ABSN Alternate Chances?

[ANeu0321]

Hello,

I just got back my letter from an accelerated Nursing program as an alternate. I'm OK with it but am sad because of how hard I've worked to even apply. I didn't do so well in my first undergrad degree (completely different field), but with my prereqs I did really well. The HESI I did well but could have been better. So I understand why I was placed as an alternate.

I shouldn't have placed all my eggs in one basket but this was the program that fits me best and I was really really looking forward to it. Unfortunately, I'm number 8 which seems less likely to get in but still praying I'll make it somehow. From the previous year stats the program accepts 42 students, typically around 91 apply and 18 are alternates.  

Does anyone have experience being an alternate to a nursing program? Is it likely for an alternate to get in?

Thanks for any advice! ?

[Mergirlc, MSN, APRN, NP]

It's hard to say because it depends a lot on the school and how competitive the area is where the school is located.  Also, you have to throw Covid into the mix here since many programs have postponed cohorts and some people are just happy to start anywhere that actually has a program going on.

Believe it or not, number eight is not too bad on an alternate list especially when your cohort has a lot of people in it.  Many things change from the time someone is initially picked and they accept and put down a deposit.  There are many others who are still waiting for other decisions from various schools they have applied to so this may not even be their first choice.   I have actually been number three on one list and number nine on another and was called up to enter both programs.  I declined because some family issues came up and I wouldn't have been able to start the programs.

The thing is what you have to remember is you have zero control over the situation of where you are on the list.  It really is just wait and see.  But I do have a true story of what happened at one school:  This one nursing college I know of actually hit up to number 18 on the alternate list once.  Why do I know that? Because it was number 18 who told me she made it in!  This was at a state university where  in-state tuition is typically lower so there's lots of competition.

Moral of the storyL  Hang in there!

Good luck!

[ANeu0321]

You make very good points and make me feel better about it! Congrats on getting in both times you were an alternate! I guess 8 alternate seems high compared to 42 accepted but you're right, people are waiting for other school decisions, the alternates ahead of me might be waiting for others as well. I will have to wait and see, like you said, till I at least get the update in February. It seems to be a competitive school but in the state there are several nursing colleges as well (Colorado). 

That's amazing the alternate 18 got accepted and gives me hope! Congrats to her as well! 

The original email got me down about it but looking through some of these other posts and your reply has def made me relax more and just be patient with the outcome. Thank you so much-I appreciate it! ?