Didn't get accepted into first of three schools...advice?

[danedsel]

I realize that many of you, either nurses, nursing students or pre-nursing students have experienced this rejection and so any advice concerning my approach of the nursing application process or strategy is much appreciated.

My backstory is somewhat typical: Have a B.A. from a major university and after 7 or 8 years of job hopping and disillusionment, decided to go for nursing. Started knocking out pre-reqs required for most schools and recently submitted one 3 weeks ago for a fall program. Didn't get in.

My plan is to submit to another program for the fall which is due July 1st. This program is in another state in which I can declare residency. If this fails, I can submit again to yet another program in another state in hopes of attending in spring of '14.

It seems to me that submitting as many nursing applications as possible, regardless of locale (in or out-of-state) is the best scenario to increase odds and save time. However, my cousin, who's an RN, advised me to try and stick with just a couple at most to really focus all my efforts on. I do realize that many schools have different pre-reqs, entrance tests, etc. and some even have waiting lists so this option might be better in the long run. Also, most community colleges are designed for students who live locally and can prove somewhat more difficult for out-of-state students who aren't physically there to go and meet with advisors, counselors, etc. Already, each of these three programs require different pre-reqs and entrance exams. Two requiring the TEAS and one the HESI.

What am I or am I not doing right? Which is the best strategy? I want to stick to community colleges or state schools and not private vocational schools. Any advice, again, is appreciated.

[Dom3269]

I'm a little confused...you applied to nursing school without finishing the pre-reqs? This would be why you got rejected. At state colleges (and community colleges that offer ADNs) you can't even apply until all pre-reqs for your core classes are done (A&P, Micro...) and you have also taken the TEAS.

[amberdawn85]

Here you can be accepted if you are currently enrolled in your remaining pre-requisites. Teas have to be done prior though

What is your GPA and test scores?

[ruralnurse84]

I applied for 3 years just focusing on a few specific schools and kept getting rejected. In the fourth I finally said screw it, I'm applying to as many schools as I can. I had all the pre-reqs for most of the schools in my state so I went for it. The majority of the schools I applied to were close to where I was living and would not have required me to move. The two schools I was accepted to however were at least 3 hours away from where I was living. I am glad I applied to those far away schools even though I knew nothing about them and wasn't familiar with the area. I am now just finishing up my first year and actually like that I was able to move to a smaller area. Point it, I would apply to as many places as possible as long as you don't over extend yourself doing it. Meaning choose schools that have similar pre-reqs if you still have some to finish. Good luck!

[Kimbsntobe]

I think you should focus on a couple of schools...find out what the core pre-reqs are and complete those... With a B.A. if you have most of your prereqs any school will accept you providing you have most of the prereqs completed.

[sillypuddy143]

It certainly won't hurt you to apply for many schools (other then application fees) But the biggest thing is making sure you have ALL of the requirements and pre-reqs. You also need relatively decent grades, if you have any C's I would consider retaking them.

[pmabraham, BSN, RN]

Good day:

My application was rejected to the first nursing school for which I applied. While their reasoning why didn't make sense to me, once I got over the emotional "rejection" hump, I applied to four different nursing schools for which two accepted me.

I would recommend to put in as many applications as you can juggle in terms of responding to each one's different application process.

Thank you.

[ArrowRN, BSN, RN]

As the first post says u need to clarify somethings there to get accurate answers. Concerning your plan of applying to ADN programs, you are applying to the wrong school program which is why you getting rejected from a community or state colleges. There are many routes to become an RN. Since you already have a bachelors degree, the route you should be looking at is Accelerated BSN program offered by your University. Other Advantage is Accelerated BSN has less competition for space, whereas you applying to ADN programs where there maybe like 1000 applicants for 80 spots, and community college wont want to take someone who already has a Bachelors.

Look up the local State Universities call them let them know you are interested, they will transfer whatever credit and then you do the ALL the prerequisites then apply to the accelerated BSN. That BSN program should take you about the same time or LESS than going for an ADN. Is there any particular reason why you trying only ADN programs? Most State/Community colleges also have a bias for accepting local student only.

I have an A.A degree in which I did my prereqs and I applied to BSN and ADN programs. I got rejected by the ADN and accepted to the BSN and only got 1 year left. You can do prereqs at the state college if you want to save $$ then transfer them to university just make sure they are equivalent, so check with the university advisor and good luck.

[danedsel]

Sorry, to clarify: I HAVE done all pre-reqs and 5 of 7 co-requisites. I do apologize if I was a little confusing.

[danedsel]

Wow, interesting. I have looked at accelerated programs in certain schools and it's a shame I didn't explore more of those programs. They have more pre-reqs, but yeah you're right it would probably take the same amount of time as an ADN. The bias you speak of is understandable and I knew that might be the case when I started aiming for out-of-state schools. 15 months for a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing ain't too shabby when the typical amount of time is 5 semesters for ADN plus another year for the BSN. Thanks for the reply.

[danedsel]

Here you can be accepted if you are currently enrolled in your remaining pre-requisites. Teas have to be done prior though

What is your GPA and test scores?

GPA is 3.08 and HESI score was 85. Too low for either of these.