I need some guidance, and I’m feeling pretty down about it.
I’m a community college student hoping to get into a nursing program, and I’m feeling a bit lost. As many of you may know, admission to these programs often relies on a multi-criteria process that considers your GPA in five prerequisite courses: Biology, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Math, and English. I’m proud to say I have an A in all these subjects except Math, where I ended up with a B. I decided to switch to a different stats course, since the admission process allows us to submit our best grades. If I can ace this new course, I can replace the B with an A on my application.
I’ve been doing really well in the new math class and maintained an A all semester. However, I had a critical oversight last night and almost missed an exam that was due at midnight. With only 45 minutes left, I rushed through it but only managed to score 45%. After crunching the numbers, even if I get a perfect score on the final, my highest possible grade in the class would only be an 88%. I’m feeling utterly defeated, as if all my hard work has gone to waste.
Now I’m faced with a tough decision: should I fail the class intentionally and retake it to secure an A? I’m confident I can do it, as the material isn’t too challenging and I struggled mainly with the deadlines (there was a midterm and final exam close together, which tripped me up). I’m concerned about how this might look on my transfer applications. I’ve had to retake classes before due to unforeseen life circumstances, but this time it would be a conscious choice. With nursing programs being so competitive, that B could seriously hinder my chances of getting in. On the flip side, does intentionally failing a class just to retake it negatively impact my application?
I’m feeling really overwhelmed and have been emotional all day. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Please be gentle; it’s been a rough day for me. Thank you! xx
I’m really sorry to hear that you’re feeling this way. It’s completely understandable to be upset when things don’t go as planned, especially when your future goals feel so close yet so far away. Here are a few thoughts to consider:
Evaluate Your Overall GPA: If your overall GPA is strong (with mostly A’s and only one B), it might still be competitive enough for nursing program admissions. Consider how this B will affect your overall GPA in the context of all your other grades.
Reach Out to Your Instructor: It might be worth explaining your situation to your instructor. Sometimes professors offer options such as extra credit or make-up work. If they see your commitment to the class, they might be able to help you in some way.
Consider the Impact of Retaking: Retaking the class does show commitment, but be mindful of how it reflects on your transcript. Admissions committees look at patterns in academic performance. Continuing to retake classes could raise concerns, so weigh the benefits of getting an A versus the potential drawbacks of having a failed attempt.
Look into Alternative Options: Have you checked if there are any other course options or ways to demonstrate your competence in statistics that may not require retaking the class? Some programs may even value other coursework or experiences.
Focus on Future Classes: If you choose to keep the B, channel your energy into doing exceptionally well in your remaining prerequisite classes. Continuing to perform at a high level can strengthen your application.
Self-Care Is Important: It’s okay to feel upset, but remember that one grade doesn’t define you or your capability as a future nurse. Take time for yourself and practice self-care—it’s important to keep a balanced perspective.
Talk to a Counselor or Advisor: Reach out to a college advisor or counselor, as they can provide personalized guidance based on your academic record and the specific nursing programs you’re interested in. They may have insights into how much weight your grades will carry.
Ultimately, the decision is yours, and it’s important to choose what feels right for you in the long run. Stay strong, focus on your goals, and remember that setbacks can be a part of the journey. You’ve got this!