Admissions priorities for WGU Pre-licensure

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Specializes in Surgical Step-Down.

Hello all,

This is my first post on allnurses, and I was hoping yall could answer this question, especially for those who have already experienced this. I've scoured over the WGU forum and have read hundreds of questions and responses from fellow pre nursing students, but I could not find a definite answer for this question. When applying for admissions to the pre-licensure program and considering viable candidates, what makes the admissions process so competitive? I read one comment that the acceptance rate is around 35%, is that due to weeding out of people who just think it's going to be a breeze and aren't committed to putting the time in every week, according to the enrollment counselor's pre-screening evaluation? Or is it because people don't have a high enough GPA or enough college experience to show academic potential?

I'm trying to gauge my potential for getting accepted, maybe I should share a little bit of my background information. I already have my bachelors degree in a health science related field (Exercise Science), my academic profile over the past 5 years of schooling has consistently been around B/B+, including classes such as organic chemistry. I don't have much work experience in the health care field, but I spent six months last year volunteering in the ER at my local hospital assisting the nurses anyway I could. I have had success in a past online course, I took an introductory sociology course and finished halfway through the semester with an A, so even though it's not the same difficulty level as upper level nursing courses, I still feel confident that I have the time management skills and discipline to complete an online degree. The pre-health advisor at my university said she was more than willing to write me a solid letter of recommendation, so is there something else I'm missing here? I've done a lot of soul searching and decided that pursuing a career in nursing makes the most sense to me and my family. I'm just trying to collect as much information as humanly possible before I dive in and apply for admissions. From what I've read, WGU seems like such a great school and ties in with my lifestyle/schedule perfectly! Any positive and/or constructive feedback would be much appreciated! Thanks!

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

I imagine the only ones who can answer that question with any authority would be the enrollment counselors at WGU.

This is from their website:

BSN with RN License | Online RN Degree | Online Nursing School

WHY they are highly competitive, they state right on that page - they have a very limited number of clinical spots available, so they must be/can be very selective. HOW they are competitive, they state on that page also - through TEAS score, transcripts, essay and professional references.

They have a minimum requirement for being eligible to apply. Then, among the eligible applicants, they choose the best based on the above-mentioned factors. I imagine that a person's desirability for being chosen all depends on what the other candidates bring to the table for that particular enrollment period.

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#1 Step required before doing anything is You must call the school and talk to a Pre-Licensing Enrollment Counselor First.

I have been in the process about a year now for the pre-licensing. Had a few things to complete.

1st, The enrollment counselor does a quick interview in the beginning to determine if you are the right fit to apply for the school.

If they see you as a good candidate for the school, they will send you an email with ALL the requirements you need prepare and submit.

They will be your go to person at all times and they will set up followup appointments to keep updated and continue to let you know whats next and the start dates of each location and deadlines.

They want to see some experience in some type of medical field, CNA, Medical Assistant, LVN, something you have a cert in and some work experience. If you don't have it you can still apply but they will accept someone with medical experience over someone without.

Good Letter of references preferrably from a medical field supervisor, They prefer a Bachelor or Associate degree in any thing,

Completion of Anatomy and Physiology 1 and 2 Or if you have an A&P I, You can take Human Physiology as well and Microbiology. ALL Sciences must have a LAB component.

They also require all transcripts, a TEAS Score and a Healthcare Provider CPR Card.

You will create a Personal Statment as to why you want to become a nurse, why you want to be a WGU student and so forth.

Once you have submitted everything for the nursing packet your enrollment counselor will then get your packet submitted to the committee who make the selections

You do not just submit a packet yourself for Pre-Licensing. Its all done through your enrollment counselor.

Hope this helps. I am planning to be completed and submitted in July for the October cohort in LA.

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Hi Lindberg,

I can understand why you are wondering this. I was confused quite a bit after reading all the posts and trying to find as much information as I could online. Klone's comments are all right-on. It also depends a great deal on the state you are in. In California, for example, there are 10-12 spots for 150-200 applicants. So, the top candidates chosen have the best TEAS scores, the best GPAs, have a bachelor's degree already, and healthcare experience (volunteering, CNA, LVN, etc.).

In my cohort (Cedars in LA), all of us scored over 90% on the TEAS, so that is a huge factor, and we are all CNAs or techs and/or are volunteers. GPA was not a huge factor, but was important.

From what you've described, it seems like you have a very good chance of being accepted. A counselor may suggest you get a CNA certification.

My best advice is to speak to an enrollment counselor and ask what you need to be a top candidate, then go get it! Stay in touch with your counselor to ensure you are on track, at least once a month. You will need to impress him or her with your interest and stunning personality. :yes: Then shoot for a 90+ on the TEAS.

Good luck!

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Honestly I don't what their selection process is. I only know that some states are clearly more competitive than others. From what I can see California is their most competitive. I know we had people in my cohort that scored in the 80s on the TEAS test, but I don't know everyone's GPA, nor do I know if the state has become more competitive as they have increased advertising in the area for the program. I'd ask the enrollment counselor and see what they have to say of your chances and what you should work on.

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Good Advice tsm007. I asked mine and he would not tell me what will bump me up but he said the Personal Statement and experience is a big key in becoming a good candidate for the program. He did say you need to make yourself Stand Out above the others. Your packet needs to get the Committees attention. Not look like every other application coming through. The Teas Score have to be passed at the Proficient, Advanced or Exemplary level.

One thing he told me about the Personal Statement is do not start with the usual "I have always wanted to be a nurse" or "I like nursing for the money" They want to hear your passion about the field and helping others and any experiences that you have had in the medical field that created a desire for the nursing field. Stuff like that. They do not want to usual potential student statement. What will help you stand out. They won't give you what to say or exactly what to talk about but will give you some hints on what to include and what to avoid. Because California has only a small amount of facilities they have become very selective and any extras make you more competitive for them.

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Agreed with SoonerBred - we are in the same cohort. I don't know if this helps, but here's my info:

Bachelor of Arts in Art Studio

GPA: 3.0

TEAS: 93% (99th percentile)

No volunteer experience

Technician at WGU partner hospital

Expired CNA license (expired 2007)

I was rejected the first time I applied. My counselor could not give me a solid reason as to why I was rejected but suggested I volunteer more or get my CNA license again. I did not do either of these. I continued to work for a year and did not make any changes to my portfolio. Just as I was getting ready to begin volunteering at a hospital (orientation date ready), I got a call from WGU that I was accepted. This was a year after my initial rejection.

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Specializes in Surgical Step-Down.

Thanks for all of the great responses everybody, I really appreciate it! I guess the only real way to find out my chances are to call an enrollment counselor and go from there.

Just another few questions if yall wouldn't mind answering. I live in Utah, about 30 miles north of Salt Lake City, does anybody have any information about Utah's program and what the statistics are their program? Yall mentioned in the California program that there are 10 to 12 seats for an applicant pool of around 150 to 200, I read on WGU's website that they start new cohorts every month. Does that help with the competition? For every 10 to 12 that are getting accepted every month, wouldn't your odds be better to get in if you keep applying every month? I'll ask the enrollment counselor, but I wanted to get everyone's opinion before I make that phone call.

Also, one more question. I'm hoping to start the program (if I get accepted) towards the end of this year or the beginning of next year. It's February right now, should I wait until later this year to call the enrollment counselor or would it be advisable to call now? I still need to take Human Development as my last prereq, and I still need to take the TEAS exam. From most of your recommendations, I probably ought to take up a part time job between now and applying as a CNA.

Again, thanks for all of your responses and support! This forum is a godsend, and I appreciate everyone's advice and opinions!

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lindberg328 - I would advise you to call asap. The reason being they will be able to answer all your questions regarding a specific region and also begin building a relationship with your enrollment counselor. Although they are not the ones who will make the final decision, by getting to know you more they can help maximize your nursing file (which you cannot start until you apply). Utah, unlike California is not as impacted and will give you a much greater chance of acceptance. However, for the prelicensure portion the start dates are not monthly, thus, making it wise to call an enrollment counselor asap to know when the next start date for Utah will be.

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I agree with RJTnurse, call now and get a relationship started! There's nothing to lose. I worked with my enrollment counselor for almost two years after applying. She not only helped me with all the things needed for my nursing file, but offered great encouragement and reinforcement in the overall process. Cohort dates and pre-reqs can change and you will need to stay on top of everything. Speaking with your counselor will ensure you won't miss anything. Also, take those opportunities when communicating with him or her by email or phone to demonstrate your enthusiasm and professionalism. Best of luck to you, lindberg!

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Thanks for your reply grrl, I don't have a CNA, but I've been an epidemiologist for LA county HD for 9 years, have 3.75, 76 TEAS, MPH in Epidemiology. I didn't get in to first two cohorts in September and October, but they say they keep application forever, and that I should keep trying. I know my TEAS isn't super high but I was thinking my experience and GPA made up for it. I wanted to know if you requested to be considered for each cohort after your initial rejection? Because counselor told me that most people who don't get in ask that they be considered for next cohort, and cohort after that, until they get in or just stop trying. I'm hoping that one of these cohorts I can still get in, even if its a year later, thoughts? I know CA is toughest one to get into as well.

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Hey lindberg! I know this post is older, but did you end up pursuing WGU's program? I saw your other post about applying to a few other programs around Utah. I also live north of Salt Lake, but by about an hour or so, likely moving closer south soon. I just applied to WGU because I had a free waiver code, but haven't talked to the counselor yet other than asking how often the Utah cohorts begin, to which she let me know every 6-9 months. I know they only accept 10-12 students per cohort, but they have had 100% NCLEX pass rates for the last 3 years, and a BSN in 2.5 years doesn't sound too bad either :D

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