Public Vs. Private colleges for nursing

belladelicious · Apr 23, 2004

How can you have a 3.9 and not be accepted into nursing school? I know it's competitive, but a 3.9?

jenrninmi, MSN, RN · Apr 23, 2004

Well, after doing considerable research it seems that getting into a state school for nursing (especially in Minnesota) is tough, even with top notch grades (I have a 3.9). As a result, I am looking at some of the private schools (i.e. St. Kates). The cost is about 4 times as much but I will only need to take my nursing classes there. Has anyone run into else this were the state schools are full but the private ones have plenty of room??

Hodge,

Good luck! I'm sorry you have to pay so much! I'm at a state school in Michigan. Expensive too, imo. Good luck in your program~

klone, MSN, RN · Apr 23, 2004

Why don't you try Minneapolis Community College, or one of the other county CCs, like North Hennepin or Anoka Ramsey? Then do an RN-BSN type thing after graduation. St. Kates or others like that are just SO expensive.

Hodge · Apr 23, 2004

I have not been declined but with 500 or so applications for 60 to 80 spots I wanted to keep my options open! Also, I want to finish up so I am not willing to wait and apply again in future years. I figure the additional cost will be more than offset by getting into the field and gaining experience compared to waiting around.

kahumai, RN · Apr 23, 2004

I'm at a private school and there was no wait at all to get in....they actually waited for ME to get my pre-reqs done. They're obviously more expensive than public schools, but in the end, I guess it all depends on how many years you wanna pay off the loans for!!! :chuckle

moonbunnie · Apr 23, 2004

in my area, both private and public schools are flooded with applicants. but i got into northern illinois university with a 3.7, although i was worried because i knew another girl who was applying, and she had a 4.0. but a 3.9 is really good, so i wouldnt stress about it too much. i know its hard to wait, you begin to doubt yourself even though you know youre grades are good. i actually got put on a waiting list for the private school i applied to, not because my grades werent good enough, but because they accept applications on a rolling basis, so instead of taking the highest grades, they take the first. oh, well, ill save about 20000 dollars by not going there

Nurse2bSandy · Apr 23, 2004

I chose a private school because there was no wait... I was too old to wait, I waited too long to get going already!

Anyway, because of a PTK (Phi theta Kappa) scholarship offered by the school I am paying half price tuition... just a bit more than the state school. I'm glad to be going and not waiting... just one more year AND I'M DONE!!!

Good luck with whatever you choose!

southerngirl · Apr 23, 2004

I feel like its best to apply to every school that you may want to attend. So that when the letters start arriving you have a choice. Even if there are tons of applicants there may be something that they like about you so don't be put off by numbers. I know it feels better to have a chance at several instead of putting all your eggs in one basket! Good luck.