Applying to Multiple Schools

samiam856 · Feb 6, 2012

I've applied to 6 schools. All with different requirements. Different pre-reqs, different entrance exams, some have interviews and require references, personal statement, and letter of recommendation (some don't require those things). Here's the thing-nursing school is so competitive....they accept very few compared to those who apply. It's not that people aren't smart enough, or don't do well enough, but that finding enough people to teach all the students is hard. Of course there is a shortage and the pay is good so everyone flocks to the field.

I have a Bachelors in Criminal Justice and and Masters in Public Administration.....but all I want to do is become a nurse...it's my passion, it just took me a little longer to figure it out. So I did everything necessary for every school within 10 hours of me. And to be honest, I'm not hopeful. I will probably have to retake my entrance exams and apply to all of them again next year.

You have to decide how bad you want it, and how bad you only want to go to the school you applied to. Then make your decisions. Make a pro/con list for different schools and the one school you applied. Decide what's worth the risk and worth the money.

and Good Luck-don't count yourself out from the one school until you here....you never know what the application pool is like this year :)

willowita, ADN, RN · Feb 6, 2012

I'm applying to 8 schools for the Fall 2012 semester. When I started this whole journey 2 years ago, I identified all the nursing programs in my area and just started tackling the prereq's for each school. Luckily, they've been mostly about the same (A&P, Micro, Psych), except for a few courses here and there.

There are about 4 more schools I can't apply to because I don't have all the prereqs. So I'm taking those classes this semester. If I don't get in to any of the first 8, I'll have these additional 4 to apply to later this year.

So with all that said, I would do some web surfing and see what other nursing programs are in your area. Maybe there are more than 2. Maybe there are more a little further out of your immediate range if you are willing to commute. You can usually find accredited and approved programs on the site for your state's Board of Registered Nursing. So start there and see what's around.

When you find other programs, you can see what you still need. Maybe meet with a counselor for those other schools and ask for an academic plan so you get a better idea of what you have left and what you should take.

It might seem overwhelming, but take it one step at a time.

rubato, ASN, RN · Feb 6, 2012

I'm putting all my eggs in one basket. There's only one school I want to go to. But, I know how tough it is to get in. I have a 4.0, plus honors courses and good test scores. I put a lot of extra pressure on myself so I wouldn't have to apply to more schools. With all that being said, if I don't get in, I have a backup school for the spring semester next year and will have to take a few extra classes this fall that aren't required at my first choice. I think it all depends on the person and you'll just have to do what you think is right.

Cherry02 · Feb 6, 2012

I have checked prereqs for about 5-6 schools. There are probably a few I missed that have a reasonable commute (no more than an hour drive). I have a B.A., so I am hoping to get into an ABSN program...but if that doesn't happen, I am willing to take whatever route can get me to my goal. I definitely want this more than anything, and can't imagine NOT being a nurse someday.

Thanks all for the responses...I really do appreciate it. I will try to stay positive and take things one step at a time.