Is the universe trying to tell me something????

[RN2B12]

Is the universe trying to tell me that nursing is not for me? I have applied to 3 nursing programs over the past 2 years only to be denied each time. I have great grades, lots of science pre-reqs, and really good entrance exam scores, yet I keep getting denied b/c of stupid reasons. The first school denied me b/c I had not taken any classes there. I was told that I would never be accepted there b/c I did not take any classes at their school, and that I could not re-take my pre-reqs b/c I had already got A's. The second school denied me b/c I got a D twice in a general english course. I got the two D's in 1997, stayed out of school for a while, went back and ended up with a 4.0, but that doesn't matter b/c the two D's make me ineligible for admission indefinitely. The third school denied me b/c I am 5 points short on my profile score. I scored a 50 when I needed a 55. I am missing 5 points because I was unable to enroll in A&P II lab b/c all of the labs were full. There is a serious lack of science lab availabilities at the school that I attend. The worst part is that I have already taken both A&P's with the labs (and got A's and B's), but they are 5 1/2 and 6 years old; therefore, they will not count into my admission score. I feel like it's one thing after another, and there are people getting into these schools ahead of me who have low GPA's and low test scores. I talked to someone who was just accepted at the last school to deny me, she has a 2.7 GPA and got a 72 on the entrance exam. I have a 3.75 and got a 92 on the entrance exam, but b/c of those A&P's being 5 1/2 and 6 years old I didn't get accepted. I could understand if I didn't have the grades, but I do. I feel like something is telling me to pursue other career options. Thanks for listening.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

I would request an interview with a Dean and plead your case, with transcript in hand, professionally. Another avenue might be to apply to LVN school then bridge to RN later. Heck, if they are state schools, call your congressman's office. I have tried that tactic with success.

[Black Jade, BSN, RN]

The first school denied me b/c I had not taken any classes there. I was told that I would never be accepted there b/c I did not take any classes at their school, and that I could not re-take my pre-reqs b/c I had already got A's. The second school denied me b/c I got a D twice in a general english course. I got the two D's in 1997, stayed out of school for a while, went back and ended up with a 4.0, but that doesn't matter b/c the two D's make me ineligible for admission indefinitely. The third school denied me b/c I am 5 points short on my profile score. I scored a 50 when I needed a 55. I am missing 5 points because I was unable to enroll in A&P II lab b/c all of the labs were full. There is a serious lack of science lab availabilities at the school that I attend. The worst part is that I have already taken both A&P's with the labs (and got A's and B's), but they are 5 1/2 and 6 years old; therefore, they will not count into my admission score.

Regarding:

The first school-Is it 'any' classes or just your pre-req's? If it's 'any', then take a PE class or something easy to justify that you did take a class at their school.

The second school-They shouldn't deny you because you got a bad grade as long as you made it up and gotten a good grade. As far as I know, the nursing program puts more emphasis on science requirements rather than your GE's. However, that doesn't mean that you shouldn't put effort on your English and Math.

The third school-Find out if they can waive your A&P. I know somebody who had taken her A&P 10 years ago and the school was able to waive it. However, I understand not all programs are the same. Talk to your school counselor.

When I applied for nursing school, I never encountered any problems. I did have bad grades, and I didn't take any previous classes at their school before...unless nowadays the nursing programs have gotten stricter.

BJ

[sourapril]

Don't give up. If classes is the only issue, ask the school what they want and take them.

[Vivi]

Is nursing possibly in your heart? When there's a will, there's a way. It's not because of repeated setbacks that it means that you're not going to succeed.

If I were you:

- I'd sign up for that A/P lab class again during the next semester.

- you may also want to expand/stretch your searches of nursing schools, and apply to as many as you can.

If you have a bachelor degree in something else, you may want to study for a master degree instead and become an NP or clinical nurse specialist --if that possibly interests you.

Keep the faith,

All the Best

[rockabye]

I'm sorry to hear the bad luck you are having with nursing schools. It is always important to know ahead of time what certain nursing schools require because each program can differ on their criteria. I would do another round of research on what's required in each nursing program you would be able to attend in your area and hopefully have better luck and be better prepared for next round of admissions. I think you should still consider going to nursing school if that is what your heart is telling you and hopefully you can find a nursing program that appreciates your hard work you have done already and is consistent with their nursing school admissions. I remember having a hard time finding the right nursing program too and it was crazy how each program required something different!

p.s. Unfortunately many schools don't look at gpa alone. The one I did go to was based only on GPA, but I was at a disadvantage because you get a .5 bonus boost to your GPA during the nursing admissions process if you had completed so many hours already at that school (which I didn't have). Other nursing progams just asked for a minimum of 3.0 gpa, but decided mostly based on an essay about why you wanted to do nursing and an interview. Another one wanted students to complete pharmacology at their school first before applying. Another one did it based on a minimum gpa and a lottery system. So basically every school has different criteria, not just great grades.

[Quark09]

Nothing new to add really except - maybe the Universe wants to see how much you really want it. Keep hangin' on!

[ynm85]

I totally understand how you feel since I went through the similar situations. I have a Bachelor's degree in cell and molecular biology with GPA of 3.3, but was denied for nursing program twice. It was because I did not have any credits for Psychology (which was recommended elective courses of the program), and it had been more than five years after I took one of the pre-req courses. Last two semesters, I took four psychology courses and updated pre-req credits at the college near my home. And guess what, I am starting the nursing program in January!! Never give up!! Last two semesters, I realized how much I really want to do this. Hopefully, it would be the same to you. Good luck! :heartbeat

[lilypad2424]

And unfortunately, nursing programs have gotten super duper competitive.

That being said, I feel your pain. As a previous poster stated already, where there is a will, there is a way. Truer words have never been spoken. Keep looking for an alternative. Make it happen, and good luck to you.

[noahsmama]

If there's more than 3 nursing schools in your area (or if you're willing to relocate), I would strongly urge you to apply to as many different schools as you can find. They each have different rules, so at least one of them might decide to take you -- and it doesn't matter how many schools reject you as long as at least one accepts you!

[Zookeeper3]

In many areas, it's unfortunately that competitive. Regardless of how tough it may be, enroll in a school that has a nursing program and consider retaking those D classes and those that are lower scores then reapply once you have a solid semester of a 4.0 with them.

It's all about the grades these days, and in 1992 the same was true for me, I had to have a 4.0 to get in to nursing and keep a solid B to stay in. ONce you're enrolled and taking classes in a system, you have a better fighting chance to get accepted into one of their elite programs. You may consider doing part time at two places and take a class at each to give you a competitive edge, but you should retake those lousy grades to better compete with the masses. Just be warned first, many schools will average the grade with the do-over so be aware of how needed those A's are !!! good luck.

It is very difficult to get in, and YES you need to fight very hard for it to happen.

[twinkerrs]

Retake the A & p courses. The school I went to would not take any pre reqs that were more than five years old unless you had been going to school during that five years. If nursing isyour calling where there is a will there is a way!