Not sure where to apply and how to chose a program?

mlh84 you have brought up several good decision-making factors:

Location, Fall 2015 start date, cost, and entrance requirements. Of course, all of these "things," though different, are connected. I can't speak for all of the direct-entry programs out there (both BSN and MSN), but I know for my program and others, the application deadline is usually in the fall for a start date the following year (summer or fall). I'm including for you here a list of the direct entry BSN programs (Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) Programs) and the direct entry MSN programs (Direct Entry MSN (Masters in Nursing) Programs). If I remember correctly, there are some programs that have a winter application deadline (some as soon as December 20-something) for a fall start date. There may well be others that have deadlines after the new year for a fall start.

The costs vary by program as do the admissions requirements, sometimes requiring a course (or courses) in addition to the basic A&P I and II, microbiology, nutrition, etc. Not surprisingly, if you attend out of state, tuition can be significantly more than if you had in-state tuition.

Regarding your current work experience and your Peace Corps experience, don't sell yourself short! Those are very important experiences working with people. Most nursing schools will value those experiences. And remember, if there are nursing schools out there that don't, you don't have to consider them

While you're concerned about your GPA, I think you might be worrying more than you need to. My advice is to look through programs and find what interests you. Are you interested in being in a city at a level I trauma center that is also a teaching hospital. Do you prefer a community hospital setting? Some programs will have you do your clinical hours a long drive from the "home base" of the program. If you're fine with that because you want the experience, then that's a good thing to consider. If not, it's good to know that, too. Also, what size cohort would you like to be in. The range can be anywhere from 20 to nearly 100. You may also want to consider how your clinical hours are precepted. Do you have a nurse preceptor to yourself? Or are you in a group of 5, 8, 10 nursing students who follow one preceptor? If you're part of a group, it can be difficult to get hands-on experience. And that's another thing to consider: what is your scope of practice as a nursing student in that program? In some programs, nursing students are limited to taking vitals and communicating with patients. They are not allowed to handle or distribute medications to patients until they have graduated and passed the NCLEX. In other programs, the nursing student passes meds, but everything must be witnessed by the precepting RN.

While I completely understand that you want to start as soon as possible, nursing school is an investment of much time, energy, and money. If you can, I recommend attending an information session. Some schools even have online information sessions, so you don't have to buy a plane ticket or drive there :)

Best of luck in your search for the right fit. If nursing school and nursing is what you want, I am certain you can find something that suits you! :)

Thanks so much for the advice! Definitely brought up some things I wasn't considering in terms of what would really be a good fit for me. I know I'm impatient right now but I know that slowing down and taking some time isn't bad. I've waited this long so another semester or two wont kill me to find the right fit.

mlh:

Believe me. I know all too well how exciting it can be to prepare to go to nursing school. Finding the right fit will simply mean that you land in a program that suits you. Hopefully, this will make the stressful days less stressful. And this should make your rewarding days that much better. Best of luck to you in your search!