I would give anything...

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Here's a little back story on my situation. At the age of 27, I decided to go to college for the first time. I knew the only thing I would ever do was nursing! I started last fall and have completed all my pre-reqs except for Micro (3 weeks of class left) and Interpersonal Communications (taking this fall) I have a 4.0 GPA and scored an 81% on the TEAS V. I go to a local CC and got my nursing app turned in this February. I just recieved a letter that I did not get accepted, but that I was eligible to be an alternate. I wasn't expecting it. I have to admit it's hard for me to read all the posts where people are encouraging people to never give up because "it will happen"! I'm not a bitter person, but I felt really let down that I was not accepted. I feel like a 4.0 shows that regardless of a test score, that I can retain information and understand it. Now I'm stuck praying to get a call to get in as an alternate, and I am reading posts about people who were accepted to their programs and are struggling or wondering if they are in over their heads. I would give ANYTHING to be in nursing school, and I am ready for the hard work and dedication that it takes to succeed. Am I the only one feeling this way????

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Specializes in Primary Care; Child Advocacy; Child Abuse; ED.

Everything depends on the school you apply to. No matter how good we do it is the school who chooses. Yes I am lucky I got in to the school I wanted, but I also knew I am not the greatest at standardize testing. So I applied to a school that only goes by gpa. I only applied to the one school. I had the same feeling you did. I worked very hard to get a 3.9 gpa. I do deserve to go to nursing school and so do you. But we have to remember everyone can't get 4.0 so they need a way to get accepted also. Don't worry you will get in. If anything apply to another school you are a very good candidate. Good luck!!!!!

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Unfortunately, a 4.0 GPA is not enough because schools have to deal with hundreds of applications for only a few spots. Please don't take it personally. It's not you! It's the system. Of course you have great grades so at this point, it's just a matter of waiting to get in. Continue to reapply. A lot of people don't get in on their first try. And please, apply to more than 1 school. Find every nursing program you are eligible for in your area and apply to as many as possible. You will increase your chances of acceptance. Anyone here will tell you that it's just not wise to apply to only 1 program.

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Specializes in Med/ Surg/ Telemetry, Public Health.

I was in your shoes a few months ago, so I actually know how you feel. I had a good GPA, and scored good on the Teas V, but I got a denial letter, I was devastated. A month ago I got a letter saying I was chosen as alternate # 2. I was thankful, but I felt discouraged at the same time. Tuesday of this week I got a acceptance letter to start in the Fall. You still have a chance of getting in, so don't feel sad (easier said than done). If you don't get in by the Fall retake the teas teas and try to score higher. Go to your advisor and ask them what is the specific GPA or teas score that will get you a spot in the nursing program. Also apply to more than one school. I applied to two different schools. Do you believe in prayer? If so don't stress put it in God's hands. I hope you get in, and I wish you well in your future.

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Specializes in Forensic Psych.

Oh no, I'm so sorry :( No one likes getting a denial letter, but I think it's even worse when you really have busted you booty to get there. But, since you really do want it, I know for sure you'll go all the way.

Study study study for the Teas test! When the applicant pool is competitive, there can be tons of people with extremely high GPAs, and one great way to help decide between them all is standardized testing.

Also, some schools weight the Teas more heavily than GPA no matter what, or have a formula that takes both into account and ranks applicants. People take their courses at different schools with different professors with varying levels of difficulty. A great way to put everyone on an even playing field is a test.

At least your GPA is great...I'd MUCH rather try to raise one test grade up than an entire GPA!

And

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I can only speak from my personal experience and the school I am going to be attending. I do not mean anything personal at all.

Grades are not the most important thing (again speaking only about my school specifically). Granted, it is important, but the overall package is the most important. As an applicant, they are looking at: how do you do academically, what have you done so far towards your nursing career, have you taken all the recommended courses your school wants, your teas scores, have you done anyrhing to improve since you last applied, do they feel that you could succeed in the program from what they see in your application, etc.

Like others say, do not take it personally; it's not you! Just do whatever you can to make yourself a better nursing applicant next time if you do not get in. Go beyond the extra mile and you will see results. Good luck.

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I know how you feel. Trust me.

I used to always think " How can people be so positive, they are only saying that cause they got in, etc.".

But its true!

I got 5 rejection letters from three different schools within one year.

Its all I wanted more than anything, and i thought i was never ever going to get accepted.

I received my acceptance letter last week from a school where i have been rejected by TWICE before.

Dont ever give up! You have excellent grades and GPA, much better than mine. Lol.

I know it sucks to hear it, but just be patient and it will happen in time!:)

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Grades aren't everything either.

Out of 250 applicants they took 35 for the RN program.

I only made 67% on the TEAS and have like a 3.2 GPA!

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Yes!!!!!! I feel you. I would give anything to get into Nursing School! It's my child hood dream and it pumps through my veins. I would like to wish you good luck! And I am sure your time is coming! Good Luck!

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I'd agree with what most of the posters have said. Schools look at more than just your grades. Apply to more schools if you have to. Don't give up, I say that because in April I received a letter from the BSN program staying that I was alternate #9 it was a little sad but I went on. Well, last month, on the last day of school I received a call from the nursing dept informing me that a spot in the program had become available and I accepted. I start in August. Being an alternate isn't that bad or the end of the world. Stay positive! You never know what can happen.

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Specializes in Transplant & HPB Surgery, Heme/Onc, LTC.

It's disappointing but it doesn't have to be the end of the line. I only applied to one program last year (MSN) and was denied. I hounded everyone I could find at the program to get advice on how to improve my chances for the next go-round. For this year I re-applied and hedged my bets by applying to three other programs. I got accepted to the MSN program (master's entry leading to nurse practitioner - highly competitive, few spots), a BSN program and an AS program. But, I was NOT accepted to the LPN program at the community college. .. You can't take it personally. But you can keep at it. Wishing you luck for the next time!

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I can relate to you. I'm 26 and feel like nursing is "IT" for me. I finally know what I want to do. Before I got my acceptable letter I was so nervous and felt so upset about the possibility of not getting in.

I hate to say, "keep applying.. it'll happen" because I would feel like rolling my eyes at people when they said it to me. I felt like they just didn't get it. Sure it'll happen, but what the flip am I doing to do NOW is what I'd think. I'm not getting any younger. Again, it was really stressful.

Apply to different schools! My school ONLY looks at TEAS scores. So you could have a 4.0, but if you don't get one of the highest 20 TEAS scores, you don't get in. I would look at schools that have a greater emphasis on GPA. Easier said than done, because all schools in your area may be the same way, but keep applying. It's not you, it's just the competitive nature of everything.

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