Denied admission for BSN program

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I applied to an online RN to BSN program. I just got the letter in the mail saying I was denied. I'm so confused. I plan on calling Monday to get more information, but was looking for some input.

The letter says Unfortunately, you academic background would place you at a serious disadvantage in relation to the programs course work. It is important to realize that you may be admissible at a later date should your academic preparation improve.

I've been an RN for 6 years. I did fine in school. I don't know my exact GPA, but I had mostly had A's and B's. I did have 2 C's in the course of nursing school, but otherwise I did well. I can't imagine that would deny me entry, would it? My associates degree did not require Algebra, chemistry, speech, some of the pre-reqs that I know some require. Would they deny me admission over something like that? Their website says you have until the end of the program to complete any general education requirements that remain.

I also had to withdraw from a semester and restart the next semester due to the murder of my fiance. This was approved by the dean of my program due to the special circumstances. Would that withdraw show in my transcripts and possibly influence their decision?

I realize all of you obviously won't have the answer, as I said I intend to call Monday. I just was not expecting this at all. Hoped someone might have experienced something similar and have an opinion. Thanks!

Specializes in Med/Surg, Neuro, ICU, travel RN, Psych.
Just because you meet all their requirements does to mean you are guaranteed a spot. I'm not sure why this is difficult for you to get. Yes, you met their requirements. But it's possible that there were other candidates who not only met those requirements, but exceeded them. You may have been qualified, but not the best qualified applicant.

I'm not having trouble getting it. They told me it was a first come basis as long as you met the requirements. Meaning they don't deny one person because someone was more qualified, they don't do it on a comparison. Either you qualify or you don't. People are placed on a wait to start at a later time if the slots filled up before they reach your application.

Specializes in Med/Surg, Neuro, ICU, travel RN, Psych.
From which school did you graduate with your ADN? Is that school NLNAC accredited? I am wondering if there is an accreditation issue that prevented you from getting in. Did the school you graduated from lose their accreditation? If you let me know the school, I will look it up for you.

As far as I know they are accredited still. It's Valencia Community College in Orlando FL.

Specializes in LTC/Rehab.
A course in statistics enables the nurse to read and appraise research in order to make informed practice decisions. It is crucial to evidence-based practice.

If you think chemistry is "questionable," I'm guessing you haven't pursued courses in pharmacology or pathophysiology.

I have taken pharmacology and had an excellent grade. I have absolutely no chemistry background not even an High School level. Can't comment on pathophysiology I've never taken that class.

I am thinking outside the box.

But don't think you need to run and sign up for classes until your sure how they choose from the applicant pool. There are so many variables that until you know that info you can't possibly better your chances and signing up for random classes that you 'heard' will get you ahead will be a waste of your time.

That being said...I'm only short a few classes. I am literally right at the door....and I'm taking one of them now...another over Cmas break and that will leave 2 history.

I haven't decided on a program. But I am actually choosing based on what classes I have v. what I don't...and what classes I actually like.

I have no interest in taking chemistry if I can avoid it...but if I have to choose..I'll take chem over more math any day.

It's kind of a controlled risk. I'll take what I need to get in to where I want to go and pray I make the cut.

I'm really sorry you didn't get in.

But, it kind of sounds like maybe you didn't prepare well. You don't know the admission policies, your gpa or what to do to better your chances.

you have been out of school for 6 yrs. Haven't taken a class...and yet you jumped in and applied to a BSN program...

If you take a class or two of the basics...ones needed for just about every program...like history to show intent.

Check into your gpa.

basically you need to go and recon the program you want. Find out all you can and stack the deck in your favor by doing what it takes to make you a candidate that they WANT. I mean really want. As in...you could have your choice of schools...but they want YOU...show your going places. You will join school groups and organizations, you'll support your school, and one day...you'll drive a very nice car with an alumni bumper sticker!

Good luck...and get on the recon mission!

I have taken pharmacology and had an excellent grade. I have absolutely no chemistry background not even an High School level. Can't comment on pathophysiology I've never taken that class.

So how do you know it wouldn't enhance your understanding of disease processes and nursing? I took chemistry prior to A&P and it's knowledge I still draw on.

Specializes in LTC/Rehab.
So how do you know it wouldn't enhance your understanding of disease processes and nursing? I took chemistry prior to A&P and it's knowledge I still draw on.

I did start a Intro to Chemistry a long time ago and I hated I ended up dropping the class. It just didn't interest me so I learned nothing. That was a long time ago so maybe I will find it more interesting now.

Specializes in Med/Surg, Neuro, ICU, travel RN, Psych.
I am thinking outside the box.

But don't think you need to run and sign up for classes until your sure how they choose from the applicant pool. There are so many variables that until you know that info you can't possibly better your chances and signing up for random classes that you 'heard' will get you ahead will be a waste of your time.

That being said...I'm only short a few classes. I am literally right at the door....and I'm taking one of them now...another over Cmas break and that will leave 2 history.

I haven't decided on a program. But I am actually choosing based on what classes I have v. what I don't...and what classes I actually like.

I have no interest in taking chemistry if I can avoid it...but if I have to choose..I'll take chem over more math any day.

It's kind of a controlled risk. I'll take what I need to get in to where I want to go and pray I make the cut.

I'm really sorry you didn't get in.

But, it kind of sounds like maybe you didn't prepare well. You don't know the admission policies, your gpa or what to do to better your chances.

you have been out of school for 6 yrs. Haven't taken a class...and yet you jumped in and applied to a BSN program...

If you take a class or two of the basics...ones needed for just about every program...like history to show intent.

Check into your gpa.

basically you need to go and recon the program you want. Find out all you can and stack the deck in your favor by doing what it takes to make you a candidate that they WANT. I mean really want. As in...you could have your choice of schools...but they want YOU...show your going places. You will join school groups and organizations, you'll support your school, and one day...you'll drive a very nice car with an alumni bumper sticker!

Good luck...and get on the recon mission!

Thats pretty much my plan. I know there are a few classes I need. I had already intended on doing one of them the first semester anyway, as for the first part you can only take their intro class. The problem I came against, was they wouldn't do an eval before I applied to the actual nursing program. I know some schools will evaluate and let you know what you will need once you do the general application. I know what classes I have taken, and an idea of what I would still need. But they recommended I just apply, and they would let me know after. Without really knowing what I would still need, as I have some extra classes like government and some extra humanities and such from my associates, I didn't want to go out and just take some random classes for no reason. So I will talk to them on Monday, I'm researching some other schools and I am going to take some classes come January regardless. Thank you!

Specializes in Med/Surg, Neuro, ICU, travel RN, Psych.
I am thinking outside the box.

But don't think you need to run and sign up for classes until your sure how they choose from the applicant pool. There are so many variables that until you know that info you can't possibly better your chances and signing up for random classes that you 'heard' will get you ahead will be a waste of your time.

That being said...I'm only short a few classes. I am literally right at the door....and I'm taking one of them now...another over Cmas break and that will leave 2 history.

I haven't decided on a program. But I am actually choosing based on what classes I have v. what I don't...and what classes I actually like.

I have no interest in taking chemistry if I can avoid it...but if I have to choose..I'll take chem over more math any day.

It's kind of a controlled risk. I'll take what I need to get in to where I want to go and pray I make the cut.

I'm really sorry you didn't get in.

But, it kind of sounds like maybe you didn't prepare well. You don't know the admission policies, your gpa or what to do to better your chances.

you have been out of school for 6 yrs. Haven't taken a class...and yet you jumped in and applied to a BSN program...

If you take a class or two of the basics...ones needed for just about every program...like history to show intent.

Check into your gpa.

basically you need to go and recon the program you want. Find out all you can and stack the deck in your favor by doing what it takes to make you a candidate that they WANT. I mean really want. As in...you could have your choice of schools...but they want YOU...show your going places. You will join school groups and organizations, you'll support your school, and one day...you'll drive a very nice car with an alumni bumper sticker!

Good luck...and get on the recon mission!

Forgot to ask, what classes are you short? Just curious, not knowing what program you will go with, how you have chosen which to take?

Specializes in Medical Surgical/Addiction/Mental Health.

WOW…the school was accredited back in 1976. I am not sure why you would have received a “no thank-you letter”. Have you looked at Indiana State University? Very reasonable.

Specializes in Med/Surg, Neuro, ICU, travel RN, Psych.
WOW...the school was accredited back in 1976. I am not sure why you would have received a "no thank-you letter". Have you looked at Indiana State University? Very reasonable.

Yeah, the school I went to has had a nursing program forever. It used to be, not sure if it still is or not, but used to be one of the top programs in the state.

Well it did say I may be admissable once my "academic preperation" improves. Also to call and speak with an advisor with any questions or for direction in my education planning. So hopefully that just means that I am missing some classes, meaning I'm not "Prepared" to start the BSN. Guess I'll know on Monday. I am looking into the admission requirements for some other schools just in case though!

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