Pre-nursing student attending Grand Canyon University

[Gam4923]

My name is Gam and I just graduated high school. I'm enrolled in GCU as a pre-nursing student and would LOVE and truly appreciate some advice. I am sooo nervous to begin college because I have a fear of failure. I just want to be as prepared as possible. My counselor warned me that the acceptance into the nursing program is "LARGELY based on GPA" and that honestly scares me. I've taken all honors and AP classes so I know how to face a challenge, but I'm scared that college will be a whole new beast. Please anyone help! I would love to have a mentor who can guide me through the process and who has actually experienced it first hand

[klone, MSN, RN]

Was there a reason why you chose GCU over a lower cost public university, like ASU? Or one of the many community colleges?

Would just hate to see you start your nursing career bogged down by $100,000 in student loans.

[Gam4923]

I have considered other schools. I didn't get accepted into ASU because of my ACT scores. UofA seemed more expensive since I'd have to live on campus and move far away from my parents. I did have a full ride to NAU but I couldn't afford all the fees. Plus, I didn't really hear anything about their nursing program so I didn't trust it. I was considering community college but I've been told that with the competition transfer students had less of a chance at getting accepted. Mainly, I was drawn to GCU. it was my dream school for years and every time I thought of going to a different school GCU would pop back up in my head.

[klone, MSN, RN]

NAU has an excellent nursing program. I can't believe that with a full-ride scholarship, the fees would prevent you from being able to pay for it! Did you get a scholarship for GCU?

[Gam4923]

Yes, it angers me to this day! After the deadline for my scholarships past, I was told I could defer my fees... I honestly regret it but there's nothing I can do about it now. Yes, I do have scholarships and FAFSA. It doesn't cover all the cost so I will be staying at home with my parents. I'm trying to apply for private scholarships but I honestly could do better at it.

[Neo Soldier, BSN, RN]

Please reconsider going to a school that will put you in serious debt. Nursing makes you comfortable- not rich. Think of this: you will work to pay off a loan.

You could start taking some of your prerequisites which will count towards completion and you can still keep applying to universities. You can always transfer or "worst case scenario" get your ADN/ASN. (In the event that you get your ADN/ASN first, you can do a RN-BSN bridge. No clinical and some are completely online- and painless).

Also find out what requirements you need to get into public nursing programs. Some schools have a point system and will look at your overall GPA, science GPA, volunteer work, work experience (CNA, EMT).

Having a huge student loan may mean that you may not be able to save up enough to move out, travel, or just live a little. It could ruin your credit if you're unable to pay on time.