Applying to 16 Nursing programs????

amjowens · May 4, 2008

I took my prereqs for nursing school then applied to the ADN and LPN programs on the same day. I was accepted to the ADN for Fall '08 and LPN for Spring of '08. LPN lasts one year, ADN is two years. I really thought about it, and decided that I would be behind only by one semester if I deferred my acceptance to the ADN to Spring of '09, and complete my LPN. I'll be able to work as an LPN during my RN program.

I couldn't believe how the timing worked out! I was ready to wait for a while (some students on long waiting lists). I did earn straight As in all my prereqs, and high scores on my entrance exam. Each of us is unique, and it makes sense to do what you think is right for YOU! If applying to 20 different schools is what YOU need to do, then go for it! You never know until you take action!

caliotter3 · May 4, 2008

Considering the area you are talking about, no, there is nothing crazy about what you are doing. Hope that you get positive results from at least one program that works for you.

Perpetual Student · May 4, 2008

It might be a bit excessive, but it's not crazy. How much are you having to pay in application fees? Good luck.

NurseJeanB · May 4, 2008

Hello,

You are not crazy, I live in the Bay Area as well, and was told to apply to every school up and down the state. I didn't because I only wanted to go to two schools, and luckily I got accepted to both. The most important thing is to rock those prerequisites. I am surprised because don't most nursing schools require you to be done with prereqs or at least about to start your last semester before you can apply? As you probably have already discovered competition is super fierce in the Bay Area, but it can be done. You have applied to all the community college ADN programs right? A lot of those admit by lottery. I wish you luck. Anybody who is willing to apply to that many schools is showing they really want to be a nurse.

Hotflashn · May 7, 2008

Apply to as many programs as you can. Remember that some will require a fee to apply, and many require entrance exams. Even the ADN programs now want TEAS (or other entrance exam) results and at $20 a transcript that adds up. Also, many require attendance at informational seminars, counselor appts and a variety of flaming hoops to jump. While most programs in each category (BSN vs ADN) have the same core prereqs, some programs want different support classes. It isn't unusual for the ADN lottery and BSN transfer schools to want those extra classes and GE classes completed before the application is accepted. They want students to be able to get right in and focus solely on nursing. The waitlist schools with 2-3 year waits are usually so demanding about support class completion, assuming people have plenty of time.

I am in the BA, too but "only" applied to 4 schools and it has been a pain in the butt! I very much have to consider convenience, distance and expense over immediacy of acceptance. I would rather wait but make my life less complicated (is that possible in NS?) The wait on news is killing me. More power to you though! Good luck, I am sure all your efforts will pay off.

donsterRN, ASN, BSN · May 7, 2008

Other than having to pay the application fee for all of those programs, I'd say you were doing the exact right thing! At least one of these programs has got to come through, right?

I wish you much luck and success!

kittyn, MSN, NP · May 7, 2008

16? Wow! Congratulations on beating my record! Hehe. I can't even count with my own fingers (and thumbs) the number of BSN programs I applied to in my state. There are cases where my friends got in on their first try while others had to reapply over and over. I wanted to make sure that I get in by applying to several. I faced plenty of rejection, placed on a few waiting lists, and admitted to one....all within my first attempt! I'm not even done yet! I'm still waiting on a few more for a final verdict! You're not crazy. It shows that you're really determined to get in, despite all odds (and expenses)! Good luck and keep us posted!

elizz · Sep 23, 2008

How do you pay for all the application fees? I am paying for five application fees and that is alot of money. If you feel you need to apply to 16 different programs than go for it. :nurse: :nurse: :nurse:

RhodyGirl, RN · Sep 23, 2008

Wow, you are dedicated! I was lucky enough to apply to one school and get in......

I'm sure you'll get accepted to at least one school! :)