GTC 2011?

sk8inghunny · Mar 5, 2011

OK, well I was going through some old papers someone had sent me when the GTC program had just started.

It stated that the program is:

1 lecture day in class

2-3 clinical days each week (depending on the semester)

So that would make the program a 3 or 4 day a week program.

Does anyone know if that information is still correct?

mommybear9 · Mar 10, 2011

Hi there. Sorry it has been a while since I have checked this. We are in the thick of finals so it's a bit crazy. Let's see... first, focusing on the entrance exam. Whatever resource Mrs. G tells you to use, know it inside and out. We had the Hesi, but I believe they are using Kaplan this year. So just spend at least a little bit of time to a lot of time each day so it feels comfortable. The reason that I say this is that the more it feels "comfortable" and "familiar", the less you will "freak out" when you sit down for the actual exam. I hope this makes sense... basically, this is what I have found works best for me. They directed us to the sections that we needed to prepare for and I studied them inside and out.

Next question... our schedule. I'm kind of laughing.... it's crazy, but it's doable. As of right now we have lecture one day a week (Tuesdays). We also have some form of class time on Wednesday and Thursday. At the beginning that might be lab time where you learn skills. Eventually that becomes clinicals (LOVE clinicals!!!). So the time that we are committed that we HAVE to be available for "class" right now is Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. However...... you need to consider this a full time program. When you're not in "class", you're either reading, studying, writing a care plan, memorizing, etc... etc... etc....

To give you a small picture of the diversity of our class, we have one student who works full time (CRAZY!!), many that work part time, some that do not work at all. We have some who have children and some who do not. Some are married, some are not. We have a wonderful mixture. We all have different study styles to make it all work. You just have to find what works for you. It's actually kind of fun to find your nitch. For me, my favorite time is when my son has his 1-1/2 hours of soccer practice twice a week. LOVE that quiet time in the car reading!! We all pull for each other and try to help each other any way that we can. We have been thinking about all of you and I have been praying for our incoming class!! So... keep doing what you're doing and soon you will be here. Let me know if you have any questions... I hope this helps. Back to the books. I just love Finals... NOT!!!

sk8inghunny · Mar 10, 2011

mommybear9 this is AMAZING information and I'm thrilled you shared it. I plan to apply this fall for entry in the fall of 2012. I really needed help understanding the days class is held - I know I'll be studying 7 days a week, but prefer to be in class no more than 4 days a week - so this sounds perfect!

Thanks SO much for your insight, I cannot wait to be there one day!

mommybear9 · Mar 11, 2011

sk8inghunny,

I am so glad that this was helpful. Any time you have a question, just post it and I'll try to get back to you as soon as I can. Stay focused and you can do it!!!

blueharlequin · Mar 13, 2011

For the people who have taken Kaplan (and don't mind sharing), how did you score? I studied the Kaplan book they gave us the ISBN number for in our invitation letters and freaked out. But I'm annoyed because the test was NOTHING like the book's examples. I did ok (got a 90), but I could have done so much better had the guide been better. I basically didn't study the A&P at all because I thought there would be a lot of chemistry and physics on the exam (per the book's examples/information). That really brought down my score, when I'm actually strong in that area. Just would've been nice to brush up on it more so the "tricky" questions wouldn't have been tricky.

shameka · Mar 13, 2011

a 90 is awesome! I take my test saturday. any tips?? I'm so nervous..any advice would be helpful

I have an old kaplan book so I hope I'm not missing out on any info

sk8inghunny · Mar 13, 2011

sk8inghunny,
I am so glad that this was helpful. Any time you have a question, just post it and I'll try to get back to you as soon as I can. Stay focused and you can do it!!!

Well I guess I should ask - is it a 3 day a week program EVERY semester? Or is it sometimes a 4 days?

blueharlequin · Mar 13, 2011

No tips. I was freaking out in tears over it for the entire week leading up to it. But when I got in to take it, it was REALLY easy. I don't want to say too much, because I don't want to get in trouble for the amount of information I give out. It just wasn't what I expected. And I wish I had known so I could study differently.

Godslove · Mar 17, 2011

I have taken 8 prerequisites so far with gwinnett tech and still have microbiology and english 1102 to do. I've made A's in all of my classes. Can anyone tell me anything about my chances of getting accepted into the program. I love the school and I don't want to go to any other school. With more than 1,000 applications I'm just wondering, does GTC have a quota for students who don't take their prerequisites there considering the number of pre-nursing students they already have? Just curious, because I'm trying to get a friend to apply. Thanks

blueharlequin · Mar 17, 2011

I don't think GTC has those numbers. There were over 2,000 applications this year, apparently. What they don't tell you, though, is that the majority of those applications are people who have had no prior coursework. Again, they don't give numbers, but there is apparently a significant number of people like that.

And with the chances, again it's not really easy to say. Each year is different. This year's average GPA among the 250 sounds like it's higher than last year's. Typically averages continue to increase, but even with an overall rise, there can be a year or two in which the averages may drop. It just all depends.

The closer to a 4.0 you can be, of course the better. I do think that's what a lot of people are going for. But the Kaplan test is also a huge portion. If you don't pass it, then it obviously doesn't matter what your GPA is. And if you don't do as well on the test but still pass, then your GPA could make up for it depending on what the competition is like (which is what they told us this year at our initial meeting).

In terms of if they give preference to people who took their prereqs at GTC, they said they didn't. I don't think it makes sense that they would, either...the nursing faculty doesn't get to know the applicants (as far as I know) before they apply (ie, they don't teach the prereqs). And since the program is new, they probably do just prefer to get people in who they think will stay committed, keep the averages high or raise the averages, and be good future representatives of GTC graduates. And keeping the school filled with people who are already at GTC doesn't necessarily mean this.

Godslove · Mar 18, 2011

Wow what an insight. Thank you so much for making the time to reply to my concerns. I guess im gonna have to spread out my wings and apply to more schools to increase my chances. My next option will be BSN at GA State provided I can overcome my fear and take the chemistry.

blueharlequin · Mar 18, 2011

I meant to apply to more than one, but I didn't. It would have been smarter, but oh well. I've done a lot of thinking (ok, worrying, lol) about the process, as well as emailed the nursing department head a few times to explain a few details, so that's why I have so much to say. :) I'm taking chemistry next quarter. I don't really want to (I'd actually rather take physics), but chemistry applies to nursing and can be used in the future if I decide to go back to get a BSN. I had a horrible experience with high school chemistry (years ago), so I am nervous...I really dislike chemistry. And the lab seems like a pain in the butt. But I hope I get in the class and find out that I enjoy it more than I ever would have thought.