Give It to Me Straight: Will I get into Nursing School?

[JayCimone]

Here is the deal,

I am applying for Spring 2015 and as most nursing students probably already know that means you apply right around the summer months.

That's not the problem. The issue is that the school changed their criteria for what they want in prerequisites and now I have to take an additional writing class over the summer. I will have completed my course before the application deadline (September 2014) but only a month in advance (so Aug 2014)

I've worked so hard and for this to happen last minute - really really really really sucks. LOL

I'm ahead of the game in everything else & my GPA is excellent thus far.

So give it to me straight - will I get in?

I KNOW I KNOW - "It depends on my school." "That's not my decision to make."

Just do your best. I'm freaking out. I know it won't be the end of the world if I have to apply for the Fall of 2016 - but honestly - that's NOT what I want to happen! I'm tired of waiting - I just want to start!!!!!

Okay I'm finished with my ranting.

Any soothing words would be nice :nailbiting: :nailbiting:

[JayCimone]

I know that each school is different but for me, I turned my app on on the first possible day that they were taking them and I was accepted. I also know someone who waited until the very last possible day to take their TEAS exam and turn their app and and guess what? They got in as well. They literally went from the testing center to the admissions office with their TEAS score sheet still hot off the printer on the last possible day to turn in their app. As long as it's on time and complete you will have the same chances as everyone else. I almost wish I would have turned mine in later because I had 3 more months of worrying and waiting than the other person did.

Oh wow! I guess I shouldn't be so worried then! I never even thought about the agony of waiting being shortened LOL ThankYou!!

Future Nurse Jay

[saraCOS]

I don't know if this help, because it does depend on your school, yadda yadda. But I also found out last minute that I needed 6 (surprise!) prereq credits in the semester before the deadline. Worse yet, I already had plans that would make me miss the first part of the semester. But I got into the classes as online bimester classes, knocked out 6 credits in 10 weeks and sent in my transcripts. I got my letter 2 days ago that I was accepted to a very competitive ABSN program. Sometimes you just have to roll your sleeves up and get 'er done.

If you think you are in a good spot, take a breath and keep your fingers crossed, but also realize that there just might be 100 applicants with 4.0s and off-the-chart-test scores that knock you off the list. I mention this because there is nothing you can do about it, so breathe:)

I wish you luck!

[Nolli]

I had to apply as I was completing my summer pre-reqs for nursing school and I got two acceptance letters. The others understood, but ultimately I wasn't accepted there. I don't feel it hurt me except for the ultra-selective school. I'm sure you are not the only one in that boat especially if they just changed the requirements. My advice? Get a letter of recommendation from your professor and have it sent to them half way through the course. Some colleges actually have forms for that sort of thing to get an idea of how your performance is in that class. Best of luck and don't panic, keep your eyes on the prize.

[SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP]

Depending on your school's admission policy, it shouldn't matter WHEN you submit your application, as long as it's submitted by the application deadline. FWIW, I submitted my application the very last possible day it was due (waiting on a letter confirming my volunteer hours). I barely, made it to the school in time to get it into the submission box. I thought for sure I wouldn't get in because I was the last to submit. I got in and now I'll be done in 2 more semesters after this one...yay!

So, as the previous poster's Magic 8 Ball eloquently put it, we don't know if you'll get in or not. Here's hoping you get some good news! Good luck :)

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

I don't want to be a downer, but how does the school do tiebreakers? Sometimes schools that get a ton of applicants use the time you apply as the tiebreaker. Does the school just look at GPA or are there other factors like ACT? One former coworker managed to get into nursing school while someone with the same GPA did not.

[__patiently_waiting]

I had the same problem and was worried about this as well. Our applications opened December 2013, closed February 2014. I applied in January, exactly one month before the application period was over. If I could have applied the first day the application opened I would have, but unfortunately I couldn't. I know that some schools accept on a "first come first serve" basis, but I think it's only fair to review all applications after the deadline and make a decision from there.

My school allows you to apply while still taking pre-requisites, but you have to have a certain amount completed before you can apply and they have to be completed in full before you can start the program. I'm still taking pre-reqs, this is my last semester of a full time load, then just one class over the summer and I'll have them done. If everything happens in my favor, I'll be able to start the program in Fall 2014.

Since I'm still waiting on an acceptance or rejection letter, I can't say for sure on whether the fact that I applied on the later side has affected anything. I have a pretty good GPA, and a good HESI score so I'm hoping that will get me in.

As far as your situation goes, make sure your GPA stays excellent, do well on whatever entrance exam you have to take, and you should be fine. Good luck!