Which courses should I consider retaking prior to applying for nursing schools?

OsceanSN2018 · Jul 12, 2017

First, you should focus on finishing up the last of your prerequisites and getting the best grades you can get. After that begin applying broadly to many nursing schools and first see whether you get in or not. If not, retake only the sciences you got C's in if retakes are allowed, so check with these programs to make sure. The W's may also count as a 1st attempt for some nursing programs where only 1 attempt is allowed. Also do not worry about retaking any classes that you received an A or B in-- including nutrition.

kfaur · Jul 12, 2017

Thanks! I appreciate you! I'm signed up for Micro & Stats in the Fall but will probably just take one...can always take Stats later. I always try to put too much on my plate when realistically, I need to focus on one class at a time and making A's.

FutureNurseInfo · Jul 12, 2017

The prereqs you listed here, did you complete them outside of your BA? It seems like half of them you should have been able to complete as part of your BA. In any event, since you are applying to ABSN program, you know these programs are ultra competitive. To be a qualified applicant al of your pre-reqs should look stellar: most if not all As, perfect entrance exam scores (if your school requires one) and perfect 4.0 GPA. My advice to you is, before you retake any courses, make sure that you speak to someone from your school of interest about their retake policy. Some schools do not accept retakes, some do but average the grade, while some do accept retakes but still consider the first grade earned. Finally, I suggest that you do not just limit your options to ABSN only. Apply to ASN and generic BSN programs.

Simplistic · Jul 12, 2017

Im going to be honest. Your grades are not very good, at all. If youre struggling in prerequisite classes, maybe nursing isnt for you?

kfaur · Jul 12, 2017

Okay...well I don't think they're terrible. Just curious..why do you say that they are terrible? I see reasons for re-taking A&P I and English Comp I, and that would rid all C's. I don't mind re-evaluating my study habits and re-taking classes. It's not that I don't understand the material. At my current school, they replace your first repeat completely, although the repeat still shows on your transcript. Most nursing programs I'm looking into allow up to 2 retakes in Science courses. I do appreciate honesty, of course. I will not give up, though.

kfaur · Jul 12, 2017

I completed some with my BA (mostly core classes). I can still re-take courses at the community college I took them at and they will replace the grade. I agree that the top ABSN programs might be out of the picture. Most of the ABSN programs I'm looking into allow up to 1 repeat on pre-reqs though. According to their website, the average acceptance GPA is 3.5 in Sciences and 3.0 in pre-reqs. It seems to be the same with 2 year programs here in Texas and even ADN programs. Thank you for your feedback! :)

conjer · Jul 12, 2017

Are you applying to any impacted schools? If so, you almost have to have straight A's. You can get by with one B at my campus if you score well on your TEAS.

MavWagg, ADN, BSN · Jul 12, 2017

Don't get discouraged. Most nursing programs are competitive but that doesn't mean your GPA automatically disqualifies you. There are so many variables to account for when trying to determine your over standing in comparison to other students. I would consider discussing your concerns with an academic adviser in the school which you are trying to enroll in for nursing. The adviser can provide a more realistic view of the type of academic pool you may be sitting in. Here in Texas, nursing programs are highly competitive but you don't necessarily have to have a 4.0 to get in. Your admission test scores are also weighed heavily. Do not get discouraged, talk to an adviser for more guidance. Best of luck!

kfaur · Jul 12, 2017

Nope - going to apply to BSN, ABSN, even some ADN programs in Texas that have an average acceptance of 3.5 science GPA. I was told by an advisor today not to worry about the B's in my core classes such as History, that there's no point in retaking them since my overall GPA isn't terrible.

I appreciate the help from everyone. I've decided to re-take A&P I in the Fall, re-apply for aid, and go from there. Hopefully they will approve my aid and I can spend more time studying and less time worrying how to make ends meet!

bluescrubs, ADN, ASN, RN · Jul 12, 2017

Okay...well I don't think they're terrible. Just curious..why do you say that they are terrible? I see reasons for re-taking A&P I and English Comp I, and that would rid all C's. I don't mind re-evaluating my study habits and re-taking classes. It's not that I don't understand the material. At my current school, they replace your first repeat completely, although the repeat still shows on your transcript. Most nursing programs I'm looking into allow up to 2 retakes in Science courses. I do appreciate honesty, of course. I will not give up, though.

I'm taking four classes and working part time so I understand how hard it is but this is my last semester before applying to the AO at my school :). Its true that if you are only taking one class a semester and not doing so well that you have to reevaluate why you aren't doing so well in that one class. Im not here to judge because lord knows no one here is perfect but WILL you be able to handle multiple classes, clinicals and work? Is there a part-time option you can take that way you can only take two or so classes? Whatever you do I wish you the best of luck.

BeccaznRN, RN · Jul 14, 2017

I've been taking pre-reqs for the past 2 years, just 1 class per semester while working. I am NOT an amazing test taker, never have been. I made a C in A&P I and I withdrew from Chemistry and Microbiology because I tried to put too much on my plate. I'm currently taking A&P II as an 8 week Summer course and if all goes well, I'll have a B.
I just feel like I'm really burned out, almost discouraged...I've been trying to study but can't keep focus. I definitely need to re-evaluate my study habits and lifestyle and figure it how I'm going to do better before I continue to waste time and money.

These comments say it all. You've already come up with a very rational solution to your current dilemma, and I would encourage you to heed your own advice.

You are only in prerequisite courses right now. Nursing school will not be any easier, particularly if you are looking into ABSN programs. Your plate will be overflowing - the material is more challenging, the tests (not to mention NCLEX) require major critical thinking, and your time management will need to be top-notch in order to emerge from it successfully. This is exactly why nursing schools scrutinize potential students so carefully, and rightfully so.

You may need to step back for a semester or two and do some major soul-searching. I think you could be successful, but it might require some major lifestyle changes before you spend any more of your hard-earned money struggling only to earn a C or W.

Best of luck to you!