Please Help! Pre-Nursing student :)

[CupcakeMonster]

Hey all! I also posted this in the MN forum but wanted to spread it out to this one as well!

So - after many years of taking a break from school because I couldn't decide what to do, I am back at it (about 2 years in) and need to figure out what to do! I really want my BSN for Nursing but I am finding out how difficult it is to get in. I applied at Normandale CC for their 2 year RN and was declined for Spring 2012, so I just applied again for Fall 2012, not keeping my hopes up though.

I have all generals and pre-reqs done for Normandale, and am now working on UMN pre-reqs (pretty much just Biology) and Inver Hills pre-reqs this year. I feel stumped! I have an OK GPA of 3.51 that I am trying to get up, and I have so much experience as a PCA/CNA (I have been doing that type of work in a group home for over 10 years on and off).

Do I apply to the UMN? Is it even worth it with that low of a GPA or would they look at my 1000+ hours of work experience too? I have heard of people with 4.0's not getting in I just so badly want to get into the healthcare field. I might even apply to the UMN, get accepted, and then declare a major and go to Augsburg for their PA program.

Any suggestions, opinions, helpful tips would be SO wonderful! I just feel like I am running in place at this point, and this semester I'm taking classes that really don't apply much, well sort of, trying to make it work!

Thank you all !!! :)

[liairis]

I can't speak for MN, but in AZ most of the nursing programs in community colleges have admission requirements that are just as tough as the universities...so with that said, why not apply to both? Grades are often just one piece of what they consider at a university...with personal statements, interviews, etc. making up the remaining part. I would contact an advisor or admissions representative at the universities you are looking into and see what they specifically look at when it comes to admissions. Also, most colleges here allow you to apply with one or two prerequisites in progress, so you might want to check into that. Don't be discouraged about your GPA! It takes most people more than one try to get in to nursing school, so if that is truly your passion, DON'T GIVE UP!!

[xzalense]

My grades aren't that great, but I applied to colleges that were out of my range but it is a learning experience. I applied to one this year and they granted me an interview. I suggest you try too!

[CDEWannaBe]

Call the schools and ask how they screen applicants and if there is anything you can do to improve your chances. If you got a C in any of your prereqs then consider taking them again. The old grade will still be calculated in your GPA, but it will show that you've mastered the course material and are ready for nursing classes.

Make sure you've completed all prereqs before applying.

If the school offers it, make an appointment with the nursing program recruiter to have your transcripts evaluated. Making a personal connection is so much better than just sending in your application.

I'd also get letters of recommendation for your supervisors or others in the healthcare field.