I'm So Excited - actually passed a test after 20 years

Nursing Students General Students

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Specializes in Med/Surg..

Hi All,

Sorry for the length - I have a lot to say.

I posted a note last week about having to take an Algebra Placement test - and was a nervous wreck about it. The College I applied to for the Fall 2004 Nursing Program took my English, Psyh. and Biology/Chemistry Credits from a previous college. I took business math, so I had to take their Algebra Placement Exam or take an Algebra Course - I decided to study like a mad-woman (with my Sons help) and take the test.

I had only been to this school a few times to do paperwork "after school hours" and when I drove in today (stupid me) I was wondering what all these "kids" were doing there, ha, ha.. I'm 42, married for 100 years, Mother of 3, 1 in College - I just thought - what the heck am I doing here with all these smart young kids - felt so out of place... If it hadn't been for my Son tutoring me in Algebra for the last 2 months and at least trying the test for his sake - I would have driven back home. When I walked through the door I felt doomed - (20 years since my last test) it was like I was going to the "electric chair", ha, ha

The Director of Student Services had to add to my "high anxiety" the minute I walked in her office by telling me how highly competitive the Nursing Program is (like I didn't already know that) and I'd have to at least score their minimum requirement to even be considered. She hadn't seen my college transcripts and military records I'd sent them (spent 6 years in the Navy Hospital Corps) - I guess judging by my "ancient age" she figured I'd bomb out in the exam - she suggested after the exam I enroll in their general education classes and try again next year. I thought - what the heck lady - I have so much riding on this one test - at least give me a chance...

Anyway, I took the test. A Counselor called me into his office - said he had my results and asked what Program I had applied to. I said Nursing, but told him I was guessing my score might get me into "Introduction to Basket Weaving", ha, ha - got him to laugh at least. I was just so happy to have it over with and was prepared for a let down. Told him the only sad part was that my Son had spent 2 months helping me and I hated to let him down. He said - your Son must be an excellent teacher - almost nobody scores as high as you did on this test. All I can say is - I was Floored!!! This is in no way, shape or form bragging about my test - I was absolutely shocked at the results!!! If I hadn't been the only one taking the test - I would have sworn they mixed it up with another persons test. He said with all the grades I'd already submitted and with the test score today - I'll be near the top of the pile for consideration for the Fall. We don't find out until the Spring if we're one of the lucky ones to get in - but I can't tell you how happy and relieved I am to have passed that one test.

My 71 year old Assistant at work knew how worried I was and yesterday told me I had studied so hard and to just put it in God's hands. I've always had a lot of Faith, but told her it didn't seem right asking God to help me with an "algebra exam" (he has enough to deal with right)?. She said I didn't have enough Faith. Well, I prayed about it last night and on the way out the door to the exam today grabbed my Rosary Beads and put them in my pocket - I'm Roman Catholic and thought - hey, it can't hurt.

I've noticed that a lot of you close your Posts with mentions of your Faith in God - Today made me realize how powerful Faith is. This was only one test out of many to come - but it was the one that got my foot in the door and I truly believe I got through it with God's Help. They signed me up for A&P and Psyh. II for the Spring - so there might be tons of kids much younger than me at that school - but after today - I'll feel like I really belong there with the rest of them - just one more person wanting to learn. Thanks for listening/reading. SusanNC - hopefully a Future RN

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Way to go Susan!!! Congrats! And I am sure that you DO belong at that college with the "rest" of the smart people!

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Specializes in Cardiac/telemetry.

Good job Susan!

I, too, was worried about Algebra - but for my CNET and chemistry class. I got the book "Forgotten Algebra" last summer and with my daughter's help, made it thru the book before my test and chemistry class. I scored 100% on the algebra portion of the CNET and got an A in chemistry.

I spoke with one of the "kids" in my chemistry class. She told me the CNET was "no big deal." But because at age 46 - to me this was a big deal - I scored higher than average in both classes.

Like you, I took it seriously. Hey look where it got us! I was accept for clinicals in the fall - and I have faith that you will, too.

Good luck. Congratulations!

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Congrats, you SHOULD feel proud... and good luck. When will you know if you got in?

I get test anxiety something awful.... ! :o

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Congrats, way to go !!!

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Woohoo!!!! That is soo great! Good for you :D

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I am so happy for you!!!! I hope the Director of Student Services sees your score and thinks twice before she passes judgement on another person based only on appearance.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Susan, that is AWESOME!!!

I am awed by so many of you who manage to come back and take classes like algebra and chemistry after being out of school for so long- my sister in high school asks for help with a chemistry class I just took four years ago, and it's already Greek to me again!

I am sure you will get in, Susan- way to go! :D

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Congrats! :balloons:

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Specializes in Med/Surg..

Thank you all for the Kind Replies. They don't let us know until May if we're in the Fall 2004 Class - so still awhile to wait. Crossing my fingers until then. Take Care, SusanNC

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Specializes in Trauma ICU, MICU/SICU.

Congrats Susan!!! (((To Your Son))) for helpin' his Momma!

Remember nothing is too small for our God!

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I am so happy for you and am especially happy that your faith is renewed!!!!!!!You will be an excellent nurse!!!!!!!

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