Feeling very dumb!!!:(

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I just went for just a info session for a local lpn school and I'm already feeling overwhelmed. I have all the things to hey except.....tabe and teas!!!!! I have to pass both test to "might" be accepted, like 2000 people and they only choose 30 something. How did you lpns do this? I see myself doing this and only this. To be honest I think I'm OK smart not to bad if I just practice but 30 out of 2000??? Omg and on top of that it'll be may before I even get a letter that says if I'm in or not!!!! How did you get through this? Any advise plz!!??

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
How did you lpns do this?

1. I enrolled in a private, expensive program. The pricier the program is, the lower the likelihood that swarms of people will be applying. This means less competition.

2. I did well on the TABE. School officials are more likely to admit someone who attained good test scores because it reassures them that you are more likely to graduate and pass NCLEX.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.

I pretty much ditto what Commuter said!

I enrolled in a private LVN school. They had a somewhat vested interest in allowing us entry because it meant they made more money.

Consider applying to multiple schools so that you have better odds of getting in.

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Yes, I have one other school that I can apply to but that will open later this year. The one I went to today is a free school, no tuition no financial aid. The other one is like a community college type place. I can and will pass the test I need to take because I have to, no other choice. I'm just scared I will never get accepted when there are so many people trying to get in and do the same thing.

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I took a cna class. I have that until next year but soon as I got a taste of things I knew I wanted to do more and be more. I have a life, kids, bills, get away from the life I've had by bettering myself and this is my way to do that because I know I can do it.....but when there's thousands of applicants...I'm put off guard like it's not going to happen for me.

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try not to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of applicants. my school was notorious for having giant wait-lists and a gigantic pool of applicants, and on a whim i decided to take the entrance exam and got in. after speaking with the program advisor for a bit and then looking at all the paper requirements, it became clear to me how these programs weed you out before you even begin.

2000 people are applying for a number of reasons, but that doesn't mean all 2000 are meant to be in the program. there are plenty that know they aren't cut out for it, and know that..or well they may not even realize actually, that they just dont measure up, so you can bet your bottom dollar that 500 applicants are people that scored WWAAAAAAAY below the minimum test requirements to even apply. when asking a few people around about their scores i realized just how many scored well below the 100-mark, which is what was required for the slightest consideration, while the average was somewhere around 130+. Then there are people that applied for the LPN as a backup, in case they didn't get into RN or some other program of their choice that will choose to just drop it once they get word from their primary proam. Id tally that up to about another 100 or 200. Then there are a world of applicants that won't back the background check, and will definitely screw up on the drug screen, i'd say thats easily another 200 applicants down the drain. And then not getting their CPR certs/shot records/misc paperwork in on time, theres always like 50 of those. So the actual number applying doesn't mean all too much other than that its a rather popular program in your area.

the point is, don't focus so much on the people you have to compete against, just make sure you've done the absolute best you could. theres no shame if you know in your heart you gave it your all, because all anyone can give is 100%. And if you don't make it this round, then maybe next time. And if not in this one school, then maybe in this other school. Opportunities are everywhere, so don't be afraid

Good luck!

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Specializes in LPN.

I applied for the local LPN program as well. It is competitive, but if it's what you really want, go for it! It'll be worth it in the end.

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How did you lpns do this?

I'm sorry but when I read this, I had to laugh a little - because I still can't believe I got into my program!! :roflmao: I wanted to get in SO badly, and I was convinced that I was SO not going to make it.

But I did. I made it into a class of 30-some students, out of 2000 applicants. And I would definitely regret it if I hadn't applied. You have to remember that not EVERYONE who applies is cut out for it. It may sound mean, but some of the other applicants really surprised me (you could just tell that they probably wouldn't get in).

I made sure to get good references. I specifically asked for references from my A&P, chemistry, and health science instructors (I think it looked nice on my application). If you don't get in the first time, a second or third application really says "I'm trying" to the instructors and program director. The interview itself was created to test our judgement and critical thinking; many emergency scenarios were thrown at us.

I'm proud of our school's health science department. Community colleges seem to get a bad rap, but we have a great reputation in my state. I also love that we have clinicals at various hospitals (rather than a private school that may be connected with just one hospital). I've also experience a greater opportunity for scholarships. My point is that there are some pros to your local LPN program, and it would be worth a shot. Apply to ALL of the nursing schools in your area! Then make your decision from there.

Go for it. Life is full of surprises.

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Don't be scared! If you know this is what you want to do. Give it your all! When I did my test I did the Kaplan to get in, two years ago, and I don't think I did the best. I did get in. After I got in I found out that they picked 24 people out of the hundreds of people's that had applied. I was shocked! I'm very glad I didn't know that information before hand. Go into thinking you will get in! Believe in yourself. You can do this. You are one of those 30. I just graduated and now I'm waiting to see if I get into the RN program í ½í¸³

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Never put your eggs in one basket (there are other schools) and read all applications or program information for requirements to get in. A lot of programs require the TEAS test but the TABE test is a new one (both are to make sure you have enough knowledge to be able to learn nursing). Give yourself adequate time to review for both so that you feel smart!! ;) Take it one step at a time and don't overwhelm yourself. Besides, don't you have classes that need to be completed to get into the program? Just curious. I had to do two anatomy classes and a microbiology class. I started in the RN program at my local community college in 2013. When I applied in 2012, the TEAS test was not required yet but straight A's were required in the anatomy and microbiology classes.

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Specializes in Short Term/Skilled.

I took all my pre-reqs before hand and applied assuming I wouldn't get in. I got a call 5 days before the program started and I am now 10 out of 40 who made it to the last semester.

Just do your best, get your ducks in a row and hurry up and wait.

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