Does previous college experience have to go on a college application?

elkpark · Dec 31, 2012

If the application asks for transcripts from all schools attended (as most college applications do), you omit any schools you have previously attended, and the school finds out (which they sometimes do), most schools consider that academic dishonesty sufficient to either drop you from consideration as an applicant (or kick you out if they find out after you've already be admitted).

As a nurse, people's lives will depend on your honesty and personal integrity. Do you really want to start your career with an act of dishonesty? Also, do you want to spend your whole time at that school worrying that you're going to get found out?

I hope you will choose to "take the high road." Best wishes --

SycamoreGuy · Dec 31, 2012

You absolutely need to put your previous college experience on your application. However, if there are any prerequisite classes you either need to take or can retake at the college you are applying to, that will influence their decision more than your previous college classes.

Edit: if you are just applying to the college and not yet applying to the practical nursing program you shouldn't have anything to worry about..

RunnerRN2015, ASN, RN · Dec 31, 2012

I've heard that if you received any financial aid, it will show up on your record (social security number, maybe?). If you didn't include the school that you received financial aid for, I'm sure it would raise red flags. Not sure if it's true, but better safe than sorry.

Stephalump · Dec 31, 2012

When I first started college I signed up for classes and then dropped them before they started. The next semester I applied to a differs school and didn't list that info because in my mind I hadn't actually attended. Well, the school called me and told me they needed those transcripts regardless. How they knew, I have no idea.

But, yes, you have to list ALL of your previous college experience and send in ALL of your transcripts. Schools select based on your past work...would it be fair for you to omit yours and take the place of someone who may have actually done better than you??

princesax11 · Jan 1, 2013

You must send all college transcripts if it is in your school policy. I just applied to my school for next fall and it listed many repercussions associated with omitting any previous college experience. Just send it and you won't have any worries and a clear conscious. I understand why you don't want to, but everyone has to. My dad goes to college and he had to send transcripts from Drexel from about 1973 haha.

fasnv · Jan 1, 2013

I listed mine, but they never care about the others. My previous transcript is obsolete. :roflmao:

eatmysoxRN, ASN, RN · Jan 1, 2013

I was told by an admissions counselor that by neglecting to list the University I attended during junior high and high school, I was potentially ineligible to attend the community college. They said that since I did not receive financial aid it wasn't that big of a deal, but I strongly recommend that you are completely honest on your application. It was for financial aid reasons (which I have never received) but he said that they encounter students who receive Pell grants and try to live off that money as well as loans without ever actually completing classes.

~ No One Can Make You Feel Inferior Without Your Consent -Eleanor Roosevelt ~

crymsyndiva · Jan 4, 2013

I work at a private college and can tell you any school you have received financial aid at regardless of how long ago or if you only received grants will be listed on the NSLDS. you may go to the website, log on with your fafsa information, and you can see exactly what shows. It is also a good website to check and make sure that you are being credited correctly. Also a good way to check for identity theft.