Nervous about not getting in...

[ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP]

Okay, so I am a rising sophomore who, just recently, decided she wants to go to nursing school. The problem? I am so nervous that I'm not going to get in. At my school, we have 530 applicants; only 166 get in. The competitive GPA is a 3.5/3.6 and all the applicants are stellar...or so it seems.

I haven't finished all the prereqs, but as of now, I have a 3.96 GPA. I have volunteered at my local hospital for a few summers, and I am doing some volunteer work at a Nursing home and another hospital as well as take two prereqs for nursing. I have also done some medical-oriented articles for my school newspaper...but I am STILL nervous.

I'm afraid if I don't get into the BSN program, that will just add more years to graduation as well as more college debt. I would like to have a backup plan.

If I don't get into my school's BSN program, should I drop out of college and get an Associate's instead?

[Shiningstar05]

I think it depends on your expectations for your future and what you want to do with your degree. I plan on attaining my BSN and then eventually my Master's. So, I would apply to all the colleges and universities that offer BSN programs until I get into one. In the event that I wouldn't be accepted, I would take the Associate's route, get my RN license, and then enter a school that offers a RN-MSN bridge program. For people who would like to become licensed to start work immediately, or want to lower the costs of school, then the Associate's degree is a great route. Good luck.

[srobb11]

Based on your GPA, it looks to me like you have an excellent chance of being accepted! You don't necessarily have to drop out to apply to an ADN program. When will you be able to apply? Just keep working hard and keep your GPA up. Good luck!

[ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP]

To ShiningStar,

I want to become a Nurse Practitioner [Neo-Natal being my specialty), and I have heard that the MSN programs prefer nurses with BSNs. Is that incorrect?

To paeonia,

I won't be able to apply until this fall, and the soonest I would find out about my acceptance is in the Spring 2011. That seems like ages away.

My school's program is very competitive, and it is just making me sick with worry.

Thanks for the responses!

[Shiningstar05]

I would highly recommend taking a looking at the websites of the schools you are interested in to view their different programs and information.

In the typical MSN program, an undergraduate degree is required. The school may also offer a RN-MSN Bridge for students that already have an associate degree that want to obtain the MSN. I hope this helps :)