Are private schools really easier to get into?

mangopeach · Mar 12, 2010

I would imagine from a numbers standpoint that private universities are easier to get into. Not easy, but easier because of the cost restriction. In my state, some of the folks that did not get in at the top public university got accepted by private universities. Its not a matter of the private university being less stringent or having lesser standards, they just have less competition getting in.

The more people apply to the public schools here, the higher the GPA and test scores go up. At my school, a CC, we don't have a waiting list but you can forget about getting in with the bare minimum here. The overwhelming number of people applying have made it extremely hard to get in. It really is more about numbers than anything else.

Krystin · Mar 12, 2010

I have applied to a local(ish) private, for profit, accredited school. Jefferson College of Health Sciences.

Of the schools in my area they are the only ones with a rolling admission (spring/summer/fall) and they specialize in health sciences. I do insist on completing a BSN for future endeavors. Only two other schools in the area offer a BSN and I cannot apply to them until April 2011 - I can only honestly attend one out of two of these too - they are both private "prestigious" schools with wait lists - and one is a fundamentalist baptist school. With the private health sciences college (assuming I'm admitted, I can't imagine I won't be) there are no prerequisites other than SAT/ACT or 12 previous hours (any 12) and all the other usual transcripts.

They sure are a lot more expensive. I was in the military and will attend fully under the Post 9/11 GI Bill. If it weren't for that, I probably would not be considering it at all.

2bnurseTV · Mar 13, 2010

I just read alot of posts that seem to imply that. This one just seemed to have that undertone as well. I just want people to understand that people chose different programs for lots of different reasons. Some private colleges do just as well or better at producing good nurses.:) I hope I didnt come across as angry. There are lots of people who dont have the patience to sit on waiting lists or maybe they just need to start making money sooner. This economy is hurting alot of people (myself included). Whatever the case may be and whichever way you go good luck!!!

Krystin · Mar 13, 2010

I think in regards to schools like the one I'm sort of pinning my hopes on access in general is easier. It's not solely based on "if you can pay, you're in," but that sort of is what feeds them. It's "easier" to get into because of the rolling admissions. It's also easier because, since they're specialized, they are equipped to enroll every semester. They don't have 50 different degree programs, only a few. I feel this is in some ways a benefit because your major is known as soon as you walk in the door. Every other person in there is going into a health field. It's kind of cool.

Their RN-BSN is also front loaded. They're set up specifically to get you your RN first so you can start working. After that, you complete your BSN through them and you can do it in class or online, it doesn't really matter. Unlike traditional four year universities that expect you to wait the entire 4 years to become a nurse, a school such as this knows exactly what your goal is and facilitates it.

I don't think their standards overall are lower because they don't care about the future of nursing. More "prestigious" schools have to be super picky because of how limited their slots are. In such schools the nursing program is but a tiny piece of their puzzle, and they have many other concerns so nursing actually comes down on their priority list. In a dedicated health sciences college all the fat is trimmed, they end up with more spots, so sure, people with a GPA below 3.5 have a shot.

But, it's still more expensive, and given the above, I see why. Supply and demand more than likely.

Strwbrywne · Mar 13, 2010

I have to disagree with this.
I am attending a private university nursing program and thier standards are much higher than the local cc. The waiting list is shorter for this reason and the higher cost (of course). It bothers me how many people assume that because you are at a private university, you arent as smart. My grades/ Teas score are very high and I would have been guaranteed a spot at my cc but it is too far of a drive and the hours did not fit my schedule with 3 kids.

My apologies...I never assumed you weren't "smart". The question was "Are private schools really easier to get into?" Answering that specific question, generally people apply to these school because they can not get into other programs- it is just a fact. Why would you pay 3x the amount for the same education? Not "you" specifically....I am just merely pointing out that people DO indeed do this. I can honestly tell you that I have taken classes with people and because they did not do stellar in their science classes and/or did not have enough points to get accepted for clinical, decided to apply to the private school knowing they could not transfer credits later for a BSN and also were aware of the high cost. It is their only option to get their RN...

Obviously, your situation is different and you chose to go to a school that was closer to you and fit your schedule and did not mind paying the extra bucks. Please do not take offense, I think the original poster just wanted to know if it is easier to get in to one of these private schools and in my experience/opinion from what I see of fellow students, it is true where I live. And, of course, it does not mean that these schools are not preparing their students to be great nurses and the people who apply to thir program are not smart and do well on the Teas. Best of luck!

elkpark · Mar 13, 2010

Answering that specific question, generally people apply to these school because they can not get into other programs- it is just a fact. Why would you pay 3x the amount for the same education? Not "you" specifically....I am just merely pointing out that people DO indeed do this.

This may be true in some cases (esp. with the proprietary voc/tech schools), but it is certainly not true across the board. Many of the well-known, well-respected private colleges and universities are much harder to get into than public schools, and there are many reasons why someone would choose to go to a more expensive school. Faculty who are nationally (or even internationally) known experts and leaders in their field, better clinical facilities, networking opportunities coming out of school, a much richer general academic environment, family tradition, personal standards & expectations, etc., etc., etc. There's a lot more to higher education than simply the cost of the tuition, and all schools are not created equal.

Krystin · Mar 13, 2010

Answering that specific question, generally people apply to these school because they can not get into other programs- it is just a fact. Why would you pay 3x the amount for the same education? Not "you" specifically....I am just merely pointing out that people DO indeed do this.

I disagree completely. I'm applying to one of these programs because I can start this summer or fall instead of having to wait to even apply till April 2011 for a class seat in Fall 2011 only to be in school for yet another 3 years. I have a 3.7 GPA (cumulative with 30+ credit hours, mind you) and no doubt I'd ace any standardized TEAS or whatever else entrance exam.

As long as a school is accredited nationally and by either the CCNE or NLNAC the rest is pretty much bull.

As I stated in my last post, schools that offer 50+ degree programs are harder to get into - and pickier - because their space is limited and they have so many other degree programs they don't want to expand nursing. It's a teeny piece of their pie. They care more about their sports teams and business majors (or whatever.)

In an (accredited) health sciences college they're focused on a much smaller scope and because their programs start more than once per year they get more students through. It isn't even necessarily more expensive. The three schools nearest to me all cost the same but because the other two have a bajillion degree programs, they only enroll once per year, and have ridiculous prereqs.

Going through the ridiculous prereqs before one is even allowed/eligible to apply doesn't make them more qualified to go to nursing school... it just means that school has less to do for your degree...

Strwbrywne · Mar 14, 2010

I disagree completely. I'm applying to one of these programs because I can start this summer or fall instead of having to wait to even apply till April 2011 for a class seat in Fall 2011 only to be in school for yet another 3 years. I have a 3.7 GPA (cumulative with 30+ credit hours, mind you) and no doubt I'd ace any standardized TEAS or whatever else entrance exam.
As long as a school is accredited nationally and by either the CCNE or NLNAC the rest is pretty much bull.
As I stated in my last post, schools that offer 50+ degree programs are harder to get into - and pickier - because their space is limited and they have so many other degree programs they don't want to expand nursing. It's a teeny piece of their pie. They care more about their sports teams and business majors (or whatever.)
In an (accredited) health sciences college they're focused on a much smaller scope and because their programs start more than once per year they get more students through. It isn't even necessarily more expensive. The three schools nearest to me all cost the same but because the other two have a bajillion degree programs, they only enroll once per year, and have ridiculous prereqs.
Going through the ridiculous prereqs before one is even allowed/eligible to apply doesn't make them more qualified to go to nursing school... it just means that school has less to do for your degree...

Well, as pointed out before... The question was 'Are private schools really easier to get into?' The answer, as post people responded....Yes! Typically there is not a wait (which is why you chose your school). This is not a debate about how qualified you are or what your GPA is or if you aced your teas, or even to defend yourself about why you chose to go to your school. Since you wanted to start right away, you went the private route...point taken- It was EASIER for you to go to the private school...See?!

Krystin · Mar 14, 2010

That was the question, yes, but it implied a lot more - as we can all see from how the thread evolved.

I guess my point is, just because a program is harder to get into or more competitive, it absolutely doesn't make the program or school better - just more crowded.

LFalcon · Mar 14, 2010

I've seen a few people mention that private nursing programs might be easier to get into than public schools... Is this really the case? I mean you look at the percentages admitted on sites like collegeboard and the numbers are MUCH higher for public schools.

Are private nursing schools easier to get into than public? To me the answer would vary... I don't know that there is a defined answer. I attend a private nursing school. I applied, took an entrance test and my application along with 100's of others went before a board for approval. The day I took my entrance test 5 of us tested -- 3 of us passed. It was the easier route for me as I am almost 40 and do not have 4 years to attempt to get accepted into a public nursing program. Yes, it is more expensive ($17,000) -- however the cost to me is actually less than public when you think of all the pre-req's I do not have to take. Also, financial aid is paying for most all of my tuition.

I love my school, I get allot of clinical and lab time. If your grades fall below the standard and you do not pass your clinical/lab/theory you fail.. It's not pay and go.. 56 of us started 2/15 and 4 weeks later there are approx 35 left.

I guess it is what works best for you and your situation... Good luck!!

LilMSSunshine · Mar 15, 2010

I don't think private is easier...maybe there's a smaller applicant pool than public because most people would prefer the lower cost of tuition.

2bnurseTV · Mar 15, 2010

I believe we ARE answering the question by saying that private universities are NOT always easier to get in. Even if the wait list is shorter you may not meet the requirements. For example in my area the CC will accept you if you have a 2.5 gpa or higher but you will still sit on a wait list. On the other hand, my private university does not do a wait list but you would never get in with a 2.5 gpa. Also, all you have to do is PASS the TEAS to get in the CC but at the private university you have to get well above the national average to even be considered.

So there is no simple answer, it all depends on your situation and the particular school.

If you have awesome grades and Teas/Net scores then yes, private might be faster but I dont know about easier. Then again, you would have your pick of schools.

Also, all my credits WILL transfer since my school is FULLY accredited. That is very important.