Just can't get in....grades not good enough

[clover2012]

Hello,

I've completed pre-req's and applied to my local nursing program several times, and I just can't compete.

I have a 3.6 gpa and mostly A's in the required courses, but my school is over-saturated with applicants so you basically need a 4.0 to get in.

I've been trying for 6 years, I've retaken some of the classes to get A's instead of B's, I've done everything I can. Still can't get in.

I have a family, kids and roots where I am and there is only one program within 150 miles of me, so I can't apply anywhere else as we can't move and I can't afford the time/gas/hotel $$ to go to school for 2 years somewhere else. I'm so frustrated. I'm going to apply to the Medical Assistant program even though that's not what I really want to do.

Anyone else in this position? I'm an older applicant, 33 with 3 kids and just can't compete with all the 4.0 fresh out of high school superstars, lol. Ugh!

Would love to hear any words of wisdom.

Thanks

[nursetobequestionmark]

Is it possible for you to do another state and go LPN?

[sasera]

I'm a firm believer in, "If you want something bad enough, you will do anything to get it." If the school near you won't accept you, then you need to look further afield. Maybe you could move 75 miles away so you're halfway between where you are now and where there are other schools that are less competitive. That way you would still be close to your family but your commute wouldn't be horrendous.

I don't think becoming an MA is a good idea, though. Learning and education is always a good thing, yes, but medical assisting doesn't get you any closer to being a nurse, and most ADN programs don't give extra points for that. If there are no LPN program around you, maybe CNA?

[Wannabenurseneko]

I would speak to the adviser for the nursing program,and find out why you are not being chosen. Have you tried the LPN root ? , I would look for LPN schools in your area if there are any or close by .

[AngelKissed857, BSN, RN]

If you want to be an RN, you aren't going to be happy doing something else. You CAN get in- you need to:

1.Talk to a counselor

-ask what classes are the easiest A's to bump up your GPA. Take them, and nal them. Believe me, they KNOW. Go to see several counselors till you find one you click with- they can work wonders for you!

-Find out from your counselor EXACTLY how your school calculates for acceptance. It's probably not straight GPA. If it's a Chancellor's Office Algorithm, get the link. May have to reach out to the Chancellor's Office (it's at the state level) to get it. Get it, understand it, and use it. Here's the deal, in California, Community colleges use a Chancellor's algorithm. It factors on four things- overall, collective GPA, GPA of Micro, Anatomy, Physio combined, Grade in English 1A, and TEAS score. So you can see that the single MOST important grade is English 1A. An A in that makes up for not having As in the sciences, or not the highest overall GPA. So if someone had a B in that, in California, it would make sense to repeat that class and get an A, is that clear? But you have to know how your school does it.

2. Get an appt. with the Dean of Nursing:

-ask what you need to do to make yourself more appealing.

- does your school use the TEAS or HESI? Is it appropriate to take that now to boost your odds? Ask the Dean.

- does volunteering, or having a CNA help you get in? Specifically help, not just "it's always a good thing to do".

- think about what's on the application, is there anything that they ask about that you haven't done? Like volunteering, etc. If there is an essay requirement, go to the Writing Center and get help.

And finally, don't give up. The tenacity you display to your kids in going after this educational goal is priceless. If the nearest other program is 150 miles away, what is your school's schedule? Can you find an AirBnB for a couple nights a week? I know there were some semesters in my program when I could've spent 2 nights, gone home for 2, come back for one. Is it worth it? You bet! You're going to have a lot of studying to do, this will give you peace and quiet to do t, so that when you are home, you can be truly present.

3. Find out if your school has a NSNA charter (National Student Nurses Association). If so, join it now. Yes, you are eligible. Every club on campus MUST, by law, accept any student. Get involved, run for office, do an amazing job, you WILL get noticed by the faculty advisor at the very least, you will mention it to the Admissions person, and the Dean.

Quick story- I was trying to decide between two programs (and no I hadn't been admitted to either yet), and made appointments to meet with the Deans at both schools. Had long conversations with each, asked identical questions so that I could compare apples to apples. I applied for the first time to both, and I was accepted to both. Almost everyone else in my class had applied numerous times before getting in. I swear I got in my first try because they had met me, and got how serious I was about this. BTW, I was a much older student than you! You really can do this, if you really want it. I am so glad I did. Nursing is everything I had hoped for and then some.

DO NOT GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAM!

[cduenes41]

What an excellent reply, Angelkissed! Loving the positivity and results-based suggestions. I might take a few of them.

:-)