My college in Austin goes by the point system for admissions. I currently have completed 5/5 pre-reqs and 4/5 co-reqs with a 4.0 GPA across the board. I passed my HESI A2 exam with a 94.82% and got 940 on the critical thinking. Due to the process, I will apply come July 1st with 51 points for Spring '15. Unless there is a miracle or some type of divine intervention, I will not get in.
Yes, I get it that the demand is high. I know the program is supposed to be one of the best in the area and worth the wait. Last semester they accepted 100-ish students and the lowest points accepted was 59. They tell you that in order to even be competitive, you need a 3.8 GPA. I disagree. I think you just need to wait long enough.
I think what bothers me is that despite all of my hard work, I'm simply a number. People who have waited longer with a 2.7 GPA and lower test scores, can and will get in before I will - because they've waited. It makes me feel like I worked my tail off to just wait. Next application period in the fall, I'll have 61 points, but that still may not be enough, because every semester they are tightening the process: accepting less students and requiring more points. And of course, the program is changing and while the wait from app to begin is now 9 months, it's going to 12 months after the July application period.
Maybe I should apply to some other programs? At this rate, if I'm lucky and get it on the second app process, I'll start Fall of '15 and could graduate with my ADN in Fall '16. I only need 3 semesters to finish the degree because I've completed so much already.
I've waited my entire life to be a nurse. I've wanted this since I was 4 years old. I put my life on hold to raise a family, and now I'm 43 and finally living my dream. I know another year isn't much.. but it feels like a lifetime. I'm registered this fall for core classes (to eventually complete my BSN) while I wait. Bring on the government classes! (sarcasm)
Thanks for listening. I know this is a process. I need to be patient, but at times it's hard to see people getting in all around me, while my 4.0 GPA gets to sit and wait.
I am sorry to hear of your frustrations. It sounds to me that you would make a great addition to Any nursing program! (((HUGS)))
But I agree with applying to more than one school. Just check to make sure they are accredited and also look up their graduation and NCLEX pass rates. Try to think positively and good luck!
According to the program guidelines where I go ACT score and GPA are the two scores considered, and they are only considered once the other pre-reqs are complete. Supposedly the lowest ACT score they will even consider is 20, and the lowest GPA is 3.0. They do clear out the applicant pool and begin new with each admission cycle. Recently I learned that there IS a points system, and I feel fortunate to have gotten in, now, even though I scored 29 on the ACT, and have a 4.0 GPA, because I "only" had 29 credit hours when I applied, and will have 35 by the end of the summer. There are others who have taken far more classes than I have, and applied multiple times and not gotten in.
I do think it is a good idea to apply elsewhere. A good starting place may be to see if there are transfer visits available at the other schools. When I went to one school I got a tour of the campus, meetings with anyone of any importance (admissions, registrations, financial aid, etc), and got to speak with an adviser who is actually in the nursing department. How you are treated on a transfer visit will give you a good feel for how the college experience will be. Good luck to you!
nlitened
739 Posts
I am sorry to hear of your frustrations. It sounds to me that you would make a great addition to Any nursing program! (((HUGS)))
But I agree with applying to more than one school. Just check to make sure they are accredited and also look up their graduation and NCLEX pass rates. Try to think positively and good luck!