Personal Statement question

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Hi everyone, I would really appreciate some help on this matter.

I am an applicant who is trying to get into nursing school (BSN programs). I was originally pre-PA and was trying to get into a physician assistant program, however I was not accepted. I always had a mindset that I was going to pursue nursing as a "plan B" incase I am not able to make it into PA school. I do like the career field, and I am not going into it blindly; my parents and some relatives were nurses, so I understood the hardships but also rewards the career had to offer. I also know that nursing opens up so many avenues (NP, CRNA, administration, teaching, etc) So currently, I am a bachelors degree holder who is trying to get into a BSN program.

When I write a personal statement and/or answer questions that ask about personal details (one of them is an accelerated program that is asking details about my bachelors degree and asking about what lead me to career change), should I mention that I originally was Pre-PA and that I failed to get in? Should I deny that I was pre-pa at all? At the time being, I have resolved to explain that "AFTER college, I decided to switch into nursing due to the ______, etc." Which is true; after college, as I worked as an ER scribe, I became even more assured that nursing can be a secure and overall rewarding job and switched into nursing. I just don't know how I should address the "originally being pre-pa", or if I should mention it at all.

thanks.

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Specializes in BSN student.
18 hours ago, Habb31719 said:

When I write a personal statement and/or answer questions that ask about personal details (one of them is an accelerated program that is asking details about my bachelors degree and asking about what lead me to career change), should I mention that I originally was Pre-PA and that I failed to get in?

Personally, I would NOT mention you chose nursing because you were rejected from PA schools. The last thing nursing schools want to see are applicants that choose nursing as a plan B to PA or Med school - unfortunately, those are the ones who crash and burn with the biggest egos because they expect nursing school to be a cakewalk.

18 hours ago, Habb31719 said:

"AFTER college, I decided to switch into nursing due to the ______, etc." Which is true; after college, as I worked as an ER scribe, I became even more assured that nursing can be a secure and overall rewarding job and switched into nursing.

Mention this as your reason for wanting to pursue nursing. You may say you were originally pre-PA and your ER scribe position sparked a change of heart, but I would 100% not mention being rejected from PA schools.

Wishing you all the best in your nursing journey!

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Thank you so much for your advice.

I appreciate you honesty. I definitely am not looking at nursing school as an easy cakewalk, if anything, I know it is hard because I've had friends tell how hard it really can be. I chose it because it was an alternative choice that still includes my interests in healthcare. The last thing I want my admission staff to see is me having that kind of ego you are talking about, so I appreciate the advice.

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