Is it easier to get into Private School v.s CC

NaomieRN · Dec 19, 2006

Normally community colleges have more applicants simply because they are often more affordable. I am currently enrolled in a private nursing program simply because they did not have a waiting list. I just had to take 3 science courses and maintain a 2.25 gpa. Recently, they have changed their admission policy because of the influx of applicants. So now, they have a waiting list. If I were you, I would apply to as many schools as possible, so at least you will get accepted to one.

lizmatt · Dec 19, 2006

It was my experience that getting into a private school was ALOT easier, well without having to wait in any waiting list that is.

look around, apply different places.

The best thing about the private 4 year school was I did not have to have all my prereq's done before applying. I was able to do them prior to entering my junior year, but I had the relief of knowing as long as I passed everything I had a seat this fall for clinicals.

CityKat, BSN, RN · Dec 19, 2006

indeed it is easier to get into private vs. public. It's more expensive and they usually have a higher applicant pool than public schools.

Good luck, I went private:)

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 19, 2006

Getting admitted to a private program, in my experience, was monumentally easier than admission to a public college. As long as you can conjure up the higher-priced tuition and pass their minimally difficult entrance exams, you are basically accepted into their school.

shoegalRN, RN · Dec 19, 2006

I am currently enrolled in a BSN program with a private university. I also applied at my community college but the waiting list was 3 years long and that was just the beginning of this year. So, I wouldnt be able to start at the community college until 2009 and it's STILL a two year program and by that time, I would have had my BSN and started working as a grad nurse. So, I decided to go with the private university who is in partnership with the HCA healthcare system in my area, so my education is paid for as long as I agree to work 2 years in a HCA hospital.

In my experience, I find the community colleges in my area very competitive to get into for 50 spots, where as the university had twice as many available spots.

cirthungl · Dec 27, 2007

I went with the CC because of the cost. We do not have a waiting list, it's a performance based acceptance. We take the NET test and the highest applicants get in. I would try CC if cost is an issuse if not go with private.

Jules A, MSN · Dec 27, 2007

I also went CC because our acceptance was based on GPA and scores on an entrance exam. There were only 30 spots and over 400 applicants. If you don't get in this year you have to start from scratch next year with your GPA and test scores so I probably wouldn't have tried again if I didn't get it the first time. Around here the BSN programs are much easier to get into. Good luck!

Music in My Heart · Dec 27, 2007

I agree with all who've posted that private schools are generally less competitive than a public school but only with the caveat that one must consider equivalent programs. For example, I'd imagine that a highly selective university like Columbia or Yale would be extremely competitive simply because of their reputations.

nurz2be · Dec 28, 2007

Hey,
I am prenusing school student here and had some questions about nursing school. I am not trying to start a debate but I need to know was it easier to get into a private school V.S CC. I would think because CC is very cheap you may have a lot more applicants applying for the nursing program. If there is anyone out their who did not get into CC but got into a private college please inform me of your thoughts. Once I take my speech class over again (hate speeching in public) I should have a 3.3 GPA and I have not even taking all of my prereq yet. I am tying to keep my options open just in case I do not get in CC.

I can only tell you my experience. There are 5 nursing schools within 45 miles of me, coastal Florida. The one with the shortest wait list is now at the first of 2009. The cost in those varies from 14-24,000 for RN, ASN or BSN. Now, I applied at the private university I go to in Feb this year, took NET in late Feb, Interviewed with school nursing board in early March, and started class end of April. My school pre reqs to nursing classes for RN ASN will cost me almost 50,000. I am paying for getting in quickly, a great reputation in the area for students at this school.

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Dec 28, 2007

I went the private route. As long as you did well on the NLN PAX, had a high GPA you were in. It was costly, but I am now graduated and my hospital pays for my student loans with no commitment of any length of employment.

Plus, the small classrooms and more one on one, was great too.