Are schools really this unhelpful?

MEO82 · Oct 3, 2006

You can usually find all of that information out on the website. It is hard to assist students that are in person as well as those on the phone. Try going in and talking to an advisor.

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Oct 3, 2006

i agree with the above post. i have found that you can find most of what you want to know about the nursing program and requirements to attend off of the department's website. besides, if you ask questions that are answered on the website, the response overwhelmingly will be "please review our website" rather then one that is specific to your needs.

in addition, i have noticed that if i contact someone via email or over the phone it can take about 24-48 hours to get back to me and i am only interested in two schools (one for my adn and one for my bsn). i understand that it is because i am not the only person with questions. however, having to play phone tag with many schools is insane, so i highly suggest narrowing your choices down to a handful or less.

once you have done this, be sure to contact an individual that specializes in counseling people interested in the nursing program. it will also be helpful for you to give the counselor as much information as possible in person.

if you are unable to meet with him/her in person it will be helpful to fax information to him/her directly. for example, i have faxed my unofficial transcripts to counselors who evaluate credits. i was able to get specific help in selecting courses i need to attend their nursing programs. good luck. :wink2:

LMRN10 · Oct 3, 2006

I have a rant (I think). I need to take a couple of classes for some programs I'm looking at. That being A&P and Research Methods (200 or 300 level psych class).
Since I'm in IL, there are about 50 schools to look into. Figuring out tuition and pre-reqs....schools just haven't been very helpful. I'm not getting returned calls, emails, or really any response.
These include 4-year colleges, community colleges, and online colleges. I don't remember it being this much of a pain to register for a couple of classes. Have schools gotten that unhelpful since I got my undergrad???

Oh, I am not surprised!! I usually don't get a return call until I leave another message saying I had called several times and never received a call back...then they jump right on it and call you back because they are probably afraid you'll complain to someone!! I'd suggest doing that...always works for me!! I'm in Illinois also.

mvanz9999, RN · Oct 3, 2006

Oh, I am not surprised!! I usually don't get a return call until I leave another message saying I had called several times and never received a call back...then they jump right on it and call you back because they are probably afraid you'll complain to someone!! I'd suggest doing that...always works for me!! I'm in Illinois also.

This is what I'm experiencing. My question is about pre-reqs for the pre-reqs. LOL! They won't answer if a class is transferrable on their website. So I need to speak with someone. I guess I will try this approach.

WDWpixieRN, RN · Oct 4, 2006

Good luck....I think it's just a matter of perseverance....I was "ignored" a number of times, but once I narrowed down my choices, I was diligent and got the answers I needed....you will, too....

See about making appointments to talk to folks in person where possible...once you find that "helpful" person, keep their extension and e-mail address handy!! And don't give up!