Nursing Student applicant help

[futurenurse1657]

Hello!

Right now, I am earning my prereqs at a community college in Idaho. I am a sophomore in college.I am very interested in applying to a prestigious nursing program, such as an ivy league. I am particularly interested in the University of Pennsylvania. How hard is it to get into their program as an out of state transfer?

Last year, as a freshman, I got okay grades. I ended with a 3.2 gpa. I have learned my lesson, though, and I am shooting for all A's this year. I know that this is a high goal and last year's grades were low, but if I do exceptionally well academically, will I have a chance of acceptance at Penn?

Besides school, I am a CNA, I am the president of a volunteer club, I am involved with student activities, sports, and I volunteer. I am planning on starting a health based club. Will these extracurriculars help me to get in? How can I improve my chances of getting great nursing schools? Do you have any other advice?

Thanks!!

[cracklingkraken, ASN, RN]

Why do you want to go to an Ivy League so badly? Even with a 4.0 GPA, it is difficult to get into their programs. The few people who I know who were accepted into the Ivy League schools had outstanding portfolios (as in they were nationally known in academia from winning certain championships repeatedly).

FWIW , as long as you pass the NCLEX, you can find a job as a nurse if you're willing to look hard enough.

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

Honestly, as long as the nursing school you attend has a great local reputation, that is all you need. If you want UPenn, of course, apply. Just realize that competition for new grad jobs is steep, and you might find that Ivy League degree VERY expensive in the long-run....paying off pricey student loans while your colleagues have little to no debt might color your opinion regarding the importance of a specific school. Just food for thought.

Good luck wherever you choose to apply! :)