Experiences with being an Alternate for Admission?

Published

I just found out that I am an alternate for admission to BCTC's ADN program. I am number 8 on the list. How good are my odds of getting a slot at this point? I would love to hear from other people who were alternates and what number you were. I had a feeling this would happen.

I have all of my pre-reqs and CNA class done, I know I need to gather my shot records and everything and be ready since anything can happen at the last minute. This just complicates my decision regarding where I am going to school next semester and what I am going to study.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NeuroICU/SICU/MICU.

It's frustrating being in limbo. I was #2 alternate when I applied. They advised I get my paperwork together, and I did wind up being accepted for that semester. It will just depend on how many your school accepts, how many give up their place in favor of other schools they were accepted to, etc. Hang in there :) Unfortunately all you can do is wait.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology, Palliative care.

I was alternate #3 this semester and got in. Ultimately 6 alternates got in. We have a class of 48........I think each school is different and a lot has to do with how many students are accepted. I didn't find out until the beginning of December that I got in for January.......a lot of scrambling as there were many things they said not to do unless you definitely got in.......books, ATI, etc... but it all worked out in the end. If its meant to be, it wil be. Just hope for the best and prepare for the worst and you can't go wrong......

Rachel

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I was recently 24 on an alternate list of 26. I had all the pre-reqs taken care of as well as all the non nursing courses involved in the program (such as nutrition/AP2/micro/etc). I took the nln/net(whatever it's called) and scored among the highest in the program waiting to be seated. Two weeks ago I was notified that I was now in the program as a student and not as a candidate.

Just look at it this way, if you don't get in it this semester, you'll definitely get in next! Keep a look on the bright side.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

"Just look at it this way, if you don't get in it this semester, you'll definitely get in next! Keep a look on the bright side. "I know that to NOT be true at a lot of places. But what alternate status *does* signify is that you are definitely in the competitive arena. So even if you don't get in this semester, chances are, scores and grades are not going to shift THAT much from class to class, and next semester, your odds of getting in are pretty good. :-)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
"Just look at it this way, if you don't get in it this semester, you'll definitely get in next! Keep a look on the bright side. "I know that to NOT be true at a lot of places. But what alternate status *does* signify is that you are definitely in the competitive arena. So even if you don't get in this semester, chances are, scores and grades are not going to shift THAT much from class to class, and next semester, your odds of getting in are pretty good. :-)

I guess that entirely depends on what the school in question requires. Of the schools that I looked in to that ran an alternate list, it was a first come first serve basis. Those who submitted their applications in first were chosen first and so on and so on. If you were on the alternate list and did not get in, then you were guaranteed a seat in the next class.

Clearly requirements vary from school to school, I'd suggest the OP look up the candidacy guidelines and see what they're dealing with.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
If you were on the alternate list and did not get in, then you were guaranteed a seat in the next class.

Oh that would be awesome if more schools did that. I know my school doesn't and it definitely stinks for those on the alternate list (which I will more than likely be on)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

My school doesn't do that either. I'm in my first semester and wasn't an alternate myself, but had a few friends who were. I think they accepted like 11 or 12 alternates out of supposed to be 80 student but ended up being a little over 90. But they did not find out till literally the day before class started, so if you don't hear anything for awhile, don't get you're hopes let down. We had several student drop because didn't think they could handle the workload, or life happened, didn't get all of the certifications/immunizations/ insurance/ paperwork/ WHATEVER, or just failed a drug test. Let us know what happens.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks everyone, I feel pretty good about it, given the large number of applicants. They said last year there were over 1000 applicants for 100 seats in their program.

I already have a BS, but my cumulative GPA is 2.8 because of one semester where I dropped out and failed everything early on in my first degree. My grades after that were good and I have a pretty decent SAT score. Their admissions is very competitive and based solely on your GPA and SAT/ACT/NLN score with a slight consideration given to those who already have a degree. Unfortunately they don't look at your work/healthcare experience or recommendations.

I am pretty set on going to this school because it is walking distance from my lab (I work in physiology research) and is the only program near me that is remotely compatible with being a non-traditional working student and is also affordable.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion