How likely do you think I am of getting in? Advice to offer?

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So to begin I am a pre-nursing freshman at the moment. At the end of semester I will have a 3.4 GPA and obviously I am going to work very hard to get closer to a 4.0 next semester hopefully having no less than a 3.6 GPA when I apply. My science courses and math are all As, the reason my GPA isn't higher is due to my speech class which I might pull a C in :(.

I have many, many hospital volunteer hours. Certain hours escorting patients, other hours in specific departments that I am interested in...this volunteer work is still being continued as well.

I also volunteer at a sexual violence center as an advocate.. (receiving calls, hospital calls, etc). Also this is currently continuing.

I also have a volunteer trip this summer to Africa working in orphanages and shadowing HIV/AIDS treatment.

Lastly, I am apart of a pre-nursing club at my university.

My top choice requires medical volunteer work, other community volunteer work, avg GPA is a 3.6 currently, they also want to see leadership skills...

I understand I am exactly what they are asking for, but I am SO anxious and I don't even apply for another YEAR!

My school (like many) is extremely competitive so I was wondering what advice you could give so that I stand out amongst the rest.

Like I said, I am extremely anxious and have little to no social life, I want to be a nurse more than I've ever wanted anything.....

Any advice? It is all appreciated so much.

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You seem like a well rounded candidate. If I were on the committee that choses, you would be a pick!

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Specializes in IMCU, Oncology.

Many universities give a boost in GPA or priority points if you take a certain amount of credit hours with the university/college where you plan to nursing school. Have you looked into that? Also, some universites give you a boost or priority if you make an A, first attempt in certain science courses.

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Specializes in ER.

Wow, some of the requirements for nursing school is getting ridiculous. When I was given a clinical spot 2 years ago, the requirements were not even a third as tough. I don't think any schools in my area have started looking at volunteer work yet.

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I've looked at a LOT of nursing school's requirements in my state and I don't think ANY of them care for volunteer hours/letter of recommendations, clubs etc. I'm not sure about your area, but in my state getting the best possible grades in your pre-reqs/sciences and a great TEAS score as well as overall GPA is what makes you a competitive applicant. My advice to you: look at the nursing schools you want to apply to(you should really try to have more than one option), look at each schools specific requirements(TEAS score and GPA requirements) and aim to meet those. If volunteer hours are not listed as requirements than just focus all that precious time into studying and getting the A's you need to get the highest GPA possible.

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Wow some of the requirements for nursing school is getting ridiculous. When I was given a clinical spot 2 years ago, the requirements were not even a third as tough. I don't think any schools in my area have started looking at volunteer work yet.[/quote']

I agree. I wonder why we have to jump through so many hoops when there is not even a shortage of nurses any more?

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I just realized I overlooked the part where you said volunteering was a requirement for your school, just try to meet the minimum requirement of hours in each area they are looking for, or work on each requirement one at a time. Don't set yourself up for failure, grades should always always always be first I can't stress that enough. As for the leadership they are looking for maybe the club you are in has positions and you could apply for one and hold the title for a period of time. Don't overthink it, you have a good chance of being a nurse but don't kill those chances by not focusing more on the academic aspect!

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Unbelievable all the requirements to be a competitive applicant for nursing school. I don't understand this especially because of the grim employment options as a new grad once you're done.

But yeah, you seem like a very competitive and prepared candidate. Good luck

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Specializes in None.

I would also speak to an advisor at your school and see what they think too. After all, they could probably give you some good advice being that they see the individuals that do get accepted and those that do not. For example, the school I applied to did not necessarily look at GPA's but, they looked at everything from all classes completed, volunteer work, CNA license, etc. Some schools look strictly at GPAs, so every school is different. Good luck.

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GPA is not everything. You appear to be an ideal candidate because of your volunteer experience. Also, your GPA is still competitive. I got into one of the best nursing schools in my area with a 3.4 GPA and I had no medical experience and volunteer work under my belt. It is really hard to predict your chances of getting picked. It depends on how many seats the school you want to go to has. The school I am going to now had a lot of seats open when I applied several years ago, and that is part of the reason why it was so easy for me to get in. Other schools that have fewer than 80 seats are much harder to get into.

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