Didn't get into my top choice . . . what to do in the meantime?

[iridium54]

Hey guys,

I am applying for accelerated BSN programs and I didn't get into my top-pick school. Well, I didn't not get in 100% yet as I have been waitlisted, but I am not counting on anything.

I have been accepted to other schools, it's just that I really wanted to go to this particular school for a variety of reasons. That being said, I am considering reapplying. Has anyone else foregone other opportunities to hold out for the dream school? I can't decide, as on the one hand I say to just go somewhere else, and be done with that portion (as I do plan to go further into nursing), or wait another year, get some more experience, and maybe even take another class or two?

I guess my question is, in the interim year, what can I do? I know I can volunteer at a hospital, which I just recently started doing. You see, I quit my full-time job last spring to focus on getting my pre-reqs done and in the meantime I have been making money waitressing. I would have loved to make money doing something more closely related to nursing, but it seems like any position you must be certified for (CNA, MA, CHHA, etc). I figured I didn't want to spend the money getting certified when I would hopefully be in school soon.

As I write this, I realize I'm all over the map here haha. I guess ultimately I am looking to see if other people have held out for their number one school and if in the end it has worked out for them. Sorry if I sound so confused, I guess I thought I had everything planned and now I feel thrown through a loop a bit!

[FLhusker]

Don't give up yet....you are on the waitlist and many students do decline so you may get a spot. I am in the same boat as you, I have one school that I really want to go to. Fortunately, this university accepts students in summer and fall so if I don't get accepted for this summer, I will try again in the fall. I am also going to apply to a second school for the fall just in case I don't get my dream school. I figure if I apply twice and don't get in....I will choose the other school. Don't give up on your dream school! Can you take a few classes in the mean time to keep you busy? Perhaps your second choice school has different pre-reqs so you may want to be prepared for that. Maybe take a medical terminology class if you haven't already since that will help in the long run.

Volunteering at a local hospital will give you great experience and you will have a leg up when you do get in. Good luck to you!

[Taylo040]

I agree with Flhusker, I think you should hold out and wait to see how the waitlist turns out. I would also take a few extra classes and possibly volunteer. Eventhough, you do not get paid, you gain experience and even better gain a reputation within the hospital thath could lead to a future job after nursing school.

I am in the same boat I am focusing more on one particular school, but it gives me an extra year until the next entry. So, I am plannig on taking medical termoinology (to be better prepared), and human dissection class to brush one my Anatomy, as well as a volunteer program that requires 270 hours.

Good luck, but I know it will be worth it for you!