Applications to "backup" programs

RedSox33RN · Jul 6, 2005

I applied to more than one school last year, and got into two. I'd made the mistake the year before, thinking because my NLN scores were good and I had a 3.98 average that I'd be accepted *like that* at one of the tech schools. WRONG! I had no clue how competitive it really was, and that most of the people who got in had all of their pre-req's done, and had been waiting for over a year for a spot.

Definitely have a back-up plan. If I didn't get into nursing school last year, I had an LPN program I was set to begin, in addition to a surgical tech program (why that, I don't know!). Meanwhile, I kept plugging away at my pre-req's, and calling nursing dept chairs at the colleges/techs to see about any dropouts, etc.

smile123 · Jul 6, 2005

Hi,
I just wanted to get a feel for what others are doing out there as far as applying to "backup" programs since the admissions process is so competitive.
Are most of you planning to apply to more than 1 school ? whats the average number of schools do you plan on applying to ? Each school has a slight variation in admissions requirements so meeting the exact criteria can sometimes be difficult, but if you do your research you can find some schools in your state/city with the exact same prereq reqts as your primary target school.
Any thoughts on this topic ?

Definitely apply to more than one. Probably 5 or 6 to be on the safe side. Do "safety schools", "a sky's the limit", and "great schools" so you cover yourself. I ended up doing all the prereqs for 95% of the schools I was interested in. The other 5% I decided was not worth applying to because it would involve another 2 quarters of pre-reqs. Do think about applying out of state to the "stellar" schools as well. They tend to have more loans and scholarships. Good luck!

Smile123

Nikki422 · Jul 9, 2005

5 or 6 most def sounds about right...This year, I applied to two schools, got into one, but not the other, where I REALLY wanted to go..I decided that the school that I got into really wasn't a good fit for me, so now I'm just staying and doing the very last few pre req's I have...At this point, I'll be applying to 7 schools for fall 2006 (sad I know)..ugh, in addition to the program at my community college (as a VERY last resort). I'm really discouraged though, because I was rejected from Georgetown, and after speaking to someone in admissions, the only reason I wasn't admitted, was because I'm coming from a community college. It's sad, and I'm realllllly hoping it's not going to dictate my future!

Mudnuri · Jul 10, 2005

I cant even think of 2 close enough for me to apply to. 1 is only an LPN program, the one I will be applying to next year is an ADN program....I cant imagine having 5-6 nearby....you guys are lucky!

Brandy

Nikki422 · Jul 10, 2005

I wouldn't really say that the schools I'm applying to are close to me..but..I WANT to get out of the area! They're spanning from Georgia, to Chicago, to NY and Boston..Keeping my options open this time around!

bowkerj · Jul 10, 2005

I am applying to 5 programs in my city (Portland, Oregon) and several out of state. I went to allnursingschools.com and searched for BSN programs country-wide. Just picked a few that I thought would be fun places to live! Hopefully I will get in to one program in my home state and maybe one out of state. Then I can decide to move or not.

Most of the programs I have found seem to have the same requirements in terms of courses, but some vary in what is an acceptable GPA. The higher the better, obviously!

Good luck!

bowkerj · Jul 10, 2005

5 or 6 most def sounds about right...This year, I applied to two schools, got into one, but not the other, where I REALLY wanted to go..I decided that the school that I got into really wasn't a good fit for me, so now I'm just staying and doing the very last few pre req's I have...At this point, I'll be applying to 7 schools for fall 2006 (sad I know)..ugh, in addition to the program at my community college (as a VERY last resort). I'm really discouraged though, because I was rejected from Georgetown, and after speaking to someone in admissions, the only reason I wasn't admitted, was because I'm coming from a community college. It's sad, and I'm realllllly hoping it's not going to dictate my future!

Don't be discourged! Georgetown is a very good school and they can afford to be a little "snooty". I know several people that get into great BSN programs who came from community colleges! You might not have found the right fit for you yet, hang in there!:)