How many of you got into nursing school with the first try?

Lajimolala, BSN, RN, NP · Jan 19, 2010

I got in my first try and I applied to only one school. I don't recommend doing that, though. The school I got into is San Diego State University and when I applied, they had a point system out of 77 points. So admission wasn't based on GPA, per se. It was based more on how you did on the prereq classes and TEAS score and other things like that. Out of seven prereq classes I had all A's and one B.

caliotter3 · Jan 19, 2010

I was admitted to all three nearby programs in the south Bay area. But that was almost 20 years ago. I don't remember what my GPA was, but it wasn't 4.0 that's for sure. Back then, it was not as bad as it is now. Today, at one of those schools, I am not even eligible, because I already held a degree. So much for arbitrary barriers I say. I call it discrimination, not "selection".

nurseg09 · Jan 20, 2010

I got into nursing school straight from high school and only applied once. I went to Samuel Merritt University in the Bay Area and was in the BSN program. I completed my prereqs at one of their partner schools, Mills College, and was guaranteed a spot at Samuel Merritt if I passed all my prereq classes, maintained a 3.0, and of course pass NET (this was before TEAS).

Not sure if this was of any help, but best of luck!

waggykeeper · Jan 20, 2010

I took my prerequisites at Santa Monica College, had 3.4 GPA. Took me 2 years to complete it. I applied to 5 different ADN programs throughout LA, some of them had waiting list some were lottery system (after you qualified to be included in the pool of eligible candidates). I got accepted to two programs at first try.

Personally I believe that applying to multiple sites largely increases your chances starting the program sooner. Of course if you have preference then just stick to the school of your choice.

On a different note, don't get discouraged by the prereqs. It can be overwhelming at first. When I took my first prerequiste (Anatomy) I got a C and the counselor strongly advised me to think of changing career path. I wanted to be a nurse and I continued to pursue it. My grades improved with time, I got into nursing school and graduated with honors. Passed NCLEX-RN on a first try. One step at a time, you can do it.

Good Luck!

PedsRN1975 · Jan 20, 2010

I got in on the first try at San Francisco State University 3 years ago with a GPA of 3.95 overall and 4.0 in prerecs, 3 foreign languages, community volunteer work and hospital volunteer work.

decnewgrad · Jan 20, 2010

I got into SSU on first try with previous BA, 4.0 GPA in prereqs and lots of professional healthcare related work experience.

CaliAliRN · Jan 21, 2010

Got into USF's Master's Entry with a 3.1 undergrad GPA. I was also an EMT for one year prior to applying.

stripec30 · Jan 21, 2010

First try here also. EMT for 3 years, 3.5 GPA, 95% percentile on the entrance exams, and a great entrance essay.

island40 · Jan 22, 2010

I applied to one school on a whim, got accepted but didn't learn that there were over 350 applications for the 35 seats available until the first day of class. Love Ya Cochise Community College, Douglas Az

island40 · Jan 22, 2010

P.S. I had not taken any "pre reqs" just walked up and sat down for entrance exam fresh from my discharge from Army active duty.

Little_Mouse · Jan 22, 2010

It's been about 2 1/2 years ago that I applied to nursing school. My overall GPA was about a 3.3, but the pre-reqs were under a 3.0. My TEAS score was high, but with the low GPA I was worried about getting in. Of the 5 colleges/universities I applied to, I got accepted into 2 of them. One being in CA, the other out of state. Chose the one out of state since it was a BSN program. But In the end, I passed nursing school in May and the NCLEX in June.

It was a blessing to have gotten in nursing school in the first place. I understand that nursing it's competitive through and through now: getting in school and then finding a job after school (but that's later for you :) ).

My advice is to try your best in your pre-reqs to get an A. I don't know if you're in a "hurry" to graduate, but most of my classmates and I took 3 years for pre-reqs, instead of the usual 2 years. Then 2 years of nursing school.

Good Luck!