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Hi, guys.

I'm not yet a student nurse, but I wanted feedback from those of you who are. I am really in the need for some advice, or some "hey babe, been there" stories. First, my story (bear w/ me!): I'm 34 and have dreamed of being a nurse since I was 19. Due to a growing family since that age, I've been working on my pre-reqs for the last 15 yrs. Very long time, but to me that's dedication. I finished w/ a GPA of 3.62. I applied to my nursing school of choice for Fall '06. Now, at this school Fall is studendously difficult to get into. It is very competitive. But, I applied none-the-less. I was one of 80 out of 800 to get a coveted interview, unfortunately I wasn't one of the 30 to get admitted. I had a great interview, solid app/recommendations, etc. Given what I knew about Fall semesters, I wasn't too surprised. I was also told that I was "so very close" to being accepted. I admit I was a teeny-tiny disappointed, but Spring semester was coming and I re-submitted. I was very positive about it. I knew that the letters were mailed out last Wed. So, on Friday I checked the mail every half-hour and when it finally came I could hardly contain myself. I should've contained myself...I was rejected. Again. For the second time. The air was sucked from my lungs and I just stood there in the middle of my front yard, crying. Luckily, we live in the country. I was/am devasted. When I called the school they told me this time that I was "so very, very close". Well, great. After 15 yrs of working my tail off w/ school, FT job, husband and...wait for it...8 children, I'm being told that I was very close. Again. The only thing I could do do prove/improve myself is volunteer and that will add to my application. But, this concerns my GPA. I was told that it is indeed good, solid, and competitive. It's just that it's not good enough. All this time and I'm not good enough. They "highly recommend" that I re-submit for Fall '07. Okay, I did that because I've come all this way and I know that I meant for this and I cannot simple walk away. But, if I wasn't good enough the first time I applied for Fall and the second time for Spring what makes them/me think I have a standing chance on getting in for next Fall? Who here has heard of someone being accepted after being rejected TWICE? Anyone? If someone out there has anything to offer, I would be most appreciative in hearing it. Thanks so much.

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I would definitely apply again ... but I would also apply to a couple of other schools. Maybe persistence will be in your corner at your chosen school. Are there any other schools in the area? It has been my experience that private schools can be less competitive.

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Is there a community college in your area with a nursing program? I would try that if there is. I went to one and got a great education and it had a small class size so you got a lot of personal attention. I waited for two whole years to get in but got my pre-nursing courses done in the meantime. It was totally worth it and probably less expensive. You show great commitment and I know your dream will come true.

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

I do not know this first hand, but I heard from a counselor that there is a former student at my school who was rejected twice. She was a single Mom who worked full-time to get through pre-reqs and co-reqs with (get this) a C average. She might of had a few Bs in there somewhere... In any case, she finally was accepted her third try and is a nurse today (I do not know if she is a LPN or a RN).

I need to qualify this with the fact that the competition over past 4 years at my school varied. Some semesters the school admitted 4.0s and so someone like her would not even get a second look. While other semesters did not receive many applications. The Semester she was admitted was one of those where the competition was not stiff and practically everyone who applied was admitted.

Is it possible you will get in without doing anything? Sure, if the competition does not receive more points then you.

Today, the nurse I am talking about would not have a shot as a student at my school. Not this semester, not next semster... not any time soon over the next decade.

The reason being, the competition has geared up and there is no sign of it slowing down. More applicants apply every year, and so more are rejected every year. Many are dedicated enough to re-take classes (she was not like that according to my counselor) to improve his/her points.

Is it possible to re-take classes to improve your GPA since this seems to be the major concern and why you continue to get rejected? It is not you, it is the competition. And so you need to do everything in your power to max out your points to beat the competition the next time.

By the way, I also agree with the above poster, do not give up. If possible apply to other schools. Good luck.

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Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

Explore some options in terms of other schools ASAP. It may not be that you get accepted to your first choice, but if you only have a one out of one chance, then the backup is not existant.

It's too bad, but not everyone can get a seat. Especially when you have to go through an interview process. I'm going to our local comm college to get my ADN, then I'll immediately plan on going for an accelerated BSN, after I find a job. We have 70 seats every fall, and go on a points system(20 max). You have to take the pre-class placement exam and get up to 10 points based on that alone. Then you get points for every math & science in last 5 years, any AP classes in HS, and a point for CNA(which everyone has because it's a requirement).

Good luck in 07, and keep the faith.

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Specializes in Freelance Writer, 'the nurse who knows content'.

Do you know what your school bases admission on? For example, my school has a weighted system, with 60% of the decision based on GPA and 40% based on essay, volunteer work, etc. How does your school score applications?

Have you spoken with an advisor at your school to find out how you can be more competitive? If your GPA is the sticking point (that is, your school primarily considers GPA and most of your competition is 4.0), you could retake classes to improve yours. Or maybe you could work on your interview skills. Having been through it once, you know what to expect. Get a coach who can do mock interviews with you until you come across as poised as a pageant contestant.

If you're really determined, you definitely have options for still getting into this particular school. Good luck to you.

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The nurse you speak didn't seem to take it too seriously, I've was single mom at one time also. The thing is, my GPA is pretty darn good. I have only two Bs and the rest are As! I understand retaking classes if I got average or lower grades, but it would sicken me to retake a class because it was a B. I would apply to other schools, but one of them is 2 hours away and only accepts once a year. Even if I tried for this school I would need to take an additional class (no big deal), but they accept only once a year. At this time, even if I had that one class, I wouldn't be eligible to apply until Fall of '08. The other school is right here, but I would have to take an additinal four classes to apply. Their prereqs. are so different from the other universities. Bottom line -- I'm in a pickle. I'm pretty disgusted that I'm allowing myself to feel like I've been a cruddy student when it's quite the contrary.

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I do not know this first hand, but I heard from a counselor that there is a former student at my school who was rejected twice. She was a single Mom who worked full-time to get through pre-reqs and co-reqs with (get this) a C average. She might of had a few Bs in there somewhere... In any case, she finally was accepted her third try and is a nurse today (I do not know if she is a LPN or a RN).

I need to qualify this with the fact that the competition over past 4 years at my school varied. Some semesters the school admitted 4.0s and so someone like her would not even get a second look. While other semesters did not receive many applications. The Semester she was admitted was one of those where the competition was not stiff and practically everyone who applied was admitted.

Is it possible you will get in without doing anything? Sure, if the competition does not receive more points then you.

Today, the nurse I am talking about would not have a shot as a student at my school. Not this semester, not next semster... not any time soon over the next decade.

The reason being, the competition has geared up and there is no sign of it slowing down. More applicants apply every year, and so more are rejected every year. Many are dedicated enough to re-take classes (she was not like that according to my counselor) to improve his/her points.

Is it possible to re-take classes to improve your GPA since this seems to be the major concern and why you continue to get rejected? It is not you, it is the competition. And so you need to do everything in your power to max out your points to beat the competition the next time.

By the way, I also agree with the above poster, do not give up. If possible apply to other schools. Good luck.

The nurse you speak didn't seem to take it too seriously, I've was single mom at one time also. The thing is, my GPA is pretty darn good. I have only two Bs and the rest are As! I understand retaking classes if I got average or lower grades, but it would sicken me to retake a class because it was a B. I would apply to other schools, but one of them is 2 hours away and only accepts once a year. Even if I tried for this school I would need to take an additional class (no big deal), but they accept only once a year. At this time, even if I had that one class, I wouldn't be eligible to apply until Fall of '08. The other school is right here, but I would have to take an additinal four classes to apply. Their prereqs. are so different from the other universities. Bottom line -- I'm in a pickle. I'm pretty disgusted that I'm allowing myself to feel like I've been a cruddy student when it's quite the contrary.

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I know I just posted, but I wanted to tell you that I emailed my school's recruiter and asked if I should consider re-taking any classes to make me more competitive and if so, which ones would she suggest. She emailed me back and said she wouldn't advise doing that as the grades wouldn't be in on the February consideration (for Fall '07), and that I am still competitive. How positive should I feel about this?:idea:

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I saw you are in KS, as am I - do you mind saying what school you are applying to, or what area you live in? There are a few schools in KS with nursing programs. You can send me a message if you dont want to post it too! ;)

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I really cant imagine how you must feel. I do know that I might know in time though. I will be ready to apply in January, but I know there is a good chance I will not get in, even though I have a good gpa. I will just keep taking classes, maybe a cna class and work weekends until I do get in. Hang in there. You have come way too far and worked way too hard to give up now.

I just wish I was 34.

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I applied to Baker School of Nursing on Stormont-Vail's campus.

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