Applying to ABSN programs for 2015 - Advice needed!

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Hi everyone :)

I have decided to embark in the journey of obtaining my nursing degree through an accelerated nursing program. Although I have been completing my own research on the admissions process, I would really appreciate some input on whether I would be a competitive applicant this cycle.

I graduated in 2013 with a bachelors in liberal arts and my major was biology with a minor in biochemistry and a GPA of 3.78. My grades for the typical pre-requisite courses are as follows:

General chemistry I: A

General chemistry lab I: A

General chemistry II: A

General chemistry lab II: A

Organic chemistry I: B+

Organic chemistry lab I: A

Organic chemistry II: B-

Organic chemistry lab I: A

Anatomy & Physiology I: B

Anatomy & Physiology II: B

Microbiology: A-

Pathophysiology: A-

Nutrition: A

Development Through the Lifespan: A

Biostatistics: B

My health care experience includes having a CNA license with volunteer work at two different nursing homes over the course of four years. I have also been an emergency department scribe for two years.

My extracurricular experience includes membership of two honor societies, president of my college's chemistry club which is an affiliate of the American Chemistry Society, general chemistry teaching assistant, organic chemistry teaching assistant, and a science tutor for my college.

Some of the programs that I have been looking at include Michigan State, University of Florida, Emory University, Illinois State University, Washington State University, and Johns Hopkins. The University of Washington and Johns Hopkins might be a little out of reach!

I apologize if this post was on the extensive side, but I am absolutely open to any advice in how to improve my application and the admission process.

Thank you!

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It looks like you are in good shape.

When I was researching ABSN programs, several of them varied in the pre-reqs. For example, some programs required micro biology and some didn't. My program requires 2 religion courses, most do not. Read with a fine tooth comb each school's admission requirements and speak with admission counselor's to confirm what you read online and use this time to get your paperwork organized.

Good luck!

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Specializes in ICU.

Depends on what the schools require. I go to a community college and with B's in both A&P I and II you might not make it in. Those are the classes that they look at. I realize you have a different degree right now but nursing is different and all of those chemistry courses may not mean a whole lot. I know some programs require some basic chemistry but A&P and micro are the big ones. My school looks at A&P I and II, english 111, and psych 101. You are awarded points based on these 4 classes with A&P being weighted more heavily. And your Teas Score although most BSN programs require the Hesi I think. Some schools want volunteer experience, do an interview, and an essay. Some do none, and some do a hybrid of those things. Honestly, talk to the advisors at the schools you are applying to and get their thoughts.

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

You will more than likely get in with those grades. The thing you need to think about is WHERE you want to go. You have schools listed all over the place. When I was doing my ABSN I applied to multiple schools and then made a decision based on what was best for me. Are you concerned about cost? Are you just concerned about school rep? Do you want to get a BSN with a plan for more school in the future? When I was applying for jobs no one asked and no one since has asked me WHERE I went to school. They want to know if you will work nights/weekends and you are reliable. Cost is important to look at. Certain schools are in areas where cost of living in astronomical. I went to school in the DC area and it was just as expensive to live as it was for school. Obviously it would be cheaper to live in East Lansing and go to MSU. More in important to focus on what you want and need and plan from there.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

I'm curious, if your major & minor were both in hard science, how in the heck did you end up with a bachelor's in liberal arts and not a BS in biology?

Your grades are great, but I would urge you not to limit your choices to accelerated programs. Going through a regular BSN would not take very much longer & may be an advantage when it comes to job hunting because you would have more exposure/contact with potential employers through your clinical rotations.

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Your grades look really good, but organic chemistry is rarely a pre-requisite for a BSN program. The only program I've seen that required any orgo was a combined accelerated BSN and CRNA program, and even that was only one semester of orgo with no lab.

My biggest advice is to ask the people you want a recommendation from as early as possible. You should try to give them 2-3 months to write the letter.

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Your grades look really good, but organic chemistry is rarely a pre-requisite for a BSN program. The only program I've seen that required any orgo was a combined accelerated BSN and CRNA program, and even that was only one semester of orgo with no lab.

What program is this and who is offering it?? I had noooo idea a BSN/CRNA program existed!!

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Your grades and credentials look great! One advice I'd give is to stay organized. Organization is key! I would make a list of all of the schools you're looking to apply to and the different requirements they want applicants to fulfill. Also, look for employers, advisors, etc. that really know you so they can write you a stellar recommendation. Start looking at their essay requirements (if they have one) so you can write a well-rounded response, and try retaking those classes that you received a 'B' in if you really want an edge over your competitors.

Good luck and I wish you the best!

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I'm curious, if your major & minor were both in hard science, how in the heck did you end up with a bachelor's in liberal arts and not a BS in biology?

Your grades are great, but I would urge you not to limit your choices to accelerated programs. Going through a regular BSN would not take very much longer & may be an advantage when it comes to job hunting because you would have more exposure/contact with potential employers through your clinical rotations.

I went to a private liberal arts college, so the degree granted for everyone is a 'bachelor's in liberal arts' with whatever major and minor chosen : )

Thanks for the advice! I'll look into regular BSN as well.

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You will more than likely get in with those grades. The thing you need to think about is WHERE you want to go. You have schools listed all over the place. When I was doing my ABSN I applied to multiple schools and then made a decision based on what was best for me. Are you concerned about cost? Are you just concerned about school rep? Do you want to get a BSN with a plan for more school in the future? When I was applying for jobs no one asked and no one since has asked me WHERE I went to school. They want to know if you will work nights/weekends and you are reliable. Cost is important to look at. Certain schools are in areas where cost of living in astronomical. I went to school in the DC area and it was just as expensive to live as it was for school. Obviously it would be cheaper to live in East Lansing and go to MSU. More in important to focus on what you want and need and plan from there.

I am definitely interested in completing additional schooling after the ABSN. One of my biggest concerns is how the ABSN program I choose will influence the graduate programs I would be competitive to apply for - if that holds any weight at all!

As far as location I am concerned for cost of tuition, but I'm also interested in moving out of my home state which definitely proves to be costly.

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