HACC points system question

[Lalo12345]

Hi. I'm in the HACC (Harrisburg) pre-nursing program. Once I finish this semester, I'll only need to complete A&P2 before I can apply for clinicals. My questions is... if I apply for clinicals in the May 1-June 1 window (for acceptance into Spring 2010), I'll only have 91 of the 100 points needed. I'll be down 5 points for not having completed AP2 yet and 2-4 points down for not having a grade associated with it (2 for C, 3 for B, 4 for A). My question is... should I bother applying or is there no way I'll get accepted? Will they wait until the end of the summer semester to look at my AP2 grade and give me the points for it? -- since I hear that acceptance letters aren't sent out until October.

I'd prefer to take AP2 over the summer and start clinicals in Spring 2010, but if there's little or no chance that I'll get accepted with only 91 points (I have 4.0 GPA), I might just wait and take AP2 in the fall and take the summer off. Then I'd have near 100 points. Unfortunately, that will push clinicals to start in Fall 2010 instead of Spring.

Anybody have any insight on the minimum # points? Is 91 way out of the ballpark?

Thanks!!!

Lalo

[DMSEVO8]

I just got an acceptance letter from HACC Harrisburg campus for clinicals for 2010 fall. Damn, listening to couple post on here makes me hopless for clinicals. I talked to couple students in their third semester into clincals and they told me its hard but, it isn't impossible. I already know 2 people who graduated with RN at Harrisburg campus and they encouraged me to attend HACC for nursing. They told me the program is great and I'll learn a lot. Ofcourse there are times you want to give up but, they told me you just have to get through with it. Mainly because real job isn't easy for new grads anyway. Well, guys wish me luck!!!

Well for the Microbiology you are taking with Earl hmmm.. he isn't that great!!! You should have taken it with Mark Nicholos! Easy A!!! Well I wish you luck!

[lls9]

I just got my acceptance letter today as well for Fall 2010! I'm excited, but nervous, as I've heard quite a few stories from people that have been asked to leave after completing a couple of semesters of clinicals. If anyone has gone through the program, and has any advice, I'd love to hear it!

As far as acceptance -- My advisors told me the cutoff is usually around 94, although none of them would give me a specific number. The advisors have been kind of unhelpful so far, actually. I'm hoping that might change now that I'm actually in the program....

Regarding Dr. Beyer -- I had him for microbiology and I LOVED him. He tells the best stories ever. The class averages on the test usually were pretty low, but he curves the class average up to an 80. So if it was a 65, everyone gets 15 points. I thought it was fantastic. Those of us that did well usually ended up with over a 100% on our tests. :)

I'd love to hear from others that will be starting this fall! The uniforms look hideous, but other than that, I'm excited!

[DMSEVO8]

Wow! Congrats!!!! Well I probably see you in fall!!!

[Lalo12345]

I got my acceptance letter as well (fall 2010), a few days ago... but for Lancaster campus of HACC. Advisors here have been very helpful! A little nervous cuz I've heard it's tough, but can't wait to start!

[pastudent]

It is not impossible - but less than 20% get through it. Did you call and get their numbers? Defining "hard" - of course you have to study all the time - that is not the problem. It is the 15-20 hrs of paperwork every weekend and the 10 + hours you have to out into your toolbook that is "hard". I saw people get through the whole semester only to be told they would have to repeat - which you can only do once.

I have been one of the few that did it in 4 semesters - so yes it can be done. But when I hear how much better other programs are it makes me wish I would have gone somewhere else. I kept hearing how 'strong" hacc nurses were. But I have few skills, and have not mastered some of the most basic skills to be a nurse. As a hacc student the last thing you'll want to do is ask questions, or ask for help. One bad day can be your last day in that program. So most students just survive clinical, but learn nothing. It really stinks, because I wanted to be a strong nurse.

[rookie1]

WOW!!! This is so disheartening ! I am a student at HACC and it's literally killing me to read this post. thank you for being so honest though, am looking at other programs, can you suggest any locally in York. I was looking at Lancaster General College but it cost 3x as much....what to do, what to do. Look, I'm 38 years old, not getting any younger, have a Bachelors in hand already but wanted to go into medical field all my life. But I don't want to be at a program where it's set up to fail me every step of the way, don't mind working hard but I want the support of the school, teachers who's salary I am paying for out of pocket. PLEASE...if you are other HACC clinical students or past students, would so much appreciate your input/thoughts...

[BBRANRN2013, ASN, RN]

I recently got accepted to Lancaster part time clinicals and I am not done Microbiology class. It all depends on who is applying and how many spots are open. Instead of getting the full 20 for Micro and the points for the grade U only get 15 points if it is in progess. I start in january 2011 and i'm getting nervous.

[MrsBradyMom]

You can't always listen to other people. There are 3 sides to every issue.....1 being the truth. Yes, HACC is hard. But isn't it supposed to be? Do they purposely set you up for failure? No way. Anyone that feels this way probably has other issues going on.

A previous poster posed these questions:

ASK - what percentage of 4.0 students get through all 4 semesters in a row?

ASK - How many graduate each semester???

ASK - Does anyone that works part time survive the program? ask for the name of one!

ASK - Does anyone who has kids under 8 graduate?

ASK - How many current students/recent grads would recommend this program?

1. I graduated through the LPN program with a 4.0 intact and am getting ready to graduate as an RN.

2. Approximately 75% that started 1st semester

3. Yes. I work 16 hours per week. My name is MrsBradyMom.

4. Actually, I have 5 kids.

5. Everyone that I know who has graduated and no one I know who failed out.

My .02 cents.

[BBRANRN2013, ASN, RN]

I have four kids and of course nursing clinicals are going to be hard. Why wouldn't they be. Do you want a nurse who just slid through nursing shcool working on you? I don't. I'm ready to start clinicals in January 2011 and am ready to study my butt off. I'm only going part-time which could make all the difference. Wish me luck and good luck to all who are entering clinicals!!!