How many schools can you apply to really?

[max79]

Hi Everyone - This is my first time posting (not reading!) and I am hoping to get some advice. I am feeling a bit overwhelmed with application requirements. I am a career changer and have been doing pre-reqs for the past year. I quit my well-paying job to make this huge change!

How many schools do you think is realistic to apply to? While counselors rattle off numbers such as 8 and friends say at least 5, I am having a difficult time meeting multiple programs requirements. It just doesn't seem feasible to apply to more than 3-4 programs. I have applied to the MECN program at UCLA and am also applying to the SFSU Entry Level MSN program. It looks like I have to take two additional classes - Public Speaking and an Anatomy Lab (long story) in order to apply to USF. I am really bummed because I wanted to work again until I started a program but it looks like it will only be able to be part time if I have classes + volunteering. I also may apply to the Mount Saint Marys ABSN program as a fallback though there are some strange requirements there as well. Obviously, I am trying to stay in the Bay area but can relocate to Southern California where I'm from. I wanted to also apply to the ABSN at OHSU but, unfortunately, I just reviewed the SOP prompts and don't think it would be worth my time as that is the wild card school. The programs are all very competitive though I would think I am a competitive applicant - I have a 3.757 cum undergraduate GPA + a 4.0 in pre-reqs. Though I have no healthcare experience, I am on my second volunteering position and held a very demanding management role in my past career.

Sorry if I'm babbling ~ just a bit discouraged with the counselor/friend advice not matching with the reality. Please let me know what you did / are doing?

Thanks!!!!

Thanks!

Crystal

[pmabraham, BSN, RN]

Good day:

When I started out, I applied to four programs. I think the only real limit is time and money. Some programs require an application fee, others maybe free if you apply during an open house. Some require placement testing (which may be free), others may require a TEAS V (mine was $70 non refundable) or HESI (not sure of the fee), and so on. Then you need to manage the time involved to follow up and follow through.

Thank you.

[RunBabyRN]

My GPA was lower than average, so I cast a wide net and applied to 10 CSUs when I applied to BSN programs. I was accepted into 2 of those.

Your TEAS score is also very important.

What do you want to do in nursing? Any particular reason you are looking at MSN programs?

Have you also considered BSN programs that aren't accelerated? There are more and more going to 2 years. I know some programs are accepting second-bacc students, even if the university isn't.

[max79]

Thanks! I would like to be a CNS, CNL or possibly, eventually, a NP. Ideally, I don't want a second bachelors degree. I have always wanted to pursue a Masters. Even if I do end up getting an ABSN, I would plan to enroll in an online program to get an MSN. I want to work in L&D as of now or Pediatrics, but mostly L&D. 10 programs - wow! I think at this point I am aiming for five but waiting to hear more of what others post on here. I did take the TEAS exam as well as the writing portion of the GRE for SFSU. It has been pretty pricey!

[max79]

Thanks! What programs are free to apply to during the Open House? I am very interested in this. Also, what schools did you apply to and how many did you get into? Thanks for responding!

[christina731]

I don't really know if there is a limit besides what a PP mentions regarding your time and money. I only applied to one local ADN program and was accepted. I would have only applied to two other local BSN programs if I was not accepted to this one. Unfortunately I am limited geographically. There are only 3 schools that I would consider in the Las Vegas, NV area. I would have had to expand my search to northern NV, CA or AZ which I was not willing to do. So you could say that I limited myself to just the 3.