So Confused! Programs hard to get into

OregonBSN · Apr 28, 2008

I'm fully aware of the wait, and I am willing to do it. This is something I know for sure I want to do. I'm really not in a rush, but the sooner the better would be great!
I have heard some conflicting info about the lotteries, esp at PCC. A friend of mine worked with an advisor at PCC and was told that the higher GPA's get put into a smaller lottery and if you have a previous bachelor's you get into another smaller lottery. Kind of like, the more "credentials" you have the better your chances.
Whatever the case, I am going to apply and see what happens. I will keep taking support courses and I may look into the accelerated program at OHSU. The only problem is my bachelor's GPA is kind of weak. My GPA at PCC so far is 3.8.

My first go at college wasn't the greatest either. But since I returned to my studies I've earned all A's and only two B's.

One reason I applied to Linfield is that the accelerated program only looks at prerequisite GPA. I believe the philosophy is that if the applicant can show high marks with current courses, it is a good indicator they will succeed in nursing school. Fact is many applicants have a much different mentality towards studies as adults, compared to when they were an 18-20ish college student.

Linfield was the most expensive choice, but I was awarded a good FA package. That included a good portion of loans, but my wife and I decided that being out of the working world for only 18 months was worth the expense. Don't count Linfield out because it is a private college, scholarships were also a big part of my aid package.

KristiePDX · May 3, 2008

So if there are 6-8 applicants to each spot in nursing schools, and most people apply to most of the schools, those same people who get in to one school should then not be counted in the total applicant pool (in terms of difficulty in getting into a program). When you decline a spot, they move down on their lists to the next person.

For example:

So I applied at MHCC, OHSU, U of P, Linfield, and Walla Walla. I got into U of P, and did not accept a spot in the other schools. Subtract me from the total count of the other schools. All my frinds ended up with a spot in a school within 1-2 years so subtract them too. If the same people are applying to all the schools, it can give the appearance of making the odds look worse than they really are of getting in.

Just get good grades and apply, try not to worry if it does not happen the first year.

CuriousMe · Jul 2, 2009

Hello everybody-
As you've all mentioned Nursing Programs are notoriously difficult to be admitted to. Almost any admissions advisor will tell you that when looking at your application a lot of credence is given to prior experience and licenses. Especially CNA or CMA.
Olivia

In the interest of full disclosure, neither OHSU or Lane CC gave any credence to having a CNA or CMA (I'm a current OHSU student). A few CC's in the Portland area award part of their discretion points, but most schools don't consider whether you have your CNA at all.

barleynhopsBSN · Jul 2, 2009

I think that the LPN route is a legitimate route. Although the cost is higher (over $20K) it can be a faster way to start earning money ($22-26p/h in LTC). This is a good choice if you can't take a few years off from work for NS. There are no pre-reqs, programs such as Pioneer Pacific, or Concord usually start every few months in PDX. Once you are working and making money as a LPN in a LTC you can do an online LPN to RN or LPN to BSN and once you are an RN switch to a hospital or wherever you want to work. The LPN students where I work feel that it was a good route for them because they didn't have to do pre-reqs and potentially wait a few years to begin nursing school. LPN school also can be a good choice for a plan B if you dont get into NS the first time.

That being said, since you are already taking pre-reqs consider the BSN programs. The cost isn't as high as you think! There are older threads about this.

When looking at schools plan on applying to schools that value your personal experience. If you have a low cumulative GPA but high prereq GPA then apply to the schools that look only consider prereq GPA. A few schools that only look at Prereq GPA are:

Linfield College, OCNE Community Colleges, Clark C. College

For any school, examine how your life experience fits their mission statement and admission criteria.

It can be stressful with all the information out there. Don't let all the horror stories you hear get you nervous, it's not as bad as people make it seem. Figure out what school would be a good fit for you and make a plan. You can do it!

lioness1977 · Jul 3, 2009

I was at Lane and had all of my pre-reqs, had a 3.86 GPA, and still did not get in. Everytime I would go and apply and got well now you need this course, or that course is no longer part of the requirements. I wasted so much time. Finally when we got a letter stating that I had used up all of my financial aid and that I would not have enough to complete the program we had enough. My husband and I did massive research and decided to move to Texas.

I got in on my first try and am now going into my second semester. It was extremly hard for my family, 2 kids ages 13 and 10, and a disabled husband to adjust. We are adjusting but still miss the west coast terribly. Unfortunatly we won't be going back till I finish my BSN, as the schools in Oregon are so expensive compared to here. :cry:

We did what we had to do to get it done. I am 31 yrs old and do not have time for the political B.S. in oregon schools, my RN will be just as good from texas, and my BSN will get me the job I want when we go back. I say do what you have to do if you want it bad enough.