Anyone going to CLC (College of Lake County)

vega · Apr 4, 2006

I am only in my pre-reqs. I have herd horror stories about not getting high enough scores to get into nursing program. I was wondering if anyone is at CLC, or if anyone can shed light on approximately how long or how many tries does it take to get into the program?

My understanding is that acceptance into the program is based entirely on NLN pre-entrance exam scores. Spring start is slightly more competitive as there are less slots available (no night classes). I was told at orientation that those who score in the 85+ percentile and above on the exam would have better chances of admission, but it really depends on how well the applying group performs on the exam as a whole. Lately, I've heard rumors that the students accepted in the last term scored in the 91st percentile and above.

If you haven't already, you should attend a nursing orientation. It's always best to get the information straight from the horse's mouth.

flowerchick · Apr 23, 2006

I graduate from that program in 3 weeks. When I got in, I had a 91 on the NLN. The previous poster is correct in that they base their entire decision on the NLN score (provided you meet the requirements for the program).

Ignore the horror stories, do your best and you'll do fine. If I believed 10% of the crud I heard, I wouldn't have made it this far. Put your blinders on and forge ahead!

smelltheroses · Apr 23, 2006

Congrats on your achievements!!!! I bet it feels great to be done. Thanks for the advice and encouragement. I really hope to make it.

agent · May 16, 2006

Its a very tough program.

I scored in the 96th percentile when I got my acceptance.. lets just say im getting Cs. I dont necessarily agree with flowerchick.

I'm going to start my 2nd year in the fall

vega · May 17, 2006

Its a very tough program.
I scored in the 96th percentile when I got my acceptance.. lets just say im getting Cs. I dont necessarily agree with flowerchick.
I'm going to start my 2nd year in the fall

Could I ask, is the NLN exam content very similar to what's presented in the NLN's study guide? My pre-reqs are out of the way and I take the NLN entrance exam in two weeks, but the A&P section of the study guide is a little overwhelming so I'm wondering if I should push back the date.

agent · May 22, 2006

I thought the A&P stuff on the test was pretty basic. I would know it but dont kill yourself on it. Make sure you can QUICKLY do all the math problems in the study guide. I found time to be the biggest issue on the exam.

Also make sure you know circuits. I glossed over the physics stuff in the study guide and wish I hadnt. I would sit for the exam. make sure you go to the bathroom before hand and dont drink a lot of fluid or caffeine. I had to go pee during the exam and it was horrible!!

vega · May 22, 2006

I thought the A&P stuff on the test was pretty basic. I would know it but dont kill yourself on it. Make sure you can QUICKLY do all the math problems in the study guide. I found time to be the biggest issue on the exam.
Also make sure you know circuits. I glossed over the physics stuff in the study guide and wish I hadnt. I would sit for the exam. make sure you go to the bathroom before hand and dont drink a lot of fluid or caffeine. I had to go pee during the exam and it was horrible!!

Thank you for the tips. I guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be. I've worked pretty hard on getting my speed up in math, and I've memorized the formulas in the physics section... I hope it pays off! I figure if I can't score in the 90th percentile after two tries, then I'm not meant to be nurse.

Thanks again!

agent · May 22, 2006

im sure you'll nail 95th or better

vega · Jun 21, 2006

im sure you'll nail 95th or better

I did very well, to my surprise! The exam felt much more difficult than my score would indicate. Provided that I've properly understood all of the other requirements for screening, I should be on track for Spring of 2007.

Again, thanks so much for the mini pep talk and tips. Your tip about fluid intake proved to be invaluable. I just assumed that there would be formal breaks, so I'm very glad that I heeded your warning! I'd also agree that finishing each section in the allotted time was the biggest challenge.

I'm so glad to have that over with!

lakRN2008 · Jun 22, 2006

I applied to get into the program for this Fall. I was originally on the wait list when the letters went out in early March, but got a call at the beginning of May offering me a spot in the program (there were actually 4 spots to my surprise and I had a choice of day or evening section). I scored an 80th percentile on the NLN. Have faith in yourself and remember that everyone who is trying to get into the program has the same thoughts and fears as you. It is great to talk to others in your classes who are in the same boat as you. Good Luck!!!

agent · Aug 26, 2006

good luck