Did you focus on one school or did u apply to many different programs?

jennylouwho · Jan 2, 2010

Right now, I'm only focusing on one school. I'll have a one semester wait during which time I will focus on completely classes towards my bachelors. If it's longer than one semester of a wait, I might just apply for the bachelors and skip the CC. The downside is CC is really close and I'd have to drive for a bachelors. I have two young kids, so additional driving time is the reason I am currently setting my sights on just the local CC.

And yes, they all want something different! I found out that had I taken Chem (my CC waives if you took and passed in HS, even though HS was a long time ago for me!) and some other courses (that I already have), I could have applied and started the neighboring county's CC now. But, I'd have the drive and all that AND, I'd be taking core classes at the same time. At my CC you have to have core classes done before starting nursing courses, so at least the workload will be significantly lighter not having to also focus on basic science and English courses at the same time.

Sand_Dollar, BSN · Jan 2, 2010

I initially did myself up a spreadsheet, each school getting a column. On the leftmost column list your information: ASN/BSN, entrance exam or no, pre-reqs, GPA needed, do pre-reqs need to be finished before applying, essay, letters of recommendation needed or not, cost, accredited, etc...... Then just fill them in, it's the input that will take the greatest amount of time, but it will be in a much easier to read and understand format.

I haven't applied to a bunch of schools, only my main one. If I don't get in then I go to option #2 which I can apply to a couple of weeks after I should find out with my first one. Most schools have a baseline of the same classes required, AP, Micro, stats, but some will require extra classes, such as religious studies. It all depends on the school. I had my entire pre-reqs plan laid out when I went to the CC to register. I talked to a counselor who made one change because I chose the wrong nutrition class. Look at your desired school and see what classes they want, you can usually find this under accepted transfer courses.

Hope that gives you some ideas. Good luck!! :)

guiltysins · Jan 2, 2010

For me I always had a good list of three or four. First I had them chosen for what type of degree. For me I really wanted to do a BSN and any ADN programs were kind of a back up.

Pre-reqs were the very first things I looked at. Cause I didn't want to have to take a laundry list of different classes for different schools. I then organized by tuition cost, which was most expensive to the one that was least expensive. I didn't really worry about the entrance exams when I was applying to them, even though two that I applied to did use the same exam. I did have one main school that was on the top of my list. Another thing you might want to look at which I didn't was whether the school only had a Fall Only program or a fall and spring option.

I agree with the person above. Make a little list and key things that you want to know about each school that way you can have priority schools, backup schools and completely omit some that you are no longer interested in.

One1, BSN, RN · Jan 3, 2010

After some research I decided to apply to three schools that all offer BSN programs. Since I already have a Bachelor, the amount of prerequisites was doable. I looked on the school websites and went to school info sessions, and then made a list of all prerequisites required. One school required some gen-ed and science (chemistry) classes that no other did, but I could take those after I found out if I got accepted. Mostly, it is a logistical/ time scheduling challenge. I took prerequisites for all schools simultaneously rather than fufilling all prerequisites for school A, then school B, etc. I established my timeline (how many semesters of prerequisites) and load (how many classes per semester) plus a general idea on the variety of classes (one or two science classes plus maybe a math or psychology class) per semester ahead of time, and then got started. The most effective way for me was to start at the endpoint (the time I would be done with my prerequisites and be ready to apply). I wanted to apply at all three schools at the same time (Fall 2009) and then went backwards to see how many semesters I had left until then. Then I divided the class load among those semesters. It worked well for me, and I was able to apply at all three schools that Fall.

morningstarRN, RN · Jan 3, 2010

I am going with one school. I looked into all the surrounding schools and they each had very different pre-reqs. I am not getting any assistance with tuition and I can't afford to take a bunch of classes that might not be needed. So far I have kept a 4.0 and the school I picked bases entrance only on GPA and an interview. My advisor at the school said they have 40 seats each quarter and about 400 applications. Of the 400 less than 40 have a 4.0 with all pre-reqs completed and no retakes. She said I should get in for spring quarter without a problem. Crossing my fingers she knows what she is talking about!

Definingmyfuture · Jan 3, 2010

I know it is sooo aggravating deciding on schools. I have several within about and hour or so drive but with all wanting different things, I just chose to stick with 2. One is closer and more "country" which I like and I am actually attending now. The other is about a 15 min drive furthur but it has a twice a year entrace whereas the school I am attending now only has a once a year entrance. 2 is all I can manage lol:bugeyes:. So I am crossing my fingers hoping that I get into the school I am attending now for this fall or the other school spring 2011. Both also have different entrance exams which drives me crazy too. I just tried to pick the 2 schools that I know that I could finsh the pre-reqs up the fastest and that also gave me the most points to get in!

hopefulUS · Jan 4, 2010

I'm having this issue as well! I first had about 4 schools I wanted to apply to but after seeing how they all wanted different pre-reqs and entrance exams I lowered it to two. I have one school which is my priority then a plan B school if I dont get into the first one. If i try to get into 4 schools, i'll be doing pre-reqa for ages :S

jazziphat · Jan 5, 2010

Thank you all for your input. I think I am going to narrow it down to a plan A and plan B school and go from there. I just really hate to put all my eggs in two baskets but that seems like the practical approach especially since I already have a bachelor's and these prereq's are coming out of my pocket :) I haven't the time or the funds to spare.

BCH_BS2006 · Jan 5, 2010

Hi One1...out of curiosity which 3 to 4 schools did you narrow it down to? I also have a Bachelor's and am still researching which schools to apply for..

BETTYBOOP155 · Jan 5, 2010

Gurlfriend find a good prenursing program/school enroll then while n school continue 2 do your research on rn schools you may wanna stay at your prenursing school n good luck 2 us all!!!

One1, BSN, RN · Jan 5, 2010

Hi One1...out of curiosity which 3 to 4 schools did you narrow it down to? I also have a Bachelor's and am still researching which schools to apply for..

I decided to apply to Regis University, Metro State College, and CU Denver. They are all in CO.