Any University of Michigan students out there?

michigansapphire · Jul 25, 2009

A few years ago, I was almost exactly where you are right now. My undergrad GPA (in Theater & Drama) was under a 3.0 and I thought they'd never admit me. It took a long time to complete my prereqs because I was working full-time, but I got A's in every single one (at Washtenaw). I must have written something very convincing in my application essays, because I am starting the accelerated program next month!

Yes, it's a very competitive program, but don't give up before you even start. I have changed and grown a lot since undergrad and I did my best to show that in my application. I also spent time volunteering at a hospital, which gave me a clearer idea of what nursing is like - and I made sure to put that on my application too!

espo44 · Jul 27, 2009

First, CONGRATS on getting in and starting the program next month!!

This response is SO encouraging. It really is. Can I ask, what did you talk about in your essay? IF I finish my pre-reqs with A's and its time to actually apply, I wonder how the heck to explain that I was an immature mess at 18-22 years old and that I've grown so much since then. (Including getting married, having 2 kids, working in the corporate sector, etc.)

Thanks so much for this response. I just KNEW there would be someone out there. I'm going to keep this dream alive.

michigansapphire · Jul 28, 2009

I was an immature mess at 18-22 years old and that I've grown so much since then. (Including getting married, having 2 kids, working in the corporate sector, etc.)

That's exactly the kind of thing I talked about in my essays. There's one about "describe a setback you've faced" where I told the story of dealing with my depression and how my life is so much better now that I work to control it. And in the "why you want to be a nurse" question I was able to give lots of detail about my background since I was in college the first time. I was completely honest about everything and I think it helped them to see how serious I am about doing well in this program.

Concentrate on kicking butt in your prereqs! I have heard that getting good grades in those, especially in the core courses (Anatomy & Physiology, Pathophysiology, Organic Chemistry, and Pharmacology) is key.

My new stethoscope came in the mail today. Getting excited!

RNpatterson · Aug 3, 2009

I'm in a similar boat. I graduated with a mediocre GPA but they don't care about that as long as you throw it in the essays. I had family medical problems; my friend was just young and stupid and didn't know what she wanted to do with her life at the time... we each have a story and that is what U of M wants to hear. Some schools prefer to focus more on work experience in the health field but U of M prefers academics and heart-felt essays. Kick butt in your pre reqs - and take them at Wastenaw!! My whole tuition here for one semester, with books, is cheaper than one class at U of M and it REALLY does not matter where the pre reqs are taken as long as they transfer.

And the best thing you can do is get in with a group of friends NOW that is trying to get into the same programs; it's invaluble. We all do our own research and learn little things that have helped others get in and it's helped me stay focused and keep all A's this time around.