Kaplan Results...Decision Time...

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Hi all! I *finally* finished the last step I need to apply to nursing school, which involved taking the Kaplan exam. I unfortunately didn't have time to study for it, and consequently my writing score wasn't amazing. I ended up with an 84 overall (100 in reading, 93 math, 76 writing, 60 science, and 88 critical thinking). They don't take the science score though. They said the minimum overall (minus science) was a 60 for the ADN program. My pre-requisites were all A's, and my previous bachelor's degree I had a 4.0 GPA as well. I know they do consider previous college work so I feel that helps.

However, I also applied to another program (a BSN one) and got accepted. They require I take a semester of their science courses before I formally apply to their aBSN program. This was sort of my back up school, because I can finish my BSN in the same amount of time either way, but would be working a year sooner doing the ADN route.

The ADN school hires their own students into their healthcare system, so I know I'd be able to get a job with them. I also find the part-time schooling appealing simply because I have 8 kiddos that also need my attention. If I go the ADN route, I intend to go for my BSN as soon as I get my RN license, and according to their paperwork, I only need about 36 credit hours to have that completed after I become an RN. This is definitely my first choice school, even though it's only an ADN program, because financially in the long run I'm way better off going this route.

My predicament is that the BSN school wants me to do my deposit by March, and the adviser I spoke with said I definitely want to get my deposit in ASAP because that enables me to enroll in classes. Their nursing program is competitive so if I want those science classes to that can apply to their aBSN program, I have to get in to them. She said that enrollment is typically filled before the end of April. However, I won't hear about the ADN program until late April/early May. If I don't get in, I'm sort of out of luck! I've had to push back starting nursing school for two years now because of a surprise high risk pregnancy and birth of a baby with some feeding issues (all is resolved now thank goodness). I'm so ready to get started both for my own mental health and because it's time for a change.

Would you feel pretty confident that my GPA and my test scores are good enough for the ADN program? I can't find much on the Kaplan test, really to know if my score is actually competitive enough. Or should I just suck it up and go with the BSN program? I'm sort of at the mercy of financial aid with them at the moment which is why I was waiting on the deposit.

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Specializes in MSICU.

Wow, 8 kids. I'm sure you hear that a lot ? But seriously, I think you must be an amazing human to be able to take care of your family and get ready for nursing school. I totally look up to you!

Anyway, it sounds to me like you would be a shoe-in for the ADN based on your description here. But I'm still a person who doesnt like to chance things. Is your deposit for the BSN program refundable? If so, I might pursue the BSN option for now and then relinquish that seat upon getting into the ADN program.

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Can I give you a suggestion? Kaplan University (if this is the school you are referring to) is not nationally accredited or recognized by the board of nursing. Basically, you will not be able to transfer credits after you obtain your RN. Most hospitals/clinics are now requiring a BSN. I went through the practice test with Kaplan and then did some more research. I am now about to start a BSN program with National University.

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On 2/9/2019 at 11:33 AM, araew2129 said:

Wow, 8 kids. I'm sure you hear that a lot ? But seriously, I think you must be an amazing human to be able to take care of your family and get ready for nursing school. I totally look up to you!

Anyway, it sounds to me like you would be a shoe-in for the ADN based on your description here. But I'm still a person who doesnt like to chance things. Is your deposit for the BSN program refundable? If so, I might pursue the BSN option for now and then relinquish that seat upon getting into the ADN program.

The deposit wouldn't be refundable, which is what makes it so hard to decide. I can always delay in hopes I do get an admission letter! I keep checking the mail for the financial aid package from the BSN school because that would really help make my decision easier.
Thanks for taking the time to reply!

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On 2/13/2019 at 8:01 PM, kglancaster said:

Can I give you a suggestion? Kaplan University (if this is the school you are referring to) is not nationally accredited or recognized by the board of nursing. Basically, you will not be able to transfer credits after you obtain your RN. Most hospitals/clinics are now requiring a BSN. I went through the practice test with Kaplan and then did some more research. I am now about to start a BSN program with National University.

Oh no I just meant the Kaplan entrance exam that the ADN school has us take. The school I applied to is accredited and recognized by the BON so I'm good to go there! Thanks!

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