Not Accepted. Advice on transfer path

Published

Hello,

I'm new here, I'm seeking opinions on the best strategy for me to go about getting into a good Nursing school now that I'm finishing up prerequisites and seem to not be getting into any choice schools. I'm an adult student with no previous degree and 85 credits at a cc. It's been a long, hard road and I'm just tired of wasting time. The application process to transfer into a traditional BSN has been a nightmare for me so far and I'm starting to become extremely frustrated. Everything has gone wrong during this process and my chances of starting nursing school Fall 2015 are slipping through my fingers.

Apparently my current 3.31 GPA isn't getting me far, my A in Chem, B in Chem II, B in AP and B+ in APII isn't good enough in this competitive Philly market. I'm being held back by a bad second transcript from 10-15 years ago, a repeated College Algebra class (back then F and current C+) and my current Chem I was repeated once but I ended up with an A! (Also have a C in Statistics.). I just thought they focused on sciences when determining what type of student you are.

I'm starting to wonder if I should apply to some schools, (such as Penn State) as a regular transfer student-general studies and then once I'm in apply to the Nursing program?

It seems that when certain schools recalculate my GPA they claim I'm not a 3.0. Im at a loss and losing hope. I'm applying quickly to some diploma programs but only one admits for Spring. Im missing deadlines left and right. It's just all falling apart. I don't want to wait another year.

Also, any suggestions on schools that allow entry in the Spring?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PACU.

Most schools in Philly use your cumulative GPAS, meaning everything you've taken thus far, if I remember correctly.

Have you applied to Holy Family, Gwynedd Mercy, Drexel, etc? I don't know if they're admitting for Spring or not...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Drexel was the first to say no. They said even though I have a cumulative 3.3 GPA at my current school, when they factor in whatever classes they are looking at from the 15 year old transcript it drags it down. All of my prereqs are from my current school, so I don't get it. I was very disappointed with how Drexel handled my situation. A girl (10yrs younger and who had $$ from her parents) had lower grades than me and was accepted, we compared transcripts and the only difference was I re-took College Algebra several times but I had higher Chem grades. I also requested the Application Fee waiver through The Common App and was snapped at by admissions who said that they do not wave app fees. I don't have any income. I was told by more than one person that I can't afford Drexel and that is factored into it as well. So, moving on to the next.

I just applied to Gwynedd and didn't try Holy Family. That's a good idea, I will apply there ASAP. Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Villanova is a no and Jeff I'm still waiting. The transfer specialist at my school asked me why I even want to transfer right into a BSN. She said I will be surrounded by teenagers and will be better off getting my RN in a program that caters to older adult students and then apply to a RN to BSN program. Sigh.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

I'm going to say it's your GPA holding you back. I've never heard of a school factoring in finances. You have to know exactly what the criteria are for each school you apply to. Some schools don't allow retakes. Look at what you are applying to and what you need to do. What about your entrance exam score? Nursing school is very competitive.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PACU.

I am going to agree that this has nothing to do with finances and everything most likely to do with how they calculate your GPA. The admissions committee doesn't get any of your financial information during the admissions process, so they would have no idea whether or not you could pay the tuition.

In your example, the girl most likely had a higher GPA than you because Drexel was factoring in ALL the classes you have ever taken. It has nothing to do with her parents money.

I would say go the CC route but, I know for Montco at least, you will get less points for your classes than someone who took them all at Montco. It's at least worth a shot. I don't know how the admissions work for Bucks or CCP but you could look into that route then go through one of their BSN articulation agreements.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree with you both, like I said in my op, it's my old transcript that's holding me back. The finance thing is just chatter from current Drexel students. You are correct, you do have to know where you are applying. However my frustration is I went to a Drexel open house, brought my unofficial transcripts and had a meeting with an admission rep. I asked a lot of questions, I specifically asked about retakes. She said I would be fine as they can see the improvement from then and now. I asked for honest feedback on my situation and they enthusiastically encouraged me to apply. I felt like it was a total waste of time. I just wish they would've been transparent when I took the time to come there and ask questions. If they would have said you are a marginal applicant etc., I would have just moved on and readjusted my plan.

I'm currently taking Microbiology and Medical Law and Ethics, I'm doing well and that will raise my GPA but I will probably have to wait to apply to other schools again. I'm currently being scheduled for the TEAS for the hospital diploma programs. Nothing else yet.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Don't get me wrong, I'm aware that I need to do better academicly to get into competitive schools and I take responsibility for that. At this point, I'm just trying to figure out what to do going forward. This is one of my attempts at being proactive and researching my best options, that's all.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If you want to find out what you need to correct, my idea is to call the people who are denying you and ask them what it is that is causing them to reject your app.

They may be able to point you in the right direction so that you can fix whatever it is that they don't like. If it's a cumulative GPA problem, you may just be stuck waiting longer to get in until you can get in enough A's to bring your average up.

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PACU.

Did you bring unofficial transcripts from both your schools? Were they making judgements based solely on the transcript from your current institution? Was this rep specifically for the nursing program?

Admissions reps are literally salespeople so I only trust what they tell me as far as I can throw them to be honest.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I had my current transcript that showed about 5 of the transferred in classes from the old school. I verbally explained how bad the first transcript was and that I was trying to get an understanding of what they looked for and where I stood. I just wanted some idea. I was told I had nothing to worry about especially when I have so many credits and A's/B's in sciences. She failed to mention many important details and gave me incorrect info on how they calculate GPA. Yep, total sales pitch and total lack of any useful information to me. Just apply, apply, apply!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion