I need help.. I feel like I'm never going to get into a nursing school!

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Hello,

I'm feeling very discouraged when it comes to applying to nursing school.

As a senior in HS I applied to University of Tennessee Knoxville nursing. I didn't get in. I asked around to see other peoples GPA and test scores and came to the conclusion that it was because I was from Texas and not Tennessee (I had higher scores than most).

I then went to Tennessee for awhile and ended up moving and going to school at the University of New Mexico with my girlfriend. I work 37 hours a week on top of being a full time student and therefore, haven't been able to put all of my attention into academics. I applied into the school of nursing here with a 3.51 GPA and a 94 on my HESI A2. (again, scores higher than most that got in) and was denied. I e-mailed to ask why and they said they didn't admit any out of state students. (I've been here for 2 years, I can't get residency because I'm on scholarship and they won't let me) When I first came here they told me my scholarship would count as residency, but recently they changed the whole program and i guess decided it will no longer count.

So same problem both schools right? Not a resident.. so why not apply where I am one, at Texas. I am now looking into schools here mainly in Dallas, Houston, and Austin. However, what I'm finding is it is mainly 4.0's getting into these schools. I feel like I'm never going to get in especially being a transfer.

So apply and just see?... Try 2-yr programs (which I've heard all have waitlists) .. I dont know where to apply or what to do.

Looking into :

TWU Houston and Denton

UTHSC Houston

UT (long stretch .. I know, but they accept more than GPA)

I've already been in college for 3 years.....

HELP!

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Specializes in CNA.

Don't give up if nursing is for you! Up here in Washington, nursing schools may be a bit different so its hard to give you advice, but I suggest applying to schools which you're a resident to. And you say you have heard the average gpa of those schools in Texas is a 4.0, but almost every school says that! You should apply. 3.5 is a a great gpa if you ask me! I also suggest applying to ADN programs, those are in community colleges and once you finish that after 2 years, you can apply to an RN-BSN program at a university. That takes a year and sometimes that can be the best route. Don't worry about being in school for 3 years, I have too and still need to take about 5 more classes at a local community college to increase my gpa, its at a 3.1. Remember, slow and steady wins the race, be patient, you are so very close!!!

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Specializes in Neuro, Telemetry.

Here in AZ, you would get accepted with a 3.51 and a 94 teas, and they accept out of state residents. Not saying you have to come to AZ, but look around. Not all school only take in state residents. ALso I agree with seattle0212. Most schools will say they want 4.0, but that doesn't mean everyone who applies has a 4.0. They tell you to strive for 4.0 to have the best shot at gaining admittance, but since your TEAS will also count a person with a lower GPA and high TEAS, has just as good a chance as someone with a 4.0, but barely passed TEAS. Also, some schools also want recommendations and personal statements. There have been a decent amount of posts here as well as on my home state board where people with lower scores got in over people with higher scores because of the rest of the application. Also look into hospitals that have affiliate programs. THey usually have their own application process. Just keep trying. Your GPA is decent and your TEAS is good. You will find a school that will accept you.

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Specializes in ICU.

I think there may be something else going on here. What else was required at these schools besides scores? Was there an interview? Did you have to write an essay? Are volunteer hours required? There can be a lot of factors that go into this. Maybe people lied to you about their scores. I don't know but I wouldn't rely on just what other people say or what your conclusions are. Either email or call these schools and find out what they are looking for.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

What an awful situation! I had no idea that some state uni's are so restrictive on admission. No wonder UNM has had to advertise their nursing program (was there recently and heard the adverts & saw the billboards) due to decreasing number of applicants..... sheesh. Come on back to Tx!

TWU is UBER Competitive!!! They have a stellar program and know they can be really picky - LOL. Be sure to look into SHSU (Huntsville) also. Not too far from Houston so you're not in the boonies. Also check out HBU in Houston - a bit more expensive, but has a great reputation - and look at TAMU; College Station, Round Rock & TAMUCC in Corpus Christi.

Best of luck to you. Keep us posted on your progress.

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Specializes in OB/GYN.

I know how you feel...I applied for the third time to UNM's nursing program with a 3.57 GPA, a 90 on my HESI, and resident status... i did not get in...again:unsure:. At this point I can finish a different degree in the Spring and that is what I am aiming for.

Just so you know, I did go over there and talk to them because I honestly could not believe I did not get in. They told me I was actually extremely close to being accepted and my chances of being accepted in the Spring are very high, so maybe you were close as well. I would also keep in mind that they had over 200 applications this time around for 64 spots...absolutely crazy. Oddly enough, I was told the opposite of what you were told, apparently they did accept some out of state students this time.

This whole process has left me pretty defeated as well, I am almost into my fifth year and have had to watch all of my friends either get accepted or give up.

Hopefully you get some good news soon!

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apricotTea: Thanks for that information! I spoke with an advisor and she said they hadn't accepted any. I think at this point I'm ready to e-mail the dean to get honest answers.

HouTX: Thank you for all of those schools!!! I hadn't considered all of those possibilities. I would love to go back to the dallas area but am willing for any place that will accept me. TWU would be my top choice.. but obviously not going to happen.. I have considered getting a degree in psychology first because I'm close to completing that.. and I know that they give priority to people with a degree.

Heathermaizey: The only consider 3 aspects: GPA, HESI A2 score, and Residency. :down:

mrsboots87: Thank you for the information on Arizona.. I've been having a hard time finding places that don't give preference to in-state students.. so it's good to know there are still those options.

seattle0212: I know I've wondered that myself, if they are just up-selling their school, but I get onto these boards and everyone that is excepted is like a 3.8 and above.. Right now I'm looking into ADN programs like El centro, seems like my only option ..

Heres to another 4 years of college

Can you say super super super senior :facepalm:

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Good luck. I am trying for second time at my program here in CT. Its frustrating, but if you want it, you'll get it, and it will be more sweet when you are done.

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Does any one here live in the Dallas area or know about the schools in that area? Anyone know how hard is it to get into PVAM or brookhaven?

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good luck RInursingstudent!!!! Keep at it!

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Do not give up!! If nursing is what you want to do then go for it by any means. It took me 2 years to get into a BSN program after being rejected from 2 programs and it was worth every sweat and tear. Especially being a person of color and having to deal with racism and stereotypes and the comments dealing with that I got in over other people. It is competitive and it will not be easy. Just remember this. Even though it may not be the route you want to take, you will still get there. Hope this helps!

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MadisonG Yeay! Congratulations on getting accepted and good job for sticking it out! Where did you end up going if I may ask?

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