1. I was always under the impression that for community colleges (to do the ADN), it was based on just a waiting list. However, I read that they do look at your GPA. Anything else that they consider? Also, how difficult is it to get accepted (without taking the waiting list aspect into consideration).
2. I also had another question:
If you decide to do the BSN, and want to become a nurse for a couple of years (to gain experience before becoming a NP), what's the process like to get accepted to a MSN school? Do you only have a certain number of years until you can apply to a MSN (after already completing the BSN). I personally think that it would be a better idea to become a nurse for some years, and then become a NP with all of the prior experience. However, I don't want to re-take classes before I can apply to MSN, just because it's 'too late'.
1. I was always under the impression that for community colleges (to do the ADN), it was based on just a waiting list. However, I read that they do look at your GPA. Anything else that they consider? Also, how difficult is it to get accepted (without taking the waiting list aspect into consideration).
2. I also had another question:
If you decide to do the BSN, and want to become a nurse for a couple of years (to gain experience before becoming a NP), what's the process like to get accepted to a MSN school? Do you only have a certain number of years until you can apply to a MSN (after already completing the BSN). I personally think that it would be a better idea to become a nurse for some years, and then become a NP with all of the prior experience. However, I don't want to re-take classes before I can apply to MSN, just because it's 'too late'.
Thanks!
Each CC has different things they look at such as GPA, HESI, etc. I graduated with AD/PN and applied to a different CC for the AD/RN and a 4-year university for the LPN/BSN. I was not accepted to the CC even though my grades are good and I did well on the HESI because I didn't take my prereqs at their school. I was, however, accepted to the 4-year university. This is actually working out better for me because I was able to test out of Fundamentals, Med-Surge, Mother-Infant, and Psych cutting out one whole semester. I will graduate in 5 semesters at the university as opposed to 4 semesters at the CC.
You also want to make sure your CC is accredited. I know a couple of people who graduated from a CC and found out that it wasn't accredited and could not apply to a BSN program without starting over. At my school, to enter the MSN program you must have 2 years experience as an RN and apply to the graduate program, which I hear is extremely competitive.
My CC is in a top-10 US city and "seems" competitive if you look at the stats they try to emphasize. There are 1200+ applicants every semester for 200 spots. A 17% acceptance rate seems very competitive until you realize they admit strictly based on GPA and number of pre-reqs completed only.
Finish the 9 pre-reqs with half As and half Bs and you're accepted--easy as that. The cutoff has been below a 3.6 every year now for a while and under a 3.5 in most semesters. They take the best grade (in most cases) so if you take a class multiple times the highest grade counts. This makes a completely trivial admission process for any student capable of the rigors of nursing school.
I would be surprised by the large numbers of unqualified applicants (why even bother with a
I feel way more comfortable with the hard working 3.5+ nurses pushing drugs like phenegran (has dangerous side effects if not administered or monitored correctly) than the ones that got straight B-'s in all of their science classes because they couldn't be bothered to learn the material properly.
On another note, I've started filtering my hair stylists by level of math competency. I once asked for "one half to three quarters of an inch" and she used a shaver and went directly to 0.25 inches. When I inquired she said it "looks like a half an inch to her." Yeah, she didn't get a tip.
(Just kidding on the math part, but I now give instructions by shaver attachment sizes to make it impossible to screw up) :icon_roll
My CC is in a top-10 US city and "seems" competitive if you look at the stats they try to emphasize. There are 1200+ applicants every semester for 200 spots. A 17% acceptance rate seems very competitive until you realize they admit strictly based on GPA and number of pre-reqs completed only.
Finish the 9 pre-reqs with half As and half Bs and you're accepted--easy as that. The cutoff has been below a 3.6 every year now for a while and under a 3.5 in most semesters. They take the best grade (in most cases) so if you take a class multiple times the highest grade counts. This makes a completely trivial admission process for any student capable of the rigors of nursing school.
I would be surprised by the large numbers of unqualified applicants (why even bother with a
I feel way more comfortable with the hard working 3.5+ nurses pushing drugs like phenegran (has dangerous side effects if not administered or monitored correctly) than the ones that got straight B-'s in all of their science classes because they couldn't be bothered to learn the material properly.
On another note, I've started filtering my hair stylists by level of math competency. I once asked for "one half to three quarters of an inch" and she used a shaver and went directly to 0.25 inches. When I inquired she said it "looks like a half an inch to her." Yeah, she didn't get a tip.
(Just kidding on the math part, but I now give instructions by shaver attachment sizes to make it impossible to screw up) :icon_roll
You've got to be kidding me right? Just because someone has a 3.5 gpa or above does not mean they are smarter than someone with a lower gpa. All schools are different when it comes to the requirements for acceptance into their program. Gpa, test scores, essays, interviews, recommendations, and healthcare experience play a part as well at some schools. You say you would rather have a nurse with a 3.5 gpa or above to push meds? I have seen both sides of the coin: Students who got ALL A's in prerequisites to flunk out of nursing school. I've known students who have gotten mediocre grades in prerequisites and to excel in their nursing program. Just as well I've known those "A" students to do well, and for those "C" students to flunk out too.
My story: ALL of my science prerequisites I received A's in with the exception of human anatomy and physiology part one, I received a B in. I have a 3.7 gpa, but guess what?
By me studying so hard to "get the grade", I did not retain the information as well as I would have liked to. Trying to meet application deadlines for different schools, fulfill BSN prerequisites at different schools to have a better chance of being accepted to more than one, getting certifications, physically having to drive to two different community colleges because some classes are only offered at some schools, classes online and so on was HARD.
Before I forget, I didn't qualify for financial aid, because "I made too much" lol. I had to pay out of pocket. Lord knows those books were not cheap. I worked 40hrs a wk, no kids, and thank God my bf and parents were around to help with the bills when I had to cut my hrs at work.
Everyone's situation is different. If you have no job, living rent free, no bills, or a family to support, by all means you should have ALL A's. You have plenty of more time to focuse and study, than someone who has a family to support, or themselves while in school.
My CC says we have to have a 2.5 GPA overall with a minimum of B's in the science classes. Once you do that, and take the NET or TEAS test you are put on a waiting list for the next spot, which is usually only a semester away. We can apply anytime after we take Anatomy (Physiology is a separate course here, and is part of the first semester of the program, though most take it before starting). I finished Anatomy in December, and started the next August, using the spring semester to take phys and micro.
36 students start the program each semester, and if it is a good year, 20 graduate.
You've got to be kidding me right? Just because someone has a 3.5 gpa or above does not mean they are smarter than someone with a lower gpa. All schools are different when it comes to the requirements for acceptance into their program. Gpa, test scores, essays, interviews, recommendations, and healthcare experience play a part as well at some schools. You say you would rather have a nurse with a 3.5 gpa or above to push meds? I have seen both sides of the coin: Students who got ALL A's in prerequisites to flunk out of nursing school. I've known students who have gotten mediocre grades in prerequisites and to excel in their nursing program. Just as well I've known those "A" students to do well, and for those "C" students to flunk out too.
My story: ALL of my science prerequisites I received A's in with the exception of human anatomy and physiology part one, I received a B in. I have a 3.7 gpa, but guess what?
By me studying so hard to "get the grade", I did not retain the information as well as I would have liked to. Trying to meet application deadlines for different schools, fulfill BSN prerequisites at different schools to have a better chance of being accepted to more than one, getting certifications, physically having to drive to two different community colleges because some classes are only offered at some schools, classes online and so on was HARD.
Before I forget, I didn't qualify for financial aid, because "I made too much" lol. I had to pay out of pocket. Lord knows those books were not cheap. I worked 40hrs a wk, no kids, and thank God my bf and parents were around to help with the bills when I had to cut my hrs at work.
Everyone's situation is different. If you have no job, living rent free, no bills, or a family to support, by all means you should have ALL A's. You have plenty of more time to focuse and study, than someone who has a family to support, or themselves while in school.
You got a lot to learn kid.
I'd just like to point out that I haven't personally attacked anyone with my post but you certainly just did.
Yes, some people make terrible GPAs and make great nurses while others with amazing grades are flat out awful. Some people also get accepted into top tier schools like CalTech and absolutely fail in their professions while others from community colleges are industry leaders. My point is that these people are exceptions to the rule.
Generally people with better grades are more intelligent, harder working individuals with more to offer the world. No, grades are not a 1:1 ratio with actual performance but they can provide a pretty decent estimation. I never said someone with a 3.5 GPA is smarter than someone with a lower GPA. They are however, more likely to be smarter.
But since you're focused on me: I have completed my pre-reqs with high As (rank #1 in an almost majority of the classes). I also have not retained as much information as I would have liked but no one will. Although some things I have committed to memory so well I doubt I will ever forget like the pathway of blood through the heart, or the hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary (FLAT PIG).
I did this while working full-time in a large, busy hospital as a CNA with a 3 hour commute daily to school and work. I do not qualify for any financial aid because I also "make too much" and have paid for everything out of pocket. I have no kids either (intentionally) and I am 100% responsible for my living expenses, tuition, books, with no other outside income beside that from my hospital.
I am not alone and am more like you then you may think. From what you've summarized with no additional information I would feel much more comfortable with you as a nurse than someone with no job, no family, has all the time in the world to study and still gets Bs and Cs because of lack of work ethic. These people exist and you pretty much agreed with me, although in a slightly presumptuous and argumentative way.
What about those of us who have Bs in prerequisites because we go to hard schools? I'm doing my undergrad in biology in one of the top 10 liberal arts colleges in the country. I work part time as a CNA for experience, but other than that, EVERYTHING I have is devoted to school. I still do not have straight As. I have a 3.35 GPA. Does that mean that I shouldn't be allowed to push drugs when I'm a nurse? I think not.
What about those of us who have Bs in prerequisites because we go to hard schools? I'm doing my undergrad in biology in one of the top 10 liberal arts colleges in the country. I work part time as a CNA for experience, but other than that, EVERYTHING I have is devoted to school. I still do not have straight As. I have a 3.35 GPA. Does that mean that I shouldn't be allowed to push drugs when I'm a nurse? I think not.
What about you? I never said you shouldn't be allowed to push drugs because you have a 3.35 GPA.
The only point I made is that GPA has a direct correlation with intelligence and work ethic. I never said it is the only factor.
Rigorous programs also have a direct correlation with intelligence and work ethic of its students. A person in a top-10 school is more likely to be smarter than someone who went to community college. Obviously there are countless other factors, but college admissions in the United States is mostly based around GPA so that's the only factor I discussed.
In my negative depiction of low GPA students (the drug pushing example) I included laziness as a requisite. In most cases low GPA in community college is not attributed to rigor but work ethic. Would you prefer someone who is lazy or a hard worker to give your loved one their medication?
It is difficult to judge someone based solely on grades; some people are poor test takers and may not be as good at memorizing theory so their grades (which are generally mostly based on those two things) may not be as hot, but in practice, they may be phenomenal.
One of the rotten things about this economy is that there are so many people competing for school and jobs that schools and employers have the upper hand. So people who don't look as good on paper are having a tougher time and also having to start lower down. It's rotten, but there's very little anyone can do about it right now.
How competitive are CC's? My simple, one word answer: Extremely!!! In my experience, as competitive - and usually more so - than University BSN programs. Sorry to say, its the hard truth in my experience.
Half of the current Fortune 500 CEO's had C averages in college..one thing I love on this site is the self promotion.., I had a 5.0 and 20,000 people applied for my program, i wear duct tape shoes on my 18 mile walk to school..it always screams lack of confidence,not just here on this thread (before I get a mini-thesis response back) but just in general. Guess how much GPA comes up after you graduate?...never
Half of the current Fortune 500 CEO's had C averages in college..one thing I love on this site is the self promotion.., I had a 5.0 and 20,000 people applied for my program, i wear duct tape shoes on my 18 mile walk to school..it always screams lack of confidence,not just here on this thread (before I get a mini-thesis response back) but just in general. Guess how much GPA comes up after you graduate?...never
This is obviously directed at me. What is with the personal attacks? If you don't agree with something I've said I will be more than happy to debate it with you but can we keep the defamation to a minimum? (Note, I don't actually have a problem if you have a criticism but your text is far from constructive and is unquestionably disputatious)
GPA is a reflection of how well you were able to learn material and recall it at a later date. Guess how important that is after you graduate? VERY. The actual number may not come up after you find a job (although it will help you find one) but the higher your GPA was in college the higher chance of you being better at your job is. The more you're able to recall from your studies the more effective (nurse in this case) employee you will be.
Do you have a source that says half of the current Fortune 500 CEO's graduated with a C average in college? That's not something you can just say and not provide a legitimate source.
Once again, I am not saying that GPA is a sole determinant in intelligence or success in careers. It is however an important factor alongside many others. There is a staggering lack of data on Fortune 500 CEOs but I was able to find a report on S&P 500 CEOs. Lets examine the results:
Statistic: 97% have earned an undergraduate degree.
Interpretation: It is possible to become a world leader without an education, but it is not very likely.
Statistic: The most common undergraduate institution attended is Harvard and University of Wisconsin. 10% of CEOs graduated from an Ivy League school.
Interpretation: You can become a world leader without going to a prestigious school, but it will help.
Statistic: 35% have an M.B.A. 62% have an advanced degree (M.B.A., law degree, etc.)
Interpretation: You can become a world leader without an advanced degree, but it will help.
So going to a good undergraduate college and getting an advanced degree will give you the greatest chance of becoming an S&P 500 CEO. You need a good GPA to get into a good college. You need a good GPA to get into ANY advanced degree program. It is possible to do this while not having any education, but these people are statistical anomalies and are probably intelligent enough to go to a top-10 school anyway.
By transitive property GPA is a key factor in predicting success.
Hospice Nurse LPN, BSN, RN
1,472 Posts
Each CC has different things they look at such as GPA, HESI, etc. I graduated with AD/PN and applied to a different CC for the AD/RN and a 4-year university for the LPN/BSN. I was not accepted to the CC even though my grades are good and I did well on the HESI because I didn't take my prereqs at their school. I was, however, accepted to the 4-year university. This is actually working out better for me because I was able to test out of Fundamentals, Med-Surge, Mother-Infant, and Psych cutting out one whole semester. I will graduate in 5 semesters at the university as opposed to 4 semesters at the CC.
You also want to make sure your CC is accredited. I know a couple of people who graduated from a CC and found out that it wasn't accredited and could not apply to a BSN program without starting over. At my school, to enter the MSN program you must have 2 years experience as an RN and apply to the graduate program, which I hear is extremely competitive.
Good luck in your adventures!