Nursing School Applicants..Why Not?

Published

I am preparing to apply to nursing school. In recent years I have come across what I would consider(as a layperson) good candidates for nursing school....a phlebotomist(sp?) with a perfect GPA, a paramedic with extensive experience,etc. None of the people were admitted into the ADN program they applied to. Am I missing something? I really want to improve my chances of getting in but the fact that these well qualified folks did not get in really scares me:bugeyes:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

It's impossible here for any of us here to say why those people were not admitted. There may have been things in their backgrounds that you were unaware of. It could also simply be that they applied to schools that use a lottery system to make the final selection -- they put all the qualified people's names into a hat and pull out the lucky winners. With some other schools, it's the final selection is a "first come, first served" system in which qualified students are put on a list based on their official application date. The people who applied later are near the bottom of the list and only get in if and when someone near the top drops out. etc. etc. etc.

What you need to do is to find out the selection criteria and selection method used by the schools you are applying to. Then take your actions appropriately. If it is a first-come, first-served situation ... make sure you are one of the first to apply during that selection cycle. If it's GPA, then make sure you have a stellar GPA. If test scores weigh heavily, prepare well for the admissions test ... etc. etc. etc.

You should also consider applying to more than one school to improve your chances of getting in at least one of them. And be sure to understand the admissions criteria and procedures for all of them. They may not be the same. The situation at different schools may be very different. In many cases, the shortest and cheapest schools have the most competition for slots. The longer programs (i.e. BSN programs) and/or more expensive ones may have fewer applicants and be easier to get in -- or at least quicker to get started.

Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

All I can think is that they didn't meet the program's requirements. The phlebotomist's GPA may have been perfect, but missing a pre-requisite. That medic may have had awesome experiences, but didn't do too hot in the classroom.

Best advice to you: Fulfill the pre-requisites and fulfill them well.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I work as a nursing faculty member and can provide this feedback. As the previously stated, most schools have specific admission guidelines and lots of applications.

At my school we get about 700 applications per year and can only admit 180 students. That is around a 6:1 (application to admission) ratio.

So sometimes even the best don't get in because they are the 181st best application.

Hope this helps.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I work as a nursing faculty member and can provide this feedback. As the previously stated, most schools have specific admission guidelines and lots of applications.

At my school we get about 700 applications per year and can only admit 180 students. That is around a 6:1 (application to admission) ratio.

So sometimes even the best don't get in because they are the 181st best application.

Hope this helps.

kidsnursern-Aside from fufilling the prereqs, what can I do to make my app shine?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.
kidsnursern-aside from fufilling the prereqs, what can i do to make my app shine?

this is a question for the admissions people and/or counselors at the schools to which you plan to apply. every school is different. my school only takes people based upon gpa, preqs and co-reqs completed, and test scores. that is all!!! number of years working in health care, additional degrees, and volunteer service mean nothing ....:twocents:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in oncology, med/surg (all kinds).

being extra nice to people who you *think* might not have much of a say can never hurt. i am a pretty nice person to everyone and i am convinced the reason i got into nursing school when i first applied--there were over 240 applications for 24 spots in a "lottery" is because (1) i got along very well with the receptionist in the nursing office and (2) i followed the instructions on the application to a "T." if they ask you to write a one-page essay--don't make it a page &1/2 as one of my classmates did. if they say print or type--don't use your best cursive. i am quite sure of the 240 applications the ones that didn't follow directions didn't make it into the hat. but mostly i think the receptionist really liked me. (i liked her too and her big old beehive hairdo). good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree with the feedback here. Our criteria is very specific and if you don't follow the rules to a T your application is not considered.

I also recommend applying to several programs and not limiting your choice.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment