Waiting to get in

Iridescent Orchid, CNA, LPN · Dec 8, 2011

I'd definitely retake the courses that I got a B in to improve my GPA for the next selection! That's what I am doing next semester. I have 3 A's and 2 B's which rounds me at a 3.6, but by retaking the classes I made a B in this coming semester (if I don't get in with my 3.6), I can jump up to the 3.7 area to make my way further up the list for the next selection term. I think it would be beneficial either way you look at it, I think the pros outweigh any of the cons there may be associated with retaking a course. Best of luck to you!

CupcakeMonster · Dec 8, 2011

Thank you! I have all my pre-reqs done and just one (technically 2) more generals to finish. So for the application for next semester RN program (for Fall 2012) I will basically be applying with the same classes and GPA, since Spring 2012 won't be on the application. That's where it gets a little tough!!

I only have a couple B's and the rest A's... not sure I want to take Organic Chemistry over again, haha! I suppose for the less demanding courses, I could retake a couple for my 2013 application. I will be applying at several schools. I have to take Biology and Micro Biology. Darn pre-reqs, having to be different at each school!!

Good luck to you! I wish you only the best :redbeathe

Sarah

Nicole0903 · Dec 9, 2011

Hey There!

Good luck to you! I dont think it will hurt to retake your classes, however, just double check that repeats are accepted. I repeated Physiology because I received a B and wanted an A only to find out that the college I was applying too didnt accepted repeats of ANY science pre-reqs. I had to reapply to different schools. So I think its fine, but just make sure that your school accepts science repeats! Its so competitive now days!

CupcakeMonster · Dec 9, 2011

Oh my GOSH! Thank you for that information! You are right actually, the school that I DID want to transfer to after my ADN, would not have accepted the repeat for Chemistry. Whew! That saved a lot of time and money! A "B" is still good though, give yourself all the credit that you deserve :) These classes are difficult!

I am planning on applying to a few schools, 2 year and 4 year, hoping to get in for 2013 since I don't have every schools pre-reqs done. Better late then never! You're right it is SUPER competitive anywhere and everywhere these days!!

Are you in Nursing school right now or applying also? :) Best of luck!!

:heartbeatSarah

Nicole0903 · Dec 9, 2011

Hey Sarah!

You will get there! Its soo stressful! Hang in there and dont give up.

I'm on a waitlist. I've been on one for over 2.5 years. I'm hoping to start in August of 2012. We shall see. Its been a long wait. I've just been working full time while I wait and trying to save money so that WHEN I start nursing school, I dont have to work. The science pre-reqs were hard for me. I loved Anatomy and did quite well, and Chemistry...but physiology kicked my butt...so I'm super nervous about actual nursing school!!! Some days are just better to handle then others. My friend just had a baby and I was at the hospital and sooo badly was wishing I was a nurse!

CupcakeMonster · Dec 9, 2011

Oh WOW!! I'm rooting for you!! I hope you can get in for August of 2012 :) My gosh... are you applying for a 2 year or 4 year? Are you applying just for one school or multiple? Sorry for so many questions, just curious :) I also agree that Anatomy was awesome, loved it. Physiology on the other hand, I dropped it before I got the C that I was going to get, retaking it in the Summer! That class is brutal.

Good luck to you and KEEP trying! I'm going to stay positive even if I have to wait years! Great idea working while you wait, I will probably do the same after I finish all the other schools pre-reqs. Stay in touch!

plasmatix · Dec 11, 2011

Oh my GOSH! Thank you for that information! You are right actually, the school that I DID want to transfer to after my ADN, would not have accepted the repeat for Chemistry. Whew! That saved a lot of time and money! A "B" is still good though, give yourself all the credit that you deserve :) These classes are difficult!
I am planning on applying to a few schools, 2 year and 4 year, hoping to get in for 2013 since I don't have every schools pre-reqs done. Better late then never! You're right it is SUPER competitive anywhere and everywhere these days!!

Sarah, I think you have a great start on being a fine nurse. I'm not referring to your grades, but to your ability to think ahead and to use your time effectively. That's a quality that is much more rare than you would expect.

It's a smart move to take these additional courses now while you have some "down" time. Even if you enter an ADN program, if you continue your nursing career for a few years after graduation, you're going to want to get your BSN and/or Masters. Unfortunately, some people choose an ADN program because they don't want to do additional prereqs that are required for the BSN program, and they figure that once they are licensed and working for a couple years, they'll do an online RN-to-BSN bridge. What they don't realize (very often because their ADN school tries to keep it under wraps) is that they'll still have to do those same prereqs they evaded a few years before. And it can be so much harder to get through OChem when you're doing it with a brain that's 6 or 7 years older, and a couple of toddlers that weren't in the picture the first time around, and you're pulling tons of (involuntary) overtime at work.

If you've got the time and the money right now, get those courses out of the way.......because the requirement for them isn't going to go away. You and Nicole both have the right idea: when students are registering for classes in their current school, they need to check with the programs they plan on attending one day - each and every program - because they may enroll in a course that doesn't teach an adequate level of material, or that may not transfer into the degree program they'll want 1 or 2 or 5 years down the road. Even though the basic course of study is the same, they can have small differences that can end up costing a lot in time and money later on. A couple phone calls or emails will cost far less.

When you finally start your nursing program, you'll be glad you kept busy with additional classes, too....that extra learning will help you deal with those challenging nursing courses.

As for whether to repeat some of your 'B' courses, I say don't bother, unless you honestly feel like you didn't learn it at a level you'll need. A program isn't going to turn you down for those few Bs you have (if they do, trust me, it's a GOOD thing). And a competitive, high-quality program will understand exactly why you took that course again and won't find it a particularly admirable trait.

Don't get me wrong: when you dropped the course in which you were getting a C, so that you could begin another with a fresh start, THAT was a smart move. If you have that option, I believe you should definitely do that instead of hanging in, hoping that things will get better, until one day you wake up with a permanent D or F on your record.

You're doing a great job, and you're being very astute in your approach to this. I know that time seems to be dragging for you, but you'll be be prepping for your NCLEX before you know it. Best of luck!

rainbowskin · Dec 11, 2011

I'm just going to give you the perspective of someone who has no CASH MONEY or time to waste. Why would you PAY to retake classes you got a good grade in already. The university and even community college system is already overloaded with people wanting to be nurses, and they feed off anyone who will pay their high tuition only to be neglected as they can't register for classes because they are always full. I spent 3 years in an R.N. program at a prestigious university and finally had to check out because they encouraged me to stay enrolled and pay for degrees in minors until I could somehow get into a nursing class I needed after being in it for a month doing the work only to be told hey no one dropped go away now.

I say go to a trade school it's the same amount of money but teaches you exactly what you need to know and no political moneymaking bs for the most part.

CupcakeMonster · Dec 11, 2011

Sarah, I think you have a great start on being a fine nurse. I'm not referring to your grades, but to your ability to think ahead and to use your time effectively. That's a quality that is much more rare than you would expect.
It's a smart move to take these additional courses now while you have some "down" time. Even if you enter an ADN program, if you continue your nursing career for a few years after graduation, you're going to want to get your BSN and/or Masters. Unfortunately, some people choose an ADN program because they don't want to do additional prereqs that are required for the BSN program, and they figure that once they are licensed and working for a couple years, they'll do an online RN-to-BSN bridge. What they don't realize (very often because their ADN school tries to keep it under wraps) is that they'll still have to do those same prereqs they evaded a few years before. And it can be so much harder to get through OChem when you're doing it with a brain that's 6 or 7 years older, and a couple of toddlers that weren't in the picture the first time around, and you're pulling tons of (involuntary) overtime at work.
If you've got the time and the money right now, get those courses out of the way.......because the requirement for them isn't going to go away. You and Nicole both have the right idea: when students are registering for classes in their current school, they need to check with the programs they plan on attending one day - each and every program - because they may enroll in a course that doesn't teach an adequate level of material, or that may not transfer into the degree program they'll want 1 or 2 or 5 years down the road. Even though the basic course of study is the same, they can have small differences that can end up costing a lot in time and money later on. A couple phone calls or emails will cost far less.
When you finally start your nursing program, you'll be glad you kept busy with additional classes, too....that extra learning will help you deal with those challenging nursing courses.
As for whether to repeat some of your 'B' courses, I say don't bother, unless you honestly feel like you didn't learn it at a level you'll need. A program isn't going to turn you down for those few Bs you have (if they do, trust me, it's a GOOD thing). And a competitive, high-quality program will understand exactly why you took that course again and won't find it a particularly admirable trait.
Don't get me wrong: when you dropped the course in which you were getting a C, so that you could begin another with a fresh start, THAT was a smart move. If you have that option, I believe you should definitely do that instead of hanging in, hoping that things will get better, until one day you wake up with a permanent D or F on your record.
You're doing a great job, and you're being very astute in your approach to this. I know that time seems to be dragging for you, but you'll be be prepping for your NCLEX before you know it. Best of luck!

Plasmatix!!

Thank you for that sincerely awesome response :) I think you (and the person that posted after you) are correct. Retaking a class at this point for an A, is a bit ridiculous. Now, I did drop that C class because I know I can do better and some colleges do not accept retaken classes (the Grade that was received anywho).

I am just wishing and hoping that SOMEone will accept me into their program; whether it's a BSN or an ADN program. The only sad part is that I have all but just two required and pre-req courses completed, so what will I do with my time if I do no get accept for another year, or year after that? I will probably just work at my current place of employment, but waiting does suck the life out of you!

You're also right, though, that taking all these courses (even though it seems like a waste of time and money to take multiple courses that aren't needed for some school's RN programs, but needed for others) I will be better prepared for the RN program once I get in.

I just wish there was some sure-fire way that I could get in to a program for 2013. I'm almost 100% sure that next year is a no go, since I will be applying to the same school program with almost the exact some GPA and class completion, so that is a little disheartening. I will probably apply to the University of Minnesota and Inver hills, come 2013 application dates.

Thanks again for your positive attitude, it's good to hear from someone else that I am not crazy, and that I am trying to do my best! Thank you again :) Where are you at in your career as a Nurse? I'm curious about your path :)

Sarah

snickers21 · Dec 11, 2011

Welcome Sarah!

I am also on a long wait list or an ADN, and my approach is to take general education classes that will be used towards my BSN. I have all but about 6 classes taken towards the BSN (minus the clinical portion obviously). I am just waiting for clinicals in my ADN program. Also, I check out different NCLEX books from the library and try to do 15-20 questions a day. Generally, I keep the books in my car and do the questions while I'm waiting in the pick-up line at school. LOL! True, there are many questions that I have no clue what the answer is, but there are plenty that I can figure out with just the knowledge from my pre-req's. More importantly I am learning the question style and reading the reason of why the answer was the best choice. I am hoping that by reading the NCLEX books now, I will understand more during clinicals.

Good luck to you!

CupcakeMonster · Dec 11, 2011

Welcome Sarah!
I am also on a long wait list or an ADN, and my approach is to take general education classes that will be used towards my BSN. I have all but about 6 classes taken towards the BSN (minus the clinical portion obviously). I am just waiting for clinicals in my ADN program. Also, I check out different NCLEX books from the library and try to do 15-20 questions a day. Generally, I keep the books in my car and do the questions while I'm waiting in the pick-up line at school. LOL! True, there are many questions that I have no clue what the answer is, but there are plenty that I can figure out with just the knowledge from my pre-req's. More importantly I am learning the question style and reading the reason of why the answer was the best choice. I am hoping that by reading the NCLEX books now, I will understand more during clinicals.
Good luck to you!

Now THAT is dedication!!! That is a great idea!! I am going to do this :) I'm also going to start looking over the NLN questions again, since I did not do so well on that test and plan to retake it in the summer time. I'm seriously going to head to the library after finals this week and start checking out NCLEX books, heck, I might even BUY them, seeing as I have quite a few years since I will take the test anyway!

Good luck to you and keep me posted on how you are doing!!! It's always great to have pre-nursing and nursing buddies :) :heartbeat