Simple waitlist question

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hi. i recently have been thinking of getting into the nursing program at a community college. but i am a little bit confused about the waitlist system. so, say, the school i am interested in has a long waitlist. does it mean that i won't be able to get into that program immediately even if i get all a's for all my classes? i am an alien, so i need to get into the program as soon as i can.

any help would be nice. thanks in advance!

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Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

Ok, this is the usual waitlist procedure.....

A) you must have MOST of the prereqs done by the time you apply. If you have a semester left, you'll be ok. Otherwise, they wont approve you simply because you have too many classes to take before you can get it.

B) most CC's use a point system. You get so many pts from classes/tests/admit tests/etc.....mine was 10 pts from a placement test (which got me all 10 pts), and a point for every science/math in last 5 years, any advanced science/math in high school, and a point for my CNA class at same CC (which IS a program requirement).

C) All A's don't mean jack unless you have the pts...they go by points, then break ties using TOTAL GPA. So if you're at the cutoff and you have a 3.0 and someone has a 3.5, they're going to get your spot....

most programs re-eval people each semester, but if they're all equal, they can only take X people. Are there any other CC's around where you could take the nursing program where the waitlist isn't so high? just a thought.

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Specializes in LDRP.

My CC is a first come first serve system. As long as you have all pre-reqs done, a GPA of 2.5 and all the necessary testing, paperwork, etc, they put you "in line."

Check with the schools you are looking at--many will have all the info online! GL! :)

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Hey thanks so much for answering.

I just got my BA in Fall 2006. I hope that I can at least transfer some of the classes to this CC. That school states that "candidates are rank ordered by their Science GPA, then overall GPA, and then progress on general education requirements. " I mean if they rank by GPA, then what's the point of using a waitlist system? There must be 2x or even 3x more applicants than the number of seats available. If people do well most of the time, students on the waitlist will never get a chance to get into the program.

Around my area, there are 2 CC's and one Cal State University which only offers BSN, which is more pricy for foreigners. I will check out with the school definitely.

Thanks again!!

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.
B) most CC's use a point system. You get so many pts from classes/tests/admit tests/etc.....mine was 10 pts from a placement test (which got me all 10 pts), and a point for every science/math in last 5 years, any advanced science/math in high school, and a point for my CNA class at same CC (which IS a program requirement).

In California most Community colleges do NOT use point systems, but the BSN programs at the university do. Also, only LVN students have to become CNAs firsts, not RN. So I guess it depends on if they use a lotto system or a point system. If your school uses a lotto system you have as much chance getting in as a C student. Your name goes in a hat and if it is drawn you get in, if not you get on a list. In the case at my old school where I did all my pre-requs, the waiting list is so long that when they draw your name you are automadically put on the list. If you are going by points (this is how my school does it):

I. Prerequisite GPA (55 points possible)

GPA of 3.70 or higher

55 points

GPA of 3.30 to 3.69

45 points

GPA of 3.00 to 3.29

35points

GPA of 2.70 to 2.99

25 points

GPA of 2.50 to 2.69

15 points

II. Overall GPA ( 15 points possible) - Computed on work completed prior to deadline.

GPA of 3.70 or higher

15 points

GPA of 3.30 to 3.69

12 points

GPA of 3.00 to 3.29

9 points

GPA of 2.70 to 2.99

6 points

GPA of 2.50 to 2.69

3 points

III. TEAS scores- Individual % Score ( 20 points possible )

75% or >

20 points

55-74%

15 points

40-54%

10 points

39% or

5 points

IV. Health Related Experience ( 5 points possible)

Paid or volunteer experience in a health care setting providing direct client care. Examples of employment include but are not limited to LVN, Psych Tech, EMT, and CNA. Verification must be documented on letterhead by employer/volunteer coordinator or include copy of license when appropriate.

V. Second Language Proficiency (5 points possible)

Language proficiency in English and one other language (including ASL). Proficiency in second language may be documented by 3 years of high school , 2 years of college , or letterhead from a professional who is fluent in the language.

VI. Local Applicant Additional Points (5 points)

Of course every school is different.

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Albedo, sounds similar to the CC where I got my prereqs (and ultimately decided to not to go to nursing school 'cause the BSN route was faster). It was Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo. They'd started a modified waitlist/lottery system due to a grant they'd gotten. Basically, they ranked all the applicants for a semester according to GPA as described; they let in as many of the top students as they had room for; the others went on a waitlist; then they were admitted the next semester no matter what their GPA was (but still in order of GPA). Only about 7 students who were applying for the first time got in each year; the others went on the waitlist. This was about... three years ago, but I think things are still the same.

Also, at a nearby CC, the RN students DID have to take CNA first.

I hope that clarifies it for you somewhat!

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