and how competitive they are. Different schools have different requirements, and some schools may not even look at your math grade. The school I applied to only used 4 of the prereqs and TEAS score to determine admission to the program or not, and math was not included in that. One B, in my opinion, generally won't hurt you as much as getting a B in A&P would.

[NurseGirl525, ASN, RN]

Agree with above. You must also be an Ivy Tech student. I see you are from Indiana also. I am taking college algebra over the summer and my goal is get an A but realistically it won't bother me too much if I get a B. But if I get a C, I'm still good to get in my program. I got all A's in the prereqs that they look at. You need to find out what the requirements are at your school.

[RunBabyRN]

I agree with these guys. A B in algebra isn't as significant as a B or a C in a a prereq. Competition varies, but very few candidates have ALL As.

I don't think a lot of schools would let you retake a course in which you earned a B, or even a C. D or below is the standard here, but I recognize this varies. Many schools, even if you DO repeat a class for a retake, won't accept repeated courses. It pays to do A LOT of research when it comes to planning out your schooling.

[giraffe4]

Definitely depends on your school. The community college I go to they accept B's and C's. In fact, in my school, entering the nursing program is pretty easy. The bio classes? Not so much. But still, if you can at least maintain a B and maybe one C over all, I'd think you'd be fine. However, still strive for the A. I think you'd be better off having at least a 3.0 or higher in GPA as well just in case. I think they mostly accept people who can at least finish and pass the classes. Again, not sure how your school is but that's what I would do. Study hard and good luck!

[Sassenach]

I have two whole years of pre-reqs at 15 units per semester. I've completed my first year and I have a 4.0 but am definitely feeling the pressure. Mine is definitely one of the get super good grades or don't get in schools. We have roughly 800 applicants for thirty slots. I agree with RunBabyRun. Planning well is essential to succeeding.

[mzrainydayz, BSN, RN]

Yes for prereqs you need a high GPA, but the reality is everyone that gets admitted DON'T have a 4.0. I say if you have at least a 3.5 GPA you stand a chance but all schools are different some may want entrance exam scores. My school gave us options you either get in by your GPA or teas score. I say aim for A's or B's nothing less.

[SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP]

I wouldn't worry about a B in Algebra. A C would be more worrisome. As stated previously, it really comes down to your program's admissions requirements & that particular applicant pool.