Have I lost all chances at getting into nursing school?

[bob bib]

Hello,

So I am a second degree nursing student in New York. I got admitted to Hunter College and am taking the pre-nursing course sequence. Unfortunately, I am not doing too well in my classes. Most of my grades are B's and from what I hear, it's impossible to get into hunter with B's, which is okay, but it also seems like it's impossible to get into any other CUNY program with B's as well...

I can't afford to go to a private school like St. Paul's because I can't afford the huge tuition and am in no position to take loans. I still have a few pre-nursing classes left to take (Anatomy I & II/Microbiology, Organic Chem), but so far I have a few A's and a bunch of B's in the pre-nursing core.

Does anyone have any advice for me, as in, what schools or programs I can consider? I really want to work as a nurse in a hospital, but it seems that unless you are a perfect A student, it's impossible to get into any city school program.

Just reaching out...maybe someone has any ideas or knows something I don't. I am getting really depressed and considering giving up on everything. I work hard at my schoolwork but I'm just not smart enough to get all A's .

[DoGoodThenGo]

Just to throw something new into the mix I shouldn't wait too long before making a decision if Hunter-Bellevue does not work out.

Many nursing programs are placing a time limit on pre-nursing courses at least science in terms of how much time has passed. If memory serves correctly seven years is a common number, but it does vary by school. If you have exceeded that time frame you'll have to take said courses *again* regardless of your previous grades.

Personally IMHO since you are at Hunter go ahead and begin the application process for 2016 if possible. It doesn't cost anything (aside from the NLN testing fee IIRC), and the worse that can happen is you do not get accepted.

Plan B; look at Associate CUNY programs but plan on transferring to whatever school you believe you'll stand a chance of getting in; take the required credits as a full time matriculated student then apply for the nursing program.

Plan C; start looking at private ADN (such as Beth Israel) or second degree BSN schools. Also start looking under every rock and stone for any possible scholarships or financial aid offered. Many schools will have open houses during the Spring semester, I'd find out when they are and attend every one possible. Meet with faculty, explain your situation and see what they suggest.

Problem with pre-nursing sequences are at some point your GPA is what it is; meaning after completing all required courses there is nothing more you can do to change whatever average resulted. Depending upon how the school calculates admitting GPAs for ranking and if they require some sort of pre-nursing exam (NLN, HESI, etc...) you can help a slightly below average GPA by killing on such exams. Hunter-Bellevue uses 50/50 split between pre-nursing GPA and NLN exam IIRC.

Know you don't want to take out loans, but keep in mind various forgiveness programs are out there that can help mitigate student debt. There are even a few for nurses willing to work in certain areas IIRC. Again you'll have to do the research.

You might want to look into SUNY Downstate ABSN program:

Accelerated Nursing: Admissions Requirements

Tuition & Fees