The first time I went to college it seemed pretty easy to know what schools were reaches, safe and way out of my league. For instance no one in their right mind would have told me to apply for Yale in the same token someone telling me I should look at the local community college could have been interpreted as insulting (which it isn't, just using it as an example). But now I am looking at accelerated BSN programs and every school seems to have the same requirements, and I am seriously confused.
Heres the story, I blew off college the first time around because I was arrogant and I thought economics was stupid (which time proved me correct to be fair) and I graduated with a 2.9 GPA and degrees in Economics and Human Rights, by no means a measure of my capability. I moved to DC and had 3 productive yet unremarkable years in the non profit scene. I did have a ton of very legit volunteer experience. I then left for the Peace Corps and sometime in the two years of overseeing a small rural health clinic in the South Pacific decided nursing is the thing I've been looking for all along. Now I am enrolled in a community college in Manhattan taking all the pre-req science classes I never did the first time around, and looking very hard for an accelerated BSN program that I can complete in 1-2 years. It all seems like a solid plan but I'm super nervous, and here's why:
Nearly every program requires a 3.0, which I didn't think would be a problem for a 2.9, but some of the people I've talked to in admissions say their applicants average a 3.4. Also most schools, from Yale to Southern Upstate Rural Junior College are claiming acceptance rates around 20% or lower. I have no hospital experience (but PLENTY of public health experience) and between going to school and bar tending to be able to pay for that I do not have time to go work as a CNA on the side (if that was even possible). Basically internet community what i'm asking is that do I have a shot here. (aka has anyone been in a similar position and made it). I'm wading into a considerable financial and time commitment for something I don't know is possible and I'm losing my mind a bit. Thanks.
