Did you get into a program as a 2nd degree student- accelerated programs? advice!

[kiki617]

Hi everyone,

Im looking for advice from people who have been accepted into accelerated programs or any nursing program as a student with a prior bachelor's in an unrelated field. I've applied at UMass and didn't get in. Ive been accepted at Laboure but nervous to start as i only hear negative things, and I dont like that its an associates program. I would really also like to apply to simmons dix scholar program as $ is certainly a consideration and I would be able to maintain my job in that program. I was just wondering what types of credentials people have that got into the accelerated programs. Everyone knows they are super competitive, but i can't help to feel that i need direct patient experience to even get a consideration. I currently work for partners healthcare (but in communications) and have previously worked at an eye dr. office. Otherwise I'm just beginnning to volunteer at MGH. What else do I need to do to get accepted!? I had above a 3.0 as an undergrad and got mostly B's in my prereqs. What did you do to stand out?

Thanks!!!

[pexx84]

As you probably know, most of the Boston area accelerated programs get about 10 applicants for every available seat. The program I am in looked closely at the pre-reqs, especially the sciences. Most everyone I've talked to in my accelerated class got pretty much straight A's in their pre-reqs. My school was more forgiving in the undergrad GPA. Even though I had less than a 3.0 (and they had a 3.0 cutoff), I squeaked in and will graduate in a month. Good luck.

[SailorVee93, ASN, RN]

As you probably know, most of the Boston area accelerated programs get about 10 applicants for every available seat. The program I am in looked closely at the pre-reqs, especially the sciences. Most everyone I've talked to in my accelerated class got pretty much straight A's in their pre-reqs. My school was more forgiving in the undergrad GPA. Even though I had less than a 3.0 (and they had a 3.0 cutoff), I squeaked in and will graduate in a month. Good luck.

Congrats on graduating pexx84!! Out of curiosity, what program are you in now? My undergrad GPA is like yours, but my pre-req grades are great and I only have about 2 or 3 more courses to take.