Do I even have a chance?

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After everything I've read online, it sounds like UNLV's BSN program is nearly impossible to get into. I really want to go to school here. I've lived in Las Vegas for around 3 years now and I love it. UNLV seems to have the best BSN program in the area. I want nothing more than to get accepted into the program. I want to know...is it worth trying to get into UNLV? I know you basically need to get an A in every class to even be considered for the program. It scares me to think that I could bust my ass for 2 years and not get accepted. Anyone else in have the same fear? Should I even try to get in or should I apply to other colleges?

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I want to know...is it worth trying to get into UNLV? I know you basically need to get an A in every class to even be considered for the program. It scares me to think that I could bust my ass for 2 years and not get accepted. Anyone else in have the same fear? Should I even try to get in or should I apply to other colleges?

As they say, unless you try the answer is always no. I suggest you contact the school and ask what the average stats are for accepted students and what you can do to be a more competitive applicant.

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I do not know about that specific school so I cannot speak to that. However, it seems like you are very motivated and excited to get into nursing school! If this is the nursing school you want, then work hard and apply. Don't hold yourself back. Take the prerequisite courses, get some volunteer/ shadowing/ healthcare experience to build your resume, and make a back up plan for if you don't get in. No one can determine for you individually whether or not it is "worth it." It will be hard work of course, but the worst thing that could happen is that you don't get into the program and go with your Plan B instead.

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I just got accepted into this program, so I can't say if it's worth it yet, but here's what I know so far:

You are judged based off of this worksheet and ONLY that worksheet, and you get in if your score is in the Top 48 of all applicants for that semester. They don't care about what experience you have. Your other classes don't matter as long as you pass them (with a C) and earn an overall GPA of 3.00.

If you get at least a "B" in one of the classes on that worksheet, you can retake it to get a better grade and that retake will still count as your "first" attempt. Be careful though, as they take your newest grade (not the highest) into account, so you can't slack off if you do retake a class.

Aim to only have two B grades. I had all As except for one A-, one B+, and one B in the classes on that worksheet.

If you're super worried about competitiveness, don't apply in the Fall. That's when everyone applies after finishing their pre-reqs in the Spring. I remember overhearing people talk about how their friends got in with 91s or 92s out of 100.7 points. I had a score in the 93s-94s, so I was confident I was gonna get in.

The Fall 2017 cutoff score was 94.38 (which I think is the highest it's ever been).

I didn't get in.

I have no idea what the Spring 2018 cutoff is, but I got in with the same score I had when I first applied.

Also, keep in mind that you only have two chances to apply to this nursing program.

If you do decide to go for it, and end up taking your pre-reqs at UNLV:

  • finish all your pre-reqs before applying, because any pre-req that is in progress counts as 0 points. Don't put yourself at a disadvantage, because you don't have the privilege of applying an unlimited number of times like others did in the past.
  • you don't need a B for CHEM 108, but aim for an A because it counts in the worksheet.
  • BIOL 251 (Microbiology) doesn't do (+/-)'s. You either get an A or a B in that class.
  • It's possible to take BIOL 251 and BIOL 224 (A&P II) in the same semester, but I wouldn't recommend it. That's two information-dense classes that both require weekly (information-dense) lab classes.
  • NURS 299 is an online course with group projects where you are randomly put in a group with 4-5 other people to write a bunch of group papers. There is a reporting system in case one of your groupmates' contributions aren't up to par.

Honestly, the pre-reqs are difficult, but you won't know if you'll make it unless you try. Just remember to have a backup plan (retaking classes, finding a new school (like NSC in Henderson), switching majors, etc.).

Good luck with whatever path you choose!

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Wow, congratulations! That's wonderful you got accepted into the program :)

You've provided some seriously useful information. Thank you! Its nice to hear from someone who has recently been accepted in. I didn't know that fall was more competitive. I'll remember that for sure. I like to think I am pretty motivated. I honestly can't see myself working towards anything else so I am praying this works out for me. Best of luck to you!

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I do not know about that specific school so I cannot speak to that. However, it seems like you are very motivated and excited to get into nursing school! If this is the nursing school you want, then work hard and apply. Don't hold yourself back. Take the prerequisite courses, get some volunteer/ shadowing/ healthcare experience to build your resume, and make a back up plan for if you don't get in. No one can determine for you individually whether or not it is "worth it." It will be hard work of course, but the worst thing that could happen is that you don't get into the program and go with your Plan B instead.

Thanks for the words of encouragement! You are absolutely right. How will I know if I don't try?? Thanks :) :)

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