In a bit of a pickle regarding a pre-req. (Online vs. Waitlist)

[Corks]

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So I have one prereq left, Biomechanics/Kinesiology for UW-Madison (Wisconsin), and I'm 13th on the waitlist at UW-Milwaukee to take it.

It's a big class (over 100 people), with 4 lab sections. I already contacted my advisor, UW-Madison's pre-PT advisor, and the teacher of the class. Although they all said there are no guarantees, they DID tell me I'll most likely get in. I just worry because of the lab times, I know there is limited equipment.

This class doesn't start until 1/23/12.

Now, there is an alternative that the pre-PT advisor at Madison told me I could take. It's an online UCLA-extension Biomechanics course. It's at the graduate level, which #1 will probably be A LOT harder, and two it's online. I've never taken an online course before. This cost's roughly $650 and starts on the 9th of January. Also, there is a refund policy, but I have to drop the class before the 3rd "meeting". I just wish that I could know one way or another with the UW-Milwaukee class if I can get in or not before I spend this amount of money on a class I MAY not even end up taking.

What do you think I should do?

 

[stopitmarcy]

i would email this same exact thing to the instructor and say its extremely critical! i don't know how they do it at your school, but usually schools can override more students in their sections. my microbiology teacher let about 10 people over his max. i have to take biomechanics in the spring and i was told it's all trig based physics. if you were good at physics and math, then you'll probably be fine doing it online.

 

[djb051]

I have taken online classes before. In my experience, they had more "busy" work than non-online classes since we never had to meet up for a class. That might also be something to consider. I agree with what was said above though, I would contact the professor again of the non-online class to see if there is anything he can do. A lot of professors allow an extra student or more into their class even though the class is already full provided that the student has a good reason for needing the class at that time. Explain your dilemma to the professor, and he or she may deem that a good reason. Good luck!

 

[Corks]

Thanks guys! I have told him again how dire this is for me. Basically I'm taking this class and I took exercise physiology this fall (5 credits! worked my butt for an A), outside of my degree. I spent $1000 per credit on Exercise phys. I don't want to do that again, I went back to Marquette (private school) for that one.

I already was accepted into a state school, but I REALLY feel like Madison is the place for me. However, I don't know if it's worth another $5000 just for the "chance" at acceptance, you know? I'll keep you guys updated.

 

[stopitmarcy]

woah since you put it that way whats there to think about!? $5000 vs $650!!! just do the online class! i always google stuff if i need someone somewhere to dumb it down for me. i remember watching online youtube tutorials from a professor at Berkeley to help me with A&P because my A&P professor was an idiot.

 

[NewTestament]

If you get an A in a five-credit ex. physiology course, what makes you think you'll do much worse in a graduate-level course? Don't forget, in a few months all your courses will be graduate-level. Save yourself $4300 and take the online course, which will be good training for the intensity and rigor of PT school.

Kevin

 

[Corks]

If you get an A in a five-credit ex. physiology course, what makes you think you'll do much worse in a graduate-level course? Don't forget, in a few months all your courses will be graduate-level. Save yourself $4300 and take the online course, which will be good training for the intensity and rigor of PT school.

Kevin

I think I confused everyone in my post 😛.

So, the class at UW-Milwaukee is about $800 for in class, with lab. The online biomechanics is $650.

I WANT to get into the UWM class. Now, lets say I don't do the online class, and I don't get into the UWM one. I was just saying I won't pay $5000 to take it at a private school (marquette) if I don't have to. I should be happy I got into a program! 🙂

I just wish that I could get a refund for the online class after I knew I either get in/don't get into the UWM class. Their refund deadline is before the starting date of the UWM class 🙁