I just applied to the nursing program at the College of Brockport (in Rochester, NY) as a transfer. I have already completed my BS in biology from Cornell University with a 3.6.
I was rejected today, called, and they eventually sent me to the Dept. Chair for Nursing. She explained that they had SO many applicants for direct transfer, the only "fair" way to do it was to base the acceptance on GPA only. Nevermind the essay we had to write, or what school we went to, or our experience - GPA only.
I asked her if school was even considered, she said no. So I said "An applicant with a 3.7 from a community college would get priority over me with a 3.6 from an Ivy League school?" She said yes.
Am I the only one who thinks this is freaking ridiculous?? I could get a 4.0 from a community college with little to no effort if I wanted to. I'm just so angry at them right now.
SyberianPuppy, I am just so sorry this happened to you. It just sounds like the admissions process was changed to make it easier for the school, not to ensure that the most qualified students were accepted. Frankly, it's their loss.
I know this is discouraging and that you are hurting so much by this but please don't give up your goals. Do try a different school, perhaps an ABSN or entry-level MSN program.
As for prestige of schools, I originally went to one of those big name schools. I honestly believe that added fuel to the rejection process I have encountered ever since. No one has ever acknowledged that I was lucky to even get passing grades from that school.
In my experience the fancy/big name schools have far more grade inflation than community college. Someone would have really had to TRY to fail out of the prestigious school I went to, as in NEVER going to class and not handing in a single paper. I was a fairly unmotivated, lackluster student in my late teens and early 20's and I still made B's or better.
Anon - look up grade deflation at Cornell. Some schools top schools have rampant grade inflation like you described. Cornell, not at all. Most of my friends have GPA's in the 2.0-2.9 range, and they're the pre-meds.
There is a big difference between CC classes and university classes. Does that make one a better nurse, no but there is a difference. Anatomy class in a CC don't conduct class in a cadaver lab but most universities do.
A BSN nurse isn't necessarily a better nurse than a ADN nurse but there's a difference between the two, hence the pay differential.
ADN's on this forum tend to be very defensive towards BSN's and now this topic causes the CC educated nurses to become defensive towards university educated nurses.
Not all educations are created equal.
Get over it and get on with it.
Ivy League schools are better than ANY community college!!! Does that make one a better nurse, no but is it a better education YES!
The admissions committee should have indeed ushered the OP in with open arms as well as awarded a scholarship.
There is a big difference between CC classes and university classes.
Then why are all the classes at my CC transferable to any university in my state (NC), and most out of state ones too?
I attended the University of Massachusetts for 2 years.... The classes were easy and I made A's with little effort. In fact I partied all the time and spent most nights with my college boyfriend and school definitely was not my priority. Now, at my CC, I am still making A's, but I find myself having to study a LOT more, and I don't party. Where is the big difference?
I said it before and I'll say it again, this thread contains direct insults to community college students. I don't know what you were told "on the phone" OP, but the website specifically states the admissions are done by GPA, which lines up to your encounter. Personally I feel that your lack of research contributed to your big disappointment today, but I'm sure you won't have problems finding another school to go to which a 3.6 GPA and ivy league background.
The admissions committee should have indeed ushered the OP in with open arms as well as awarded a scholarship.
So you are saying although she did not make the admissions criteria set by that particular school, since she has a few ivy league credits she should have been "ushered" in to the program ahead of all the students that were more qualified according to their admissions criteria? AND given a free ride?
So you are saying although she did not make the admissions criteria set by that particular school, since she has a few ivy league credits she should have been "ushered" in to the program ahead of all the students that were more qualified according to their admissions criteria? AND given a free ride?
I am completely astonished.
A BS in Biology from Cornell and the OP's GPA...yes, that's exactly what I'm saying.
Oh dear, what a trainwreck...Cathylady, just curious, but it says you're an instructor. Where do you teach? I find your claims that an IVY league education as being better outrageous and as teacher I really think it would be best in your position to promote education in general and not degrade the merits of a community college. Just saying...
A lot of prestigious schools inflate grades but if Cornell isn't one of them, I believe you. I didn't mean to imply that therefore Cornell inflates grades as well. You should look into ABSN programs. They have a smaller applicant pool since you must have completed a bachelor's degree prior to entry, and with a 3.6 from Cornell I'm sure you'd be a strong candidate. Are you only looking in upstate NY? I'm downstate so I know that NYU, Columbia, Pace, SUNY Stonybrook, NJCU, UMDNJ, and NYU have the ABSN but I am less familiar with the upstate options.
I don't know what you were told "on the phone" OP, but the website specifically states the admissions are done by GPA, which lines up to your encounter. Personally I feel that your lack of research contributed to your big disappointment today, but I'm sure you won't have problems finding another school to go to which a 3.6 GPA and ivy league background.
Moogie
1 Article; 1,796 Posts
SyberianPuppy, I am just so sorry this happened to you. It just sounds like the admissions process was changed to make it easier for the school, not to ensure that the most qualified students were accepted. Frankly, it's their loss.
I know this is discouraging and that you are hurting so much by this but please don't give up your goals. Do try a different school, perhaps an ABSN or entry-level MSN program.
:hug: