Just starting Pre-Reqs....so excited and nervous. Advice?

[KLP151]

So at 26 i have finally decided on a career in nursing. I am kind of upset that i waited this long to make the decision. But I am so excited at the same time just thinking of my future. I have a 1 yr old daughter that makes me want it so much more! I still have like 2 yrs of Pre-Reqs before i can even apply to the nursing program.

Any advice on how to keep my chances good of getting accepted? Its very intimidating just knowing how many students apply to nursing school, and how many actually get accepted. I cant help but think this is my dream and what if its crushed b/c i cant get in or b/c i didnt stand out. I am going to bust my butt the next 2 yrs and do as best as i can. That's all i can do right?

Any advice is greatly appreciated =)

[Amm86]

i just got into a bsn nursing program. What got me to this point was staying focused. EVERy WEEK or so i would repeatedly (i mean almost obsessively) visit the nursing website and look at the requirements and just any information on the site. I was completely obsessed with the progrm before even getting in. I also kept up with the requirements. I would also recommend visiting the nursing progrm office occasionally. familiarize yourself with the people there so they no you by a 1st name basis. yes it is usually what you know, but sometimes its not what u no its who you kno. volunteer at a hospital. i did only like 60 hours but i needed to put myself in the environment to see if thats really what i wanted to do. good luck!!

[KLP151]

Thank you, i appreciate the advice. I have sent in my volunteer paperwork for a Children's hospital. So i am keeping my fingers crossed!

[peacelover]

I can really agree about looking at the websites. The pre-reqs do change and if you do not keep up with that then you could do great and still end up waiting over some silly thing like an immunization or test. Sometimes the admission test are booked months and semesters in advance. It would be awful to make all A's and have to wait because of some small thing.

The only other advice I would give is this: look at every class like there is no other option than for you get an A, then-work as hard as it takes to get an A in that class. The only way to assure you get in a program is to have as many points or as high a GPA as you can. Do not let yourself make any excuses as to why you cannot study or why you cannot make that A...kids, work, crazy teachers whatever-you will make a A..period

Think Positive and look at the intense work to get that A as a gift, a blessing rather than a burden-do not allow yourself the luxury of a negative thought! It is all about your attitude~

Good Luck!

[RebeccaV]

1 - GPA and test scores are the ultimate factors for getting in, so personally what helps me with classes is reading ahead, start reading ahead and studying now for your fall classes, once in class review the chapter before the teacher covers it, prepare for spring courses over winter break, etc - staying one step ahead really helps you.

2- for test scores, try to set aside an hour a week to study. You can pick up a test review book, most books have several review sections along with practice tests - so like spend one hour week 1 on math, week 2 vocab, etc

3- reach out to the nursing admissions office and ask what factors aside from GPA determine admissions, some schools look at volunteering or work, some look at how many pre-reqs you completed. This will let you know specifcally what to focus on.

[iPink, BSN, RN]

I started to take my prerequisites at age 27, and like you, I was disappointed I never stuck with nursing when I first entered college. Nonetheless, I'm now finished and applying to nursing schools.

Don't worry about the time frame, just concentrate on passing your classes with good grades. NS is competitive and you want to bring a good GPA to the table. You want to be noticed too.

When you feel like giving up, focus on what you'll be doing for your daughter. She may not understand now, but you are giving her so much hope by finishing something you started. So study hard and don't forget to take a breather once in a while.

Best of luck to you.