How heavily are GPA/TEAS scores weighted?

[jelly221,RN, MSN]

I'm applying to 3 ADN programs in Feb/March in the South Bay/LA area. One I know has a year and a half waiting list, the other two don't. I have a 4.0 in my prerequisites, and a 3.9 something for overall college work (I have a BS already). I'm also an excellent tester, and although I haven't taken the TEAS yet (the 1 program that requires it you have to be approved first) I test very well and usually get at least 90th %ile.

All of the orientations that I've gone to, or counselors have said that GPA doesn't play a role, only how many/if you've completed the pre-requisites. WHAT?? Why do I strive so hard for A's then?

Now, I know that book smarts and grades aren't everything, and that there are some people who can't test but are awesome clinically and know their stuff. However, if you're looking at a 4.0 w/ another degree and a 92% on the TEAS vs. a 3.5 with an 80-something on the TEAS, it seems VERY odd to me that you would say OK, let's draw their names out of a hat!

Do yall think it's really random, or that they'll end up putting some weight on GPAs & test scores after all?

[JohnnysGirl]

As far as I have heard, ADN programs run this way. I am not 100% sure, but I think it is due to keeping state funding for their programs.

I'm pretty sure that Universities go by GPA, among other things.

Here is what is says in a letter to prospective students at my college:

"..Effective immediately, College of the Desert Associate Degree Registered Nursing Program will no longer maintain a wait-list. ...

This new process is being implemented to meet recommendations for nursing program admission from the State of California Community College Chancellor's Office, the California Community College Nursing Alignment Committee and the California State Legislature.

The change in the application and selection process is designed to be fair and equitable, increase student retention, and maximize the number of graduating nurses.

The new process enables College of the Desert to be eligible to apply for future funding from the State legislature to expand, augment or improve its nursing program. ..."

Sandi Emerson, RN, MSN

Dean, Health Sciences/ECE

Director, Nursing Programs

http://www.collegeofthedesert.edu/index.asp?id=1777

My college goes by giving preference to those that obtain 12 units from the college, and assign eligable applicants lottery numbers for available spots. The amount of spots that are left open after this, are given by lottery to those that are applying from a different college. I not sure if there is an interview process, but I know they require the TEAS due to the program being grant funded. Kinda sux if you ask me! I wish they at least partially took grades into consideration. I look at it this way; top grades will help me get into a BSN program down the line.

http://www.collegeofthedesert.edu/uploadedFiles/TEASnotice.pdf

http://www.collegeofthedesert.edu/uploadedFiles/randomnumberassigninfo.pdf

[Hotflashn]

Wow, you have a BS already and have done the nursing preqs and you are only 20 years old!? Awesome. Maybe you should consider med school. At the very least, maybe go for a second bachelors and/or an accelerated program, and never mind the ADN. Or maybe go for a masters program - maybe nurse practitioner or something.

As for the community colleges - no, most don't give any (overt) preference for excellence, because, well, they are community colleges and are there to make education available to a variety of students. If they took only the cream of the crop, those B students (who may "only" be B students because they are also working full time, commuting, single parenting, ESL, or facing any of life's hardships, yet who ultimately might make excellent nurses) would be denied any opportunity for an affordable education. Instead, for the opportunity, those students (and even a bunch of 4.0, 94% Teas testing students) must be patient or win a lottery, or sometimes both!

Would a school want just the best? Would they love to cherry pick? Of course, it improves their standings, their attrition rate, their bottom line ... but it is public education. Most have minimum GPAs and now in CA, the TEAS will help weed out those deemed less likely to successfully complete the program and pass the NCLEX. So, in that respect, the TEAS and GPA do matter. You just don't get bonus points or cuts to the front of the line.

It might serve you to apply somewhere that admits solely on merit or a private school. Or consider going to a state that is not (as) impacted. I am trying on both merit and CC, but in the event I don't get in a merit based BSN program, I am ever so grateful to have the CC option.

[jelly221,RN, MSN]

Right, I would love to go to a private school for a second BSN or masters level entry, but unfortunately I am one of those who works full time and has to. My husband is a grad student, and we can't afford Mt St Marys, much less afford for me to not work. I just wish that they at least took some of it into consideration, even if it wasn't completely based on merit.

I am applying to 3 programs though, so we'll see what happens.

[jelly221,RN, MSN]

BTW I have considered med school.... Keck School of Medicine at USC would be unbelievable, but money, and I'd have to go back for upper level physics and organic chem, etc. I'm just dying to be in health care!!