Accelerated BSN reality check!

LifelongDream · Aug 15, 2009

I think you absolutely have a chance. I just graduated from the ABSN Program at Texas Tech HSC in Odessa, Texas. I was a teacher and has by BS in Biology since 2002. I had been teaching for five years and found this program in the paper one Sunday afternoon. I found out that I only lacked 3 classes and I jumped at the opportunity. As far as how I got in... I worked my butt off to do well in my prereqs, worked very hard on putting together a excellent interview, and prayed that I made it. I went home and cried after my interview thinking I surely had not gotten in after meeting other potential applicants outside of the conference room. It's funny to look back on that day because all of the applicants that were there that day were my classmates and we were so awesome together. I really hope that you get to follow your dreams. It's an amazing feeling to know that you won't die thinking about the what ifs!!! :smiletea2:

fanshawe · Aug 15, 2009

rockkstarr, i made a similar decision as you a few years ago to pursue an ABSN opportunity, and i just started mine in june. it took me two years to get my pre-reqs finished, and there was a lot of hair pulling and waffling about my qualifications, and i went through phases of thinking i was a fool for even trying...so i hear where you're at.

every program is different, so the best advice i can give you is to know exactly what the requirements are to get in and make sure that you meet or complete every single one. my program eliminated a huge percentage of applicants right out of the gate simply because they forgot or neglected to do something by a certain date, or whatever. sometimes the application process can be murky, especially when you're talking about second degree students, so it would be really beneficial to check in periodically with an adviser (say once a semester) to assess your status and help you figure out what's next.

and also, keep those grades up. my program only looked at the pre-req grades and not the cumulative gpa from my previous college experience (but like i said, every program is different). i don't think there's a single student in my program right now who didn't have a 4.0 avg. on pre-reqs, so, at least in my case, grades were the most important factor.

and lastly...and i know it sounds silly...but make sure ABSN is what you really want -- it's very intense, especially at the beginning, and you'll basically be dedicating every waking moment to school trying to get it all done at the accelerated pace. but...it sounds like you know you want it, so good luck, it's an amazing ride.

rockkstarr · Aug 17, 2009

Thank you so much for the responses. It's nice to see people who have had similar experiences.

You know, it's not silly, fanshawe. I sometimes jump back and forth about the accelerated option because i know it will be really, really intense. But I'm sure it's what I want because I do want to reach my goal as soon as possible.

Yes, everyone's pre-req's are slightly different! I have a spreadsheet with everything marked out, to make sure I'm on track :)

Thanks again!

melmarie23, MSN, RN · Aug 17, 2009

you never know until you apply. I think with that great GPA in your pre-reqs and a good GPA in your undergrad, plus all your professional experiences make you a promising candidate.

I have an old coworker who is at Johns Hopkins and an acquaintance who is at Columbia for the same programs and they love it.

The accelerated programs are so intense, but so worth it...I am almost at the halfway point with mine!

I wish you the best of luck!