Being hopful vs. Being realistic

[iDrumKing]

I'm in quite a pickle and hope that you guys can give me your advice and opinions. Thank you in advance.

I have 1 more semester of pre-requisites before I apply in the Spring for my program that starts ONLY in the Fall semester. So far I have a 4.0 GPA due to the fact that for last semester and this current semester, I've been taking only 2-3 classes to ensure that I make A's in all of my them.

So back to the point that my program only starts in the Fall. I have 5 classes left in order to apply. I'm extremely worried that it's an overload. From what my advisor says my program is cut throat and those who don't have a 4.0 GPA shouldn't even apply. So taking it face value, a single B grade out of those 5 classes would ruin my chances.

Here's where the main stress is coming from... parents (and older sister) expect me to get into the program for the Fall. There's a slight nudge I feel from them to finish school, but I would really hate to slip up and make a B in one of my classes, forcing me to retake it, pushing back my plans a year.

I think continuing with the 2-3 classes a semester and apply not Spring 15' but Spring 16' would be a better choice. This in my opinion would ensure that I can definitely make all A's.

I'm turning 22 next week. Former HS peers are graduating next semester. I feel... like a screw up?? I messed up for my first year of college so I've been rebuilding ever since. If I decided to apply in spring 2016, I would be about 25 by the time I'm done with the program. I dunno.... I compare too much and that's my problem.

[loriangel14, RN]

First of all stop comparing yourself to others. Why on earth would you feel like a screw up because you are almost 22? That's really young. You have your whole life ahead of you. And so what if others have graduated already? Does it really matter? You are an adult. What your parents and your sister expect is irrelevant. Just keep on doing what works for you. The world will not end of you apply for Spring of '16. It's not a race. You have lots of time. Hang in there, it sounds like you are doing great.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

this is your life. Consider the high grade level a loop to jump thru. Apply when you are sure you will be at your best. No sense in setting yourself up for failure

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

If you search the threads, there are students in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. You are way younger than they are. It is not a race. What if you take all 5 and get a B or even a C and not get in? How would that screw up your timeline? You need to do what is in YOUR best interest, not your parents or sister.

[caliotter3]

I think you know what you are doing. Should things not work out with this program, you will still be competitive with other programs. You are maximizing your chances. Good luck.

[augurey]

Go by YOUR timeline, not your former classmates.

I dropped out of college at 19 and again at 23, both times only completing one semester. I'm now 30 returning for nursing school. I have former classmates in various fields, one being a doctor.

One of my nursing classmates is 52.

Don't judge your self worth based on where they are by when. Don't do something because anyone expects it from you. Do what is best for you and when it's best for you. If it's really important for you to get into the program, and you feel that applying a year later would be in your best interest, do it. This is your life, your education. Take control and make your decisions for yourself instead of letting others do it for you. It can be way too easy to let others influence our decisions, especially when those people are people who are close to us. I've been there, I've done that and it's a complicated road.

Do what you feel is best for you. Good luck!