EL-MSN Program

Check out the student nursing forum instead of the general nursing forum. It saved my life during my application process. Here's the one for the this year's Western cohort. Hope it helps.

https://allnurses.com/post-graduate-nursing/fall-2011-western-505784-page56.html

PS: I live in socal too and I know exactly what you mean about the 700+ apps. Very competitive!

Moved this to the post-graduate forum to elicit more responses.

Good luck and please keep us posted.

I'm about to graduate from an entry-level MSN program. I know exactly what you're going through. I worked hard on my pre-reqs (even had to take one of the classes again to get a higher grade). Before this program my grades were just "ok" but not wonderful. I was actually surprised that the school accepted me! I do think they are looking not just at the grades, but at how well-rounded you are. Highlight your experiences with leadership in your other jobs/volunteer positions during your interview.

BeesMama,

If you haven't already, I highly recommend that you attend one of Western's Preview Days or Info Sessions. I went back in February, and am going to the next Preview Day on May 7th. They give you tons of great information, and I even got a chance to talk with the program director for a good 15 minutes. It was fantastic!

I'm planning on applying to Western this fall, and like you, am super nervous. My cumulative GPA is terrible because I was a moron as a teenager. But I've gotten my act together, and my last 60 units GPA will be about a 3.9, and my prerequisite GPA will be about a 3.7. In talking with the program director, I know Western looks at each applicant as a "whole package", not just a number.

Again, definitely attend one of their info sessions or preview days. You'll gain a lot of insight into the application process and what Western is looking for!

I was and still am in your same position. Because we lucky Californian's have such a fantastic budget minimizing classes at the community college level, I have had a ton of speedbumps along the away just to finish the pre-reqs. I agree with everyone pushing to attend the preview day. I have gone to info sessions the past couple of years to see any differences and Western looks like a completely different school now. I love it! But the info session did open my eyes to the school's teaching process and that is something I personally have to decide if it's the right fit for my learning style. I really like their hollistic methods and that makes them stand out as a premier school in the area.

I too messed up and my undergrad GPA but I did manage to pull off the minimum requirement. Speaking with the admission director, I was told the personal statement and letters of rec are what make or break the student. Grades count but if they see heart then they will want to reach out and get to know you. We all know grades don't make the person and so do they. Keep it as real as possible.

Keeps your grades up and volunteer, volunteer, volunteer. I would recommend the clinical care extender program through COPE health solutions. Some of Western's faculty are involved with this program and they hold it in high regard. Best of luck!

Thanks everyone for the support.

I am hoping that they can see past my "not so decent" GPA (hoping that it calculates to be high enough). Having been in Corporate America for a few years now, I know nursing is what I want to do. I say that not with the actual experience of nursing, but because I have had AMAZING nurses - and want to do that as well. After interviewing other nurses (including friends), I certainly know it isn't a glam job - but I would actually feel like I was fulfilling a purpose in my life.

All of that being said, I wish I could volunteer more. I am 4 months pregnant (with our second), and I work full time - as well as going to school part-time to get my pre-requisites. I am not wanting to back down in the slightest, but I have to be honest, sometimes I read some of the posts on here and get incredibly discouraged. I am not sure that I will be up to par with some of the other people that are applying.