Applying to Accelerated BSN Programs and Feeling Nervous

Published

Hi all,

I'm applying to accelerated programs in nursing currently but I'm feeling a little bogged down and somewhat low in self-esteem. I keep reading posts of people that have so much more experience (and better prerequisite grades) than I do getting into the ABSN programs and I start to second guess whether I fit the bill to get accepted into a program. I know that becoming a Nurse is what I want to do without a doubt, I just found out in the middle of college. I would just like some advice or encouragement on pursuing my application into programs. I mean, it's not unheard of that students straight out of college enter into the programs, correct? I guess I'm just feeling anxious.

I'm a current senior at Loyola University Chicago. I'm majoring in Chemistry (with an emphasis in Biochemistry) and Biology. At present I have about a 3.4 GPA. I am CPR certified (including AED). I've taken an EMT course but did not pursue certification after (I focused more on school and didn't think I would be able to use my certification even if I received one). I currently volunteer at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center about 4 hours a week (about 70 hrs total since this Summer). As a volunteer I help feed Geriatric patients, visit patients on each floor to provide company and free reading materials. Also as a volunteer I work in the PACU and help nurses in the unit provide post-operative care to the patients. About the pre-requisites, these are my grades as follows:

  • A&P I/II Lecture C+/B-
  • A&P I/II Lab B+/A
  • Statistics (I took Biostatistics) A
  • Nutrition B+
  • Dev. Psyc. A
  • Gen Chem I/II B+/A-
  • Gen Bio I/II A/B+
  • No Microbio yet...

For my applications, I have great recommenders (my past Organic and Gen. Chem teacher, my volunteer supervisor, and my Analytical Chemistry professor) and I'm not worried about them at all. I'm a tad discouraged by my grades and I would hope that a university doesn't judge too harshly. The C+ in A and P is what disappoints me the most. Although, I had missed almost a month of school and was catching up on school work that semester because my mother was sick in the hospital--she was diagnosed with Kidney Cancer in the Spring semester (but she's fine now!!). I don't know. I guess I need some positive reinforcement on my outlook of getting into a program.

Any help or advice would be much appreciated!

ApplyingBSN

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi,

After reading your post, I don't see why you would not be able to get into an ABSN program, your grades are great and since you are volunterring, you have a step up against other students applying. I will also be applying to a ABSN program (purdue cal) once I get done with more of my pre-reqs (Micro, A&P I & II, and statistics). This program requires you to have a 3.0 from your last bachelors degree, but does not require the TEAS exam. If you live close to IN I would suggest checking out their program. May I ask where you plan on applying?

Good luck and let us know what happens.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think you have an excellent profile! If you are concerned about your GPA being depressed due to family illness, you can either address this in your personal statement or supply an additional letter in your application that provides an explanation. Since you are a science major, the committee will be assured you can excel in science course work. If you are really concerned, you can ask to speak with an admissions person from the schools you are interested in and ask advice on how to approach your application to make it as strong as possible. Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi Reese 2012 and Spore 2008,

Thank you so much for your responses! I finished applying to UPenn and MGHIP. I'm currently planning on applying to NYU, MCPHS, and Univ. of Rochester.

Thanks so much for your responses! I feel more confident about applying!

Take Care

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion