Applying to ABSN programs. Tips, advice, and more!

[kikis88]

Hello,

I'm planning on applying to an ABSN program soon but haven't finished all of my prereqs yet. Since my school is on a quarter system I still have A&P III, microbiology, and stats to take. Is it too soon for me to start applying to programs this fall? Should I finish all of my prereqs before I apply to any programs?

Also, I have a BA in Spanish and Latin American History, my GPA is a 3.5 in prereqs and a 3.7 from my BA. I don't currently have paid work experience in the health field but I do have interesting medical volunteer work that might help me stand out.

If you have any advice for this I would be really grateful!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Moved to prenursing

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

Depends on the application criteria for each school. Some state "all pre-requisites must be completed to apply". While others require only certain pre-reqs (to determine science GPA) and others to be completed prior to starting the program.

[verene, MSN]

Unless a school specifies "All pre-reqs must be complete before applying" it is fine to apply with pre-reqs in progress. You do need to show that you have a plan to complete them by whatever deadline the school requires (usually 1-2 quarters before start of program) and need to resubmit transcripts showing proof of completion and final grades.

The bigger issue with applying with out completing all or most of the pre-reqs is the program will have less to evaulate your acedmic performance on. The more you have completed with strong grades the better chance you have of showing a strong application. If you have 2/9 pre-reqs done with a 4.0 GPA it is less compelling than 7/9 pre-reqs with a 4.0 GPA, even if you can show that you will have all of them completed by the time the program starts.

3 pre-reqs doesn't seem like an unreasonably large number to still be completing particularly if you can show 2-3 of them in-progress at time of application.

The biggest advice I can give is to really know the programs you are applying for and their specific criteria. Every program is different. If you can show in your application (particularly essay and/or interview) that you have a good understanding of the program and can sell to the school how you as a student are a good fit for their program then that will likely increase your chances of being accepted. Many of the ABSN programs are holistic in their application process, they really want to know who you are and what you will bring to their program.

[windsurfer8, BSN, RN]

I completed an accelerated BSN about 10 years ago. It doesn't matter if you have experience in the "health field" as ABSN is for career changers.

The main thing that would help would be to contact the school you want to apply and determine when you may submit an application.

Your GPA is good from your first degree and your GPA for your pre reqs is good. Just talk with the school(s) where you want to attend because that is the big variable and cannot be answered on here. Control what you can (your grades) and then acquire info from the school. Good luck!