which commitment to drop for accelerated bsn application

[olaureno]

Hi there, I am hoping someone can shed some light on a problem I am having with possibly overextending myself with my school, work and volunteer schedule. I am intending on applying to Oregon Health and Sciences University's Accelerated BSN program a year from now. In 2010 I graduated with a BA in psychology from Reed college- a relatively tough school with a nerdy reputation :) with a 3.23 gpa. Not great I know, but about average for the school, and keeping in mind there have only been a handful of students that have graduated from reed with a 4.0. And to graduate you have to complete a year long research thesis, so I am hoping that will somewhat distinguish me from the rest of the applicants. Anyway, academically I am working on my prereques and have earned 3 solid A's in a 100 level chem class, A&P1 and micro. (I havent recalculated my gpa). I have ~3 years employment in mental health plus about a year of volunteering with survivors of sexual assault via a hotline and in a hospital setting. In october I became a CNA and have been working 3 days a week for about two months now- swing shift. Here's where the trouble comes in. I want to take A&P2 and nutrition next quarter and I also got a sought after volunteer position as a clinic assistant with a wonderful organization in the area that serves homeless youth. I will be able to learn a ton of really practical information and it is about 7 hours a week. I also need to study this term to take the math placement test to get into Math 111 for the term after next so that I can take a 200 level chem class, to further up my poor gpa. As I said I think I might be overextending myself and I dont want my ambition to work to my disadvantage. I need the job, but I don't know whether to back out of one of my classes for to forego the volunteer position. I guess I am asking if experience or gpa is more important.

Any ideas?

Thank you!!!

[SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP]

GPA...drop the volunteer position. GPA is typically the most heavily weighted factor. And most admissions committees don't say "well, applicant X graduated from Y university, so that gives them an advantage even with the lower GPA". Sorry, but true.

[RunBabyRN]

Absolutely prioritize school over volunteering. Sorry. Even with how much everyone talks about volunteering or experience, I've never seen a space for it on an application, and I applied to 10 BSN programs. The closest thing was ONE school that had an essay (where I am attending now). Your GPA is VERY important in the application process. Make that your main focus.

[NurseGirl525, ASN, RN]

I agree with posters from above. Most schools don't care what school you graduated from. They will look at the requirements for your program. I have heard of some requiring volunteering but most don't. I can guarantee that A&P is one of the weighted classes for your program so I would strive for an A in it and cut out the volunteering.

[RHill9919]

I would work on your GPA over volunteering. I just submitted my application to OHSU. My undergrad is a 3.5 and science is 4.0. I have a lot of unique experiences so I'm hoping that helps me get in. Good luck when you apply! I'm super nervous!

[efda2rn]

The average cumulative gpa for OHSU's ABSN program is 3.7 or higher. Strive for that as best you can. You have already generated the kind of experience they will be looking for when it comes time for you to apply.

[meljonumd]

I would like to add that while it may seem that you might "lose" experience if you drop your volunteer experience, you are still gaining experience AND money working as a CNA. Remember that patient contact is invaluable, as is actually seeing how hospitals *really* work.