Starting my pre-reqs, any advice?

1. So I'm about to graduate with an associates degree in Exercise Science and will immediately begin taking pre-reqs/co-reqs to get into a nursing program. I've already met with advisors for different programs and know what it is I need to do. I'm in Boston and I'm going to to apply for...
   
   Quincy College
   Bunker Hill Community College
   Umass Boston (BSN program)
   Roxbury Community College
   
   Apparently these are all super competitive. Does anyone have any advice or personal stories for getting into these particular schools, or even just some words of wisdom and encouragement?
   
   I have 3.75 GPA and will be doing my best to get A's in all of my pre/co-reqs.

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2. 6 Comments

   Comment
3. 
   Apr 9, '13

   Try to be flexible, apply to any program you think you can make work. You never know which program you'll get into (hopefully multiple!) and how your life may change in the time spent waiting to begin.
   I wish you all the best, good luck!
4. 
   Apr 9, '13

   See what the NCLEX pass rates are for the different schools. Factor in finances and what campus is more convenient for you.
5. 
   Apr 9, '13

   You must check the school for what they require. My program doesn't require any chemistry, other schools do. But I suggest taking A&P1 and 2 as your last classes before you apply so that is still fresh in your mind when you get accepted. Good luck
6. 
   Apr 9, '13

   A 3.75 GPA is wonderful, seems like you're smart and that you work hard, so congrats! Like you said, I would definitely aim for all A's to increase your GPA even more. My experience w/ pre reqs has been amazing, all of my classes so far have been pretty easy. They will be boring sometimes, but you just have to stick with it because it's so worth it in the end. Everytime I start feeling a little bored and discouraged, I remind myself that in the end, I'll be doing what I'm supposed to do in this life- taking care of people and making them feel better. And that alone makes all the difference. It makes me feel happy everyday to go to school knowing I'm one step closer.
   Good luck with everything!
7. 
   Apr 10, '13

   Besides looking at the NCLEX pass rates, also look into the retention/attrition rate. How many people who start the program on Day One actually graduate two years later. It is not uncommon for ADN programs to have drop-out (or failure) rates of 25-50%.
   
   I've been a consultant to Schools which seek to fail out a certain percentage of students each term just to keep the NCLEX rate high.
8. 
   Apr 10, '13

   All the advice so far has been great, and wish it was something I would have heard along the way. But something I've learned the hard way is do not leave your sciences til the very end. Maybe 1-2. Because then you pretty much back yourself into a wall, you know what I mean? Blend in the easier classes such as (Psych, Soc,P.E, etc) with the harder sciences. Also good luck and wish you the best in all your Nursing endeavors!

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