applying to accelerated entry level master's program

[yilily]

Hi everyone,

I'm in my last year of being and undergraduate at UCB, and I am taking all the prerequisites to apply to nursing school. Since I'll be getting a B.A for my undergrad I was looking into applying for an accelerated program to become an R.N. and eventually a NP. My GPA isn't the best at 3.1-3.2 (undergrad cumulative GPA) and a C- in physiology, but I'm hoping to still get into a nursing school. My only concerns at the moment would be when is the best time to apply as I'm hoping to start nursing school at least one year after graduation? Should I just retake the physiology class at a community college? I'm almost done with my pre-req's for nursing except with the communications/speech course which may have to be done during summer 2010. What do you think my odds are?

I've been looking to shadow a nurse, but haven't been successful. Does anyone have any tips?

Thanks for all the help, in advance!

[Jennifer0512]

Hi I hope I can answer some of your questions. I am starting an accelerated direct entry program in September, so I just went through the application process.

Your GPA is not that bad. Most schools just have a requirement of a 3.0. And you still have at least 2 semesters (if not 3 with Summer 2010) to bring it up even just a little more.

I would probably retake physiology. The admissions committee is definitely going to look at that. I'm not saying you have to get an A, but maybe try to bring it up in the B range. You could also do that maybe in the summer at a community college.

If you want to start next fall then you should be applying this winter. Most schools will allow you not to have all your pre-reqs completed, just as long as they are completed before you start. Or you could wait and start September 2011, which would be just over a year since you graduated and then you'd be applying Winter 2010/2011. I haven't heard of many direct entry programs that have like January or Spring start, but there may be some out there who knows!

And as far as shadowing a nurse/nurse practitioner I did this and I really enjoyed it. It just confirmed to me everything that I wanted to do. I also was able to put that in my personal statement, so admissions knew that I knew what the career was really like. Not everyone does it though, so if you aren't able to do it then it won't hurt you, but if you can I would highly recommend it. As far as going about getting one I would try Career Services at your school. They often will have the connections and maybe set you up with some alumni who went on a similar path that you are heading.

Hope this helps!!!