Back in school need help with pre-req schedule

[nikkivale]

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I'm starting back into school after graduating 3 years ago. Some people have told me that it is best to have pre-calculus before taking Chemistry I, is that true? I never heard of it, is chemistry so math intensive that I would be better off taking pre-calc first? i was planning in the spring to take Chem I, Bio II and Physics I and then pre-calc and calculus in the summer. Does this schedule sound okay?

 

[JMU07]

Chemistry is very math intensive. When I entered JMU as a freshman they recommended that we take calculus before taking chemistry. Most kids don't do it because bio majors are supposed to take chem their freshman year, but I took calc freshman year and chem sophomore year (not a bio major). I think that having a strong math background will help you immensely. But, it isn't neccessary for everyone to take calc or pre-calc first.

 

[alleigh79]

I'm not taking Calculus before Chemistry. I'm taking Chemistry this summer then pre-cal in the Fall and Cal. next Spring. I've not been advised any other way.... I was out of school for almost 10 yrs before going back.

 

[nikkivale]

thank you for the responses. I think i will take Pre-calculus along with Chemistry this spring semester just to be safe.

 

[justjack]

thank you for the responses. I think i will take Pre-calculus along with Chemistry this spring semester just to be safe.

nikki,

i'm taking general chem and calc 1 right now and the math in chem does not require anything from calc. then again, i'm naturally stronger in math so maybe i just didn't notice it, but honestly the math is very straightforward from what i see. if it helps, my standing of now is A for both classes.

the class that you really want calc for will be physics. even if it's not calculus based, it will strongly help you out.

hope that helps.

also, question for you nikki, are you taking classes at a JC or 4 year? i was thinking of taking them all at a JC which i heard was ok, but your other post is kinda scaring me. now i'm thinking of taking some while i apply for a 4 year, to take the rest. it just seems unnecessary and very expensive.

 

[nikkivale]

nikki,

i'm taking general chem and calc 1 right now and the math in chem does not require anything from calc. then again, i'm naturally stronger in math so maybe i just didn't notice it, but honestly the math is very straightforward from what i see. if it helps, my standing of now is A for both classes.

the class that you really want calc for will be physics. even if it's not calculus based, it will strongly help you out.

hope that helps.

also, question for you nikki, are you taking classes at a JC or 4 year? i was thinking of taking them all at a JC which i heard was ok, but your other post is kinda scaring me. now i'm thinking of taking some while i apply for a 4 year, to take the rest. it just seems unnecessary and very expensive.

I'm taking my chemistry and calculus pre-req's at a 4 year college and my bio and physics at a CC. I will try to call some more schools this week to get their opinion about CC credits. I agree with you I think especially in the case of post-bac students that some leniancy on this issue should be used.
What schools are you thinking of applying to? I'm going to call Nova, PCO, and SCO again (you brought up a good question about doing well on the OAT if you went to a CC anyways. ) I would really like a firm answer because I work full time and the 4 year that i go rarely has afternoon classes

 

[CherryberryMint]

nikki,

i've taken chem and calculus my freshmen year of college (or even high school...). and i must tell you that in chemistry its all basic algebra (and maybe one ln or two, but you can just plug that in your calculator), you don't need calculus for it. if your taking physics classes for engineers... then yes, taking calculus would help immensely. but besides that, i have yet to see calculus play a big role in my life. lol 😀

 

[justjack]

I'm taking my chemistry and calculus pre-req's at a 4 year college and my bio and physics at a CC. I will try to call some more schools this week to get their opinion about CC credits. I agree with you I think especially in the case of post-bac students that some leniancy on this issue should be used.
What schools are you thinking of applying to? I'm going to call Nova, PCO, and SCO again (you brought up a good question about doing well on the OAT if you went to a CC anyways. ) I would really like a firm answer because I work full time and the 4 year that i go rarely has afternoon classes

i'm also thinking of PCO and i actually already contacted them. Janelle from PCO responded saying my classes would be fine, and that they accept coursework from any accredited college/university.

SUNY also replied saying it is accepted but we're at a disadvantage because they are less competitive compared to the university courses.

 

[nikkivale]

i'm also thinking of PCO and i actually already contacted them. Janelle from PCO responded saying my classes would be fine, and that they accept coursework from any accredited college/university.

SUNY also replied saying it is accepted but we're at a disadvantage because they are less competitive compared to the university courses.

I just spoke with a representative at NOVA and they stated that in the case of a post-bachelor student, taking all your pre-requisites at a community college is fine with them! Thats good news for me

 

[justjack]

I just spoke with a representative at NOVA and they stated that in the case of a post-bachelor student, taking all your pre-requisites at a community college is fine with them! Thats good news for me

thanks nikki,

that's good news for me too, since i'm trying to stay along one of the two coasts.