Hi everyone, I'm brand new to the forum and I'm glad I finally found such a wonderful resource for all things nursing - only I wish I found it sooner.
I just recently graduated from UCSD '07 with a B.S. in Human Biology. I was a pre-med student but finally decided against it in my last year at UCSD. My real passion and heart was firmly placed in nursing, but due to the influence of friends and family and their notion that I'll be "selling myself short" if I didn't try pursuing medical school, I put my nursing education on hold. Luckily, I came across the direct-entry MSN programs which came as a sign that I may still have a chance at nursing. And so I followed my gut and applied to some direct-entry MSN programs - more specifically, I applied to California State University Los Angeles, UCLA, and Western University. My undergrad. GPA is not competitive at all (trust me - I'm thoroughly embarrassed at what it is), however, my volunteering experience has been pretty extensive. My question/problem is this:
I'm not feeling too confident in being accepted to any of the programs I applied to for several reasons. My GPA isn't competitive, and the classes I completed at UCSD, which I believed to be equivalent, was far from what they (the schools to which I've applied) wanted. I'm taking prerequisites right now, namely Physiology and Microbiology, and I'm still holding onto an inkling of hope that I'll be accepted. BUT if not....what in-all-that-is-good-in-nursing do I do then? I'm looking for a fast way to get where I've always wanted to be, which is to be an NP. But if I do get rejected then its a year setback. And within that year I have to decide what would be the best course of action to get an NP in the quickest most efficient way possible to save for lost time.
Do I just start over and earn my RN at a junior college, then apply to an Accelerated BSN-MSN program?
Or should I just volunteer for that sad year at a hospital and reapply to the direct-entry MSN program again?
Should I even think about an MSN at this point?
Or what other options are out there for me to take to boost my resume as a better candidate for an MSN program.
I am about to go bonkers with the stress and the pressure of not getting accepted and being left out in the cold and clueless about what to do in the coming year. I just hate the idea that I will have to put my life, literally, on hold for a year. My plan was to earn an MSN degree in the next 3 years, start working, and get married. My girlfriend just applied to the Cal-State LA BSN program which is 3 - 4 year program and we were planning to graduate pretty close to each other so we can settle down as nurses earlier. But this setback would push our plans further back and it is such a shame. Please, anybody, help!
If you aren't accepted and decide to try again for the next year, it's by no means the end of the world. One can try to plan things out just so, but sooner or later, even the best-laid plans go awry... and if you plan on having kids, well, they are particularly good at tossing a monkey wrench in!
I know at times a year can feel like forever! But seriously, time flies by faster than you know it! Imagine all of the great experiences you can have during that year...
You could get a job based on your current degree (human biology, right?). Maybe at a medical lab? At a university research department? You'd be earning money so you could live cheap and tuck away money for future schooling costs. You could take some classes to boost your GPA. You could get some volunteer experience. You could take some health related training such as an EMT class. And if you don't get into the program again (worst case scenario), well, you'd still have a job. And by that time, maybe you'd have some other ideas of what you might want to do next.
Thanks again for all your positive and insightful input into the thread. My main problem is just not thinking positive and with the encouragement that I've received it really helps.
I'm still hopeful, but even if I don't get it, as many as you've said its not the end of the world. There are many programs still available for me to apply, as well as other extracurricular activities that I should take up to boost up my resume.
Specializes in 1 day..International Public Health FNP.
Hi Nosmas,
I just came across your post and it seems like we are in similar predicaments. I'm originally from CA but moved out to NYC bc my hubby got accepted into a Master's program out here. We've been here for almost 2 years now and I've been working, taking prereqs, volunteering...all that good stuff you thought would be negative. I just wanted to give you some insight into the possibilities out there if you don't get accepted immediately. I haven't yet heard back from any schools but I have invested my eggs pretty diversely I might say. hehe =P A couple Direct-Entry Programs, 1 accelerated nursing prog and an Associate's program for good measure. I'm just as anxious as you are and would like to start ASAP and get the ball rolling. I know this post was originally from a year ago so I'm sure there's plenty to hear from you. We should exchange "war" stories...or if anybody else would like to contribute, do share!
I am literally in the same position you were back in 2008 that I am now. I too am from UCSD with a degree is psyc and history (c/o '09) who found out too late about the masters entry program. I am currently taking the pre req's to apply to the programs but am so worried and concerned that my lack of PAID experience will hinder my chances. I have been volunteering at various hospitals and clinics for the past 3 years more or less and am currently working in manage cared (health insurance, IPA's, medical groups) so I am hoping this counts for something. What ended up happening with your situation?
If anyone else can relate, what were/have been your experiences? Thank you!
Same position your are---pre med decided against it (although I guess i am lucky that I have a good gpa). For direct entry programs they not necessarily need paid hce (like PA school do), just a wide array of healthcare experiences whether paid or unpaid and that you understand the role of nurses and nurse practitioners. I've had experiences volunteering, research, medical offices, community work, and some experiences which i feel have significantly contributed that are indirectly yet similarly tied with the values of medicine. I am also indeed very excited to get started in this role, applying this summer! Let me know if you have any specific questions i'd be happy to help!
Thanks dancingnurse13! My first 2 years of college were an epic fail compared to the last two (personal stuff going on) but I did get my act together. I'm hoping more schools look at the last 90 quarters of coursework instead of the whole thing (for my benefit at least). It's definitely not a positive reflection on what I know I am capable of but I guess I just have to make up for it elsewhere :) I'm assuming you have all of your schools your applying to lined up?
I am in the process of finishing my undergrad and then applying for Direct Entry as well. I am getting my undergrad in Molecular and Cell Biology. My concern however is that I am torn between taking the GREs vs TEAS. I find it so frustrating that for some schools GRE is required (while some waive GRE if gpa above a 3.2) and others require a TEAS examination. I guess I am going to have to do both next year in order to apply. But has anyone taken both of exams and could provide us with an explanation as to how the tests are different and what they are focused on (especially the TEAS)
@ dedicatedone I've made a list but haven't finalized it yet....but I got a list of schools going...I'm really picky about where I would like to live and therefore be able to network for a job. I prefer a non-distance type education, but I won't hold myself to it completely since there are some spectacular distance programs out there. How has your application process been going? @ belles---I've never taken the TEAS--but what I have heard its a super easy test. The GREs require a little bit more studying for.
I too have my list of schools that I have come up with. I kinda am applying to as many possibilities that I can because I have a fear, I'm sure like many others, that I will not get into a single program. I take the GRE tomorrow...EEK! A little nervous but we will see what happens. I like that you're thinking about what places will give you the best networking opportunity. Thats very smart!
I won't start applying to any programs until September. What about you?
i do too, you are not alone either....i'm applying to several programs as well, some higher on my list than others that I am banking on and back ups for others....financial aid will also play a part as well. Ohh, good luck on the GRE---you'll do fine if you've given some dedication to the exam---its like the SATs just a bit easier (at least I thought it was)...looks like u are from calif....r u applying to programs here? i think i'll start getting stuff together in August to get a solid start (letters, start the personal statement, etc)---prolly won't submit until the fall tho--if you can send/receive PMs--let me know :)
then its a year setback. And within that year I have to decide what would be the best course of action to get an NP in the quickest most efficient way possible to save for lost time.
I just wanted to give you some insight into the possibilities out there if you don't get accepted immediately. I haven't yet heard back from any schools but I have invested my eggs pretty diversely I might say. hehe =P A couple Direct-Entry Programs, 1 accelerated nursing prog and an Associate's program for good measure. I'm just as anxious as you are and would like to start ASAP and get the ball rolling. I know this post was originally from a year ago so I'm sure there's plenty to hear from you. We should exchange "war" stories...or if anybody else would like to contribute, do share!
jjjoy, LPN
2,801 Posts
If you aren't accepted and decide to try again for the next year, it's by no means the end of the world. One can try to plan things out just so, but sooner or later, even the best-laid plans go awry... and if you plan on having kids, well, they are particularly good at tossing a monkey wrench in!
I know at times a year can feel like forever! But seriously, time flies by faster than you know it! Imagine all of the great experiences you can have during that year...
You could get a job based on your current degree (human biology, right?). Maybe at a medical lab? At a university research department? You'd be earning money so you could live cheap and tuck away money for future schooling costs. You could take some classes to boost your GPA. You could get some volunteer experience. You could take some health related training such as an EMT class. And if you don't get into the program again (worst case scenario), well, you'd still have a job. And by that time, maybe you'd have some other ideas of what you might want to do next.
Good luck!