Nursing students i need your help!!!

tas026 · Jan 31, 2012

I am on the east coast as well, and I just graduated high school in 2011. Your GPA really isn't all that low to be honest with you! My GPA when I graduated was 3.7, but it was probably closer to what yours is when I was a junior. I think you are on the right track for getting into a nursing school. My school (and most schools I looked into) required a 3.0 GPA and 1000 on SATs for reading and math. They were also really interested in science and math grades in particular. I took AP biology in my junior year, and let's just say that wasn't the best grade I've ever received. I ended up with a C in the class. In my essay, I just wrote about how I challenged myself and that I was proud of the grade I got because I took the challenge. I also sucked at math. I still got into my 1st choice school.

I think it is great that you are participating in extra curricular activities. Schools love that! They especially like students that work while juggling other things. The only advice I have for you is to look into job shadowing a nurse or volunteering. I did both, and I really think this put me ahead of other applicants.

Apply really early! I sent in all of my applications the 1st week of my senior year. You can do it even earlier than that, but I didn't feel like driving to my high school over the summer to get my transcripts (lol). Applying early sets you ahead of everyone, especially if the school does rolling admissions. I was actually the 1st person in my graduating class to be accepted to college (finally...first at something). The biggest pro of applying early is that you will get any rejection letters early so you will still have time to find different paths to nursing school.

I don't think you should have a problem, but if you find you do, look into your local community college. First, find one or two nursing schools that you really want to go to. Look up what their general education requirements are and what courses transfer from your community college (should be able to find this by searching transfer equivalency on the school's website). Apply to the community college, take those courses that will be useful for you at your desired schools, and ace them!

Good luck, I think you will do just fine!

futurenurse1248 · Jan 31, 2012

What kind of jobs did you do that shadowed a nurse?

tas026 · Jan 31, 2012

I'm not sure if I understand your question correctly. It wasn't really a job, but instead I just found a nurse that would allow me to follow him or her for the day. My high school helped me find the hospital and nurse. You could also contact the hospital directly and they can probably set you up with someone. During the job shadowing, I wasn't allowed to really do anything except for watch. Sometimes the nurse would ask for help holding a pillow or moving a patient.

If you want to look into paying jobs, then I would suggest becoming a CNA. You can complete the course work in about two weeks. Retirement homes will sometimes pay for you to do the CNA program if you work for them. You can also take a CNA course at a community college for around $500. You just have to make sure that wherever you get a job realizes that you plan on going to nursing school. You will need a lot of time for studying and classes, so you will probably only work weekends.

futurenurse1248 · Jan 31, 2012

Thank you! I was just asking about the volunteering job nothing rlse!!