How to standout as an Accelerated BSN applicant

[hillary1992]

Hello everyone!

I'm starting prerequisites this spring to apply to Accelerated BSN programs and I'm looking for advice on how to stand out as an applicant. I know people have strong opinions about quality vs. cost of ABSN programs so I'd prefer to focus this on being a strong applicant to ANY program.

Background: I have a BA in Art History from a "prestigious" east coast school and 3.5 GPA but I have no science background save for a Bio II class in which I got a C- (I didn't take it very seriously and wrote myself off a as a right-brained student too quickly). I'm retaking that class along with all of the traditional courses that are required. I'm also going to start volunteering at a hospital and a community clinic as soon as my paperwork clears. I have a great GRE score, a solid work history in a creative field and I also teach yoga on the side.

Even though I have good looking numbers I know that plenty of other people do too! My background is so different from what I hope to do next that I would love any tips or advice on how to be a standout applicant with such little science or healthcare experience.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

Hello everyone!

I'm starting prerequisites this spring to apply to Accelerated BSN programs and I'm looking for advice on how to stand out as an applicant. I know people have strong opinions about quality vs. cost of ABSN programs so I'd prefer to focus this on being a strong applicant to ANY program.

Background: I have a BA in Art History from a "prestigious" east coast school and 3.5 GPA but I have no science background save for a Bio II class in which I got a C- (I didn't take it very seriously and wrote myself off a as a right-brained student too quickly). I'm retaking that class along with all of the traditional courses that are required. I'm also going to start volunteering at a hospital and a community clinic as soon as my paperwork clears. I have a great GRE score, a solid work history in a creative field and I also teach yoga on the side.

Even though I have good looking numbers I know that plenty of other people do too! My background is so different from what I hope to do next that I would love any tips or advice on how to be a standout applicant with such little science or healthcare experience.

I think what you describe is an excellent start. Not everyone has "numbers" that good.

[guest1718]

Hi, Your post sounds so familiar to my story. I have a BBA and an MEd. I decided to go back to what I always assumed I would be doing until life happened. So, this last year I have been working on pre-requisites -- still am. I had a 4.0 in graduate school. I had hospital volunteer hours over several years quite a while ago. I decided to go in and meet the admissions staff at the schools I was considering for my ABSN. I felt it was important for them to meet me and understand why I was changing careers and not through just an application and an essay. I've done well on the pre-requisites this last year -- even Chemistry! That was not my strongest subject in undergrad. By going in and meeting them, it also gave me a chance to ask lots of questions to figure out what they wanted in their candidates. I wanted to find a program that would embrace me too. I received my acceptance to my first choice program pending successful completion of the semester I am in and taking the TEAS (some schools require the HESI). So thrilled but working hard to ensure I get there. I really think my going in and meeting with them helped at all the schools I researched. Not just for them but me too. All my best to you in your journey!