Feeling a bit overwhelmed (actually really overwhelmed)

[sergel02, BSN]

Hey everyone. I'll be entering my last year of community college and applying this fall to schools in California. I have my science classes left (Chem, A&P, Microbio) and then i'm done with pre-req stuff. I'm not too worried about getting good grade and doing well, since I'm doing well so far and I've done well in A&P before in high school and in my chem classes as well. I have around a 3.68 GPA, but for the school I want to get into, Sac State, that's kind of low. The average there is 3.8.

I have to take the TEAS test too. I'm not too worried, but I'm still waiting for a response on when i can take it at Sac State. They say March or April is the last time, but I'm not sure if they meant the year I'm applying (which is this year) or the year I'm entering (next year). Can someone tell me how it worked where you go/went please?

I'm worried what may happen if I don't get into Sac State. Obviously i can go to another school, but there are many reasons i would prefer to get into SS. It's closer, so i can commute and save money since I can live at home. Also, my dad is pretty sick now and needs some taking care of, and I don't think my mom can by herself. Moving farther away would be pretty difficult.

I really want to be a nurse and i think it suits me, but i wouldn't say it's my dream. I want to help and heal people, but i'd like to do that through other means like music and stories and acting and stuff. I've been doing those things since i was 12 or 13, but they aren't stable careers. Then again, the debt i get with student loans is going to be great. I'm turning 20 this year, and once i get to around 30, some of those dreams will fade due to just being too old to pursue them (like music).

Anyway, I was wondering what are some options you have tried or know of if I don't get into nursing school? I know some local Junior colleges have nursing to a ADN degree, then they can go to a BSN program, but that takes 2 years more and is just as hard. Could i possible apply the next year or semester if I don't get in? I know sac state does have a waitlist, either you get in or you don't. There's also an accelerated BSN program, but I'm not sure about that either.

Anyway, thanks for reading all this and any advice or words of encouragement would be a welcome relief.

[pinayluv78]

Do u know if the school goes by ur prerequisite Gpa or overall Gpa? Ive applied to Fresno State & from what the counselor told me, they use prerequisite Gpa to determine who gets in. So far I have a 3.5 overall, but a 4.0 in prereqs. I hope this is the case. I wont find out til after this semester is over.

[sergel02, BSN]

I think pre-req GPA here too. Good luck getting into Fresno though.

[pinayluv78]

Thank u. Good luck with ur TEAS and the rest of ur prereqs. Try not to worry too much. Just focus on the present and have faith in yourself. You can do it! :)

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Have you considered Dance Therapy? ADTA - Become a Dance/Movement Therapist It is a genuine bona-fide health care therapy, like physical or occupational therapy. It would seem to be a good fit with your interests. Nursing is not the only healing profession out there.

[grpman]

I would say that I haven't found my dream job yet. I wanted to be a mixed martial artist but I couldn't hit or kick very well and sponsors don't like paying people who can't win any matches. I also wanted to be a singer, but nobody thinks I'm good. However, I did get into nursing school and it allows me to do a lot of things that I think are noble while earning a paycheck. That didn't sound that bad.

I don't think a prereq. for any job is being in love with it, but I do think that a desire to be good is a prereq. for any job.

[seashelleyes]

I can answer your question about the TEAS. Although I decided not to go, I applied to Sac State (to begin this Fall 2012) and got accepted. There is a waitlist btw, but only to fill spots for those who decide not to attend the program. This year the supplemental application was due March 1st. Expect to take the TEAS either this summer or fall if you want to apply for next year's program. That way you have enough time to retake it if need be, and enough time for them to process your scores (it only takes about a week though) for you to mail in by March 1st. :) I took the TEAS last September. I didn't take it at Sac, but I'm guessing they offer the test throughout the year. If not, it's offered at other schools too, like CSUEB. I took mine at SJSU.

Hope this helps!! Good luck!!