what to do about admissions (long)

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Hi Everyone

I have a problem I was hoping to get some advice on. I applied to a program that I will hear if I get in by the end of Feb, early March. There are 80+ people applying for 20 seats. I have good grades and GPA, but I am not unrealistic, there is a good chance I won't get in. I finally decided I wanted to get into a healthcare career after 3 1/2 years of college. I am about 1 1/2 years away from just a degree in psych. I took many various classes trying to find what I wanted to do. I decided this after the other university in the area closed their nursing admissions for the year. Another technical center has an LPN program that is accepting applications until March 1. I would have to start this admissions process soon because I have to take two exams. The only problem with this because I have a private school loan out for my university that I would have to pay back b/c it doesn't recognize the technical center as schooling. This means $250 each month. Not a TON of money, but enough to cause problems for a poor college student.

So hear is the question, what would you do in my situation?

- Put all hopes on the program I applied. If I don't get in, wait and try again next year, my 5th straight year of schooling before nursing school.

- Apply for the LPN program and hope I get in if I don't get into original program, bridge over to RN, and just work really hard to pay loan.

- Any other ideas?

Any and all tips are appreciated. I would wait to actually see if I get in before worrying, but I need to know if I should apply before deadline for program.

Thanks for everything,

Clover

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I would apply for both. It might make you feel better to have some back up. Good Luck!

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Specializes in emergency.

- Put all hopes on the program I applied. If I don't get in, wait and try again next year, my 5th straight year of schooling before nursing school.

^ that's what I would do. Sure, 5 years straight of university sounds long, but don't feel bad, I have 8. Go for the RN degree that you really want, apply to more schools next year if you don't get into the one you just applied to. LPN for you would just be a round about way to your actual goal and cost you more money in the long run.

Good luck, hopefully you won't have to make this decision and will instead get into your program of choice this month!

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I would apply for both programs just incase. Dont put all your eggs on one basket. Good luck to you.

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Specializes in med surg, icu.

I don't know where you're from... but have you considered other programs in nearby areas?

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I don't know where you're from... but have you considered other programs in nearby areas?

The other university near by already stopped taking applications for the coming year. There is a private school like 30 mins away but I can't afford it. The LPN is the only other program that is open for admissions.

Thanks for everyone's advice.. keep it coming if you can!

Clover

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Specializes in LDRP.

Have you thought about finishing your Psyche dregree then going for an accelerated BSN? Many people are doing that-you need to have a good GPA, but it sounds like you have that. I thought about finishing out my BA and going the accelerated BSN (it takes a year) but managed to get my ducks in a row elsewhere (I, like you, have 1.5 yrs on a Psyche degree left. Yet my GPA is low (2.9 cumulative, 3.44 in my nursing program) due to early college stupidity.)

Anyway, just a thought! GL!!!!! I totally know how you feel!!!!

OH, I wanted t also add that I started all this pre-req stuff for a "two-year" ADN 3 years ago. It will have taken me 4.5 yrs to get my 2-year degree. I checked out a million other programs and this is the one that I could get into the fastest and get things done in the least amt of time-crazy isnt it???? The waiting lists are insane...

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Have you thought about finishing your Psyche dregree then going for an accelerated BSN? Many people are doing that-you need to have a good GPA, but it sounds like you have that. I thought about finishing out my BA and going the accelerated BSN (it takes a year) but managed to get my ducks in a row elsewhere (I, like you, have 1.5 yrs on a Psyche degree left. Yet my GPA is low (2.9 cumulative, 3.44 in my nursing program) due to early college stupidity.)

Anyway, just a thought! GL!!!!! I totally know how you feel!!!!

Thanks for the support! I like knowing that I am not alone! I was thinking about that but it just is so depressing to study something for 1.5 more years that I have no interest in pursuing career-wise. I mean psych is interesting, but not for me. Not to mention putting all that money into a degree that isn't my cup of tea!! I might end up doing it if I can't get in anywhere though:o

Oh well.....

I know it is premature, but I am already really down and I haven't even heard if I am in or not.

Anyone else feeling pre-admissions result blues?????????

Clover

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I say apply to the programs and give yourself options. I was in the same boat about 14 years ago. I thought that finishing with a bachelors in Psych would be better that dropping out of UCLA to go to a community college. (UCLA was fiercly competitive back then before they closed their nursing school.) Today, I find that it's much easier to get into an RN to BSN program than an accelerated BSN program. If I were in your shoes now, I wouldn't do the LPN program. I would look into getting my BSN or at least an ASN. I would work like crazy to save some money and cut expenses while waiting to get into a program. There are also many loan forgiveness programs for those pursuing an RN. I haven't heard of one for LPNs. Also, in California, at least, once you have your bachelors, you don't qualify for certain types of financial aid.

Good luck with your decision! Go for what you REALLY want in the end.

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Specializes in Med/Surg <1; Epic Certified <1.
The only problem with this because I have a private school loan out for my university that I would have to pay back b/c it doesn't recognize the technical center as schooling. This means $250 each month. Not a TON of money, but enough to cause problems for a poor college student.

Not to sound ignorant, but have you checked to see if you can get a deferment on the loan so you wouldn't have to start making payments so soon? I don't know how difficult they are to get or what the reasons are for doing so, but I know some people who have put off paying student loans for quite some time after graduation.

Good luck!

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Not to sound ignorant, but have you checked to see if you can get a deferment on the loan so you wouldn't have to start making payments so soon? I don't know how difficult they are to get or what the reasons are for doing so, but I know some people who have put off paying student loans for quite some time after graduation.

Good luck!

I have deferrment on my loan right now since I am at a recognized university. If I go to the vo-tech program, it is not recognized, so I have a 6 month grace period before I start paying. So at least I don't have to pay it every month of LPN program.

Thanks to everyone for the advice!

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Have you thought about finishing your Psyche dregree then going for an accelerated BSN? Many people are doing that-you need to have a good GPA, but it sounds like you have that. I thought about finishing out my BA and going the accelerated BSN (it takes a year) but managed to get my ducks in a row elsewhere (I, like you, have 1.5 yrs on a Psyche degree left. Yet my GPA is low (2.9 cumulative, 3.44 in my nursing program) due to early college stupidity.)

Anyway, just a thought! GL!!!!! I totally know how you feel!!!!

OH, I wanted t also add that I started all this pre-req stuff for a "two-year" ADN 3 years ago. It will have taken me 4.5 yrs to get my 2-year degree. I checked out a million other programs and this is the one that I could get into the fastest and get things done in the least amt of time-crazy isnt it???? The waiting lists are insane...

I know! The program I applied for doesn't have waitlists, just TONS of people going for the small number of slots-- It is so crazy!!!

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