Do I have a competitive chance of getting in?

[RunawayN]

Hello everybody

Ok, I'm a little nervous. I'm in the process of taking my nursing pre-reqs and I'm getting ready to apply for nursing school next year. I know it's a long time away but all these stories of how nursing is soooo competitive, wait-lists, rejection letters, et al are just making me crazy nervous.

Personally, I think I have a good chance of getting in competitive program but I don't know. I'm a little nervous. I think my professional and life experience makes me a strong candidate but while my GPA is strong, it could be better.

Basically, I'm selling myself on the fact that I'm a returned Peace Corps volunteer, emergency disaster officer for the International Federation of the Red Cross, soon to be hospital volunteer. I'm downplaying my 3.2 GPA which seems good but hearing how people with 3.7s, 3.8s,and 3.9s are rejected, it makes me nervous.

So, I was wondering if any one could tell me if I'm actually a strong candidate or if I'm just lying to myself. Should I do more? If so, what?

Any thoughts appreciated.

(I'm in California applying to California schools; also, I know that thoughts are just thoughts, opinions are just opinions, I'm not taking anything to heart)

[soxgirl2008]

Do you know what the schools are looking at? Some schools go strictly by GPA and some look at GPA but also look at life experiences and things like that. Also what grades did you get in your sciences? That's usually a big factor as well

[RunawayN]

The schools I'm looking into are for both GPA and life experience. I'm avoiding schools that are strictly looking at GPA as they usually use the point system and don't admit people with a previous degree. I'm either going to be going for a Second BSN or a Masters. My sciences are going well, I expect a 3.4 or 3.5 by completion; 3.2 at lowest.

[lifelearningrn, BSN, RN]

I think your peace corp and disaster relief experience, plus your decent GPA will give you a leg up on just about all the competition. Apply at lots of places and I think you'll get many offers.