Feeling like chances of getting into Nursing School are low.

[Darkacid]

I want to make this post for anyone out there in the future who runs into the same circumstances as me. Spring 2016 I applied to 10 different schools (Yes this was a big hassle, but I knew that it is VERY COMPETITIVE to get in!). I had a 3.0 average for the sciences, a 2.9 overall 75% Teas Test score which was "okay". (I took it as early as possible, before even completing anatomy and didn't study at all, DO NOT DO THIS!!!!!!!!.)

Reread the previous line please.

As of right now, I am selected as an alternate at one school, and found out today that I got accepted into another (I'm 1/10 as of today hehe). I was accepted into one of the top nursing community colleges in Southern California. I want to note that they used a different Test for examination (Which I studied two days before the test, bad habits die hard hehe).

Right now I can say I've had such a roller coaster of emotions, from getting Rejection letter left and right, and having to reevaluate my life in all aspects as I was in nursing school purgatory. When I found out I had gotten accepted (Today), I had a feeling of accomplishment that I have felt only a few times in my life.

Anyway, without rambling on, I want to encourage everyone out there who feels that they cannot get in because of x y and z. You know what your goals are, and there are little steps you can take to get where you want to be. If I had stopped one day and said to myself that going to 10 different schools was ridiculous, or getting 3 hours of sleep to do good on the test was just too difficult, I wouldn't be where I am today. So please, don't be discouraged by any circumstance you have. If you are willing and give it your all, you can achieve anything. As cliche as that previous sentence was, there is truth to it. All that I ever asked myself to give was my best, even if it was the best I could do at the time; and who could ever ask for more?

So please anyone out there who feels like giving up, I want to personally say to you,

"I've been there maaaaaaan/giiiiiiiiiiiirl, I've been theeeeere. Don't give up."

[oldsockventriloquist]

Congrats!

[MrsSassyLassie]

Love the encouragement! I'm brand new to everything right now... I'm just applying to school to get my pre-requisites. Sometimes I get scared and wonder if I'll be able to do it... But then I read articles like this and remember to take one step at a time towards my dreams. Congrats!

[msjai0456]

I'm in SoCal as well and nursing school seems impossible for me. I haven't applied to any schools yet but I'm in the process for one school. It's difficult having to work while in school so my options are severely limited not having a flexible job n all. Still completing sciences but having a BS degree gives me a sense of accomplishment. Thank you for the encouragement. Mind sharing which school you were accepted to already? Any advice that you have for so cal schools, I'm all ears. Thanks in advance.

[Darkacid]

Since you already have a BS degree, you have even more options to choose from. There are actually many accelerated programs that cater exclusively to those with graduate degrees. (This is the route I would take if I could).

Already being in Socal gives you an advantage. If you look at the list of accredited rn programs in California, you will find out that Socal is HEAVILY saturated with programs (Part of the reason why I moved). There is a list on the government website that has ALL of the accredited programs in California, google rn programs in ca, and you should find it.

If you don't get accepted, or you just don't want to wait, look into West Coast University. There is no waiting list, and you get in automatically. They start people in their program every 2 months. The trade off is you will be in 100K+ debt by the end and you'll have no life for 2+ years.

(This of course was my backup if I hadn't got accepted.)

Unfortunately, Nursing school is Very difficult, and only a very small amount of people get through it while still holding a PART TIME job. Ideally you want to save money as much as possible to carry you through to the program (Usually about 2 years). It is highly recommended that you don't work while in a program, and by the sound of it, unfortunately you won't be able to keep your current job while being in the program.

For now take classes that will give you an advantage in your application.

Some of these are:

Sociology

Communications

Cultural Anthropology

English

Etc, etc.

Do your research, the classes that need to be taken are practically standardized, so it will transfer over virtually to every other school.

Last thing is don't be so overwhelmed by your situation. We all know it is hard, but that's life. I thought I had it hard, until I talked to some of my classmates about their situation and saw them excel in class despite it. I thought to myself, if they can do it, what excuse do I have?

P.S. I'm going to SMC this Fall

[msjai0456]

Thank you very much for your insight! I have researched to death and so far only 1 school so far can accommodate me working while in school. Congrats on your acceptance and good luck in your program. I'm not giving up!