Pre-Req tips and strategies for UP, OHSU, Linfield

sarabear44 · Aug 25, 2010

I definitely felt the same way you do now a year ago. I didn't try to apply to ALL the PDX schools, but perhaps some of my advice will be relevant. I signed up for as many classes as I could afford fall term and applied to many schools. I figured that as the year went on, I would narrow down my choices and when spring rolled around, I would squeeze in whatever class I needed for whatever school I got into. If the programs begin in fall, you can even squeeze the classes in during the summer after you find out if you got in. Micro, A&P, Human Development, and Nutrition are really important to have A's in if possible. Your experience sounds concurrent with many of my classmates, but it seems like the essay and the way you portray your career goals is the most important factor as to whether you'll be accepted or not. I got to OHSU and from what I can tell, they are really looking for people who have the potential to make a unique contribution to the profession because everyone is so unique in their own way and the age range is broad.

Try not to freak out but I would consider applying to more than two programs if you REALLY need to start a program next year. You can go over to the east coast or the midwest... You would be surprised how the cost comparison works out over the long term. If you already have a bachelor's consider the accelerated programs, too.

One thing that helps with the community colleges is having your CNA license. It gives you a lot of points in their point system.

yogamom · Aug 25, 2010

You are not alone! It's very nerve wracking when you are just starting to tackle the pre-reqs and application process. A&P is hugely important, make sure you get all A's. Your GPA is paramount in getting noticed so if you need to repeat any other classes (such as writing or math) make sure you do so. I would recommend not taking micro as part of your "pre-reqs". Yes, it is required to start the program, but it is not required to apply. Therefore, put micro off until the application process is complete.

I didn't apply to UofP, but I did apply to OHSU, PCC, and Linfield and was accepted at all of them. I focused my pre-reqs on PCC and OHSU since focusing on the OCNE schools will give you the most options. The schools love to see pre-reqs done, rather than in progress. This means A&P, WR, Math 95, PSY 215, Nutrition etc. You also get additional points for having foreign language so if you can squeeze that in, it looks great. Know the OCNE requirements inside and out and be able to recite them in your sleep. As far as Linfield goes, you really only need the same basic requirements as the OCNE schools to apply. You just have to show at application time that you CAN complete the additional requirements by the time the program starts (you need anthro, additional bio, and a few others...again comb their website extensively).

After that, it's all about the essay. As Sara said, find something that sets you apart. Volunteer, get your CNA, do something that makes you stand out. OSHU and Linfield are really big on community service. Try to find something that you can get involved in that will show your commitment to community. Lastly, do your homework. Comb the school websites and find out exactly what they want to see in an applicant. Each school says specifically what an ideal candidate encompasses. See what qualities they are looking for, and make sure your qualities are inline with what they are seeking.

Good luck to you and remember to breathe!! It will all be done before you know it!

yogamom · Aug 25, 2010

In rereading my response, I realized I probably wasn't as clear as I could have been. What I was getting at with the pre-reqs is that there is a big difference between what is required to apply, and what is required to start. With OCNE schools, it's really important to have all the requirements done by application time. You get an additional five points for having them done so it makes a big difference. Micro, anthro, sociology and classes like that are required to enter the program, but you get no additional points for having them done, so it's best to do those in spring and summer term, while you are waiting to hear if you got in and/or waiting to start the program. I hope this all makes sense! If you have any questions, you can always PM me :)

KP503 · Aug 26, 2010

thank you both, so much for taking the time to reply with such insightful responses!!

unfortunately, i can't pm at this point...so i'll just post a few more questions here.

:)

1) financial aid question: i have taken nutrition and human development at psu. my grades in these courses are not a's, so i'll have to re-take them. does anyone know if i can retake these classes at pcc and have them override my grades at psu, since the courses have different names?

since i did not fail, financial aid will not pay for the classes. i'm trying to get an appt. with a fin. aid advisor but wanted to ask here!

2) did anyone take a&p with other courses? right now i just need to get through a&p in order to apply to ocne programs. but i am wondering if i should take a&p with other pre-req's that i did not get a's in...

thanks! this is such a financial aid/registration nightmare. haha..appreciate your tips.. :) :)

yogamom · Aug 26, 2010

You can absolutely retake Nutrition and Human Development again and have them override the previous grades. In fact, it's highly recommended that you do so. As far as financial aid and if they will pay, I honestly don't have any idea. I didn't have that situation, so I'm not sure how that works at all. Even if you have to pay for them out of pocket though, it's worth it. Your GPA is crucial to getting in and those two classes may make the difference between acceptance or not.

When I did the A&P series, I was taking a full 12 credit load. I took A&P with math, writing, spanish, etc. I had to take 12 credits for financial aid, but also wanted to finish my pre-reqs sooner rather than later. It's definitely possible, but you need to be committed. Study for A&P every day. It's not the kind of class you can just do the minimum and still get an A. It's tons of memorization so studying every day, without fail will make a huge difference. I have two small children and managed A&P with a full course load so it is possible. As a side note, human development is an incredibly easy class and you take it online. With a bare minimum of effort, you can easily get an A.

Navigating through all of this type of stuff is half the battle and you are doing quite well for yourself with asking great questions and seeking advice. I think you'll do just great!

KP503 · Aug 27, 2010

andie74, you are a superstar. wow..thank-you for the dose of inspiration when i was feeling my lowest...and good for you!

sarabear- what was your gpa? did you have straight a's? i hear ohsu is *super* selective.

my plan: fall '10 i am taking bio 112 and psy 215 and nutrition. then i will begin the a&p sequence, which will conclude in summer '11.

so i won't make the application deadline for next year, but if i earn all a's, hopefully an ocne program will accept me.

if not, it's back to school to get pre-req's for uofp and linfield!

yogamom · Aug 27, 2010

I love the plan, but there may be a hitch. I'm not sure where you are doing your pre-reqs, but at PCC, A&P I (BIO 231) is a pre-req to get into nutrition. Nutrition is much more difficult class than it sounds like it might be. So, you need to take Bio 112, then A&P I, and then you can take nutrition. You are at least three terms out of being able to take it. Having some A&P under your belt before that class makes all the difference though.

You can always throw in an online SOC class with your fall term. That's a really easy class and is required as part of your social sciences anyway. It's a great filler class that is very useful in the application process.

I would also recommend that you apply to Linfield along with the OCNE schools your first year of applications. Although it looks like their requirements are quite different, they really aren't. You can apply to OCNE and Linfield and then complete Linfield's extra requirements if you get accepted. That was my plan and it all worked out. I was accepted at Linfield with only OCNE pre-reqs done but in the end turned them down in favor of OHSU. Had I chosen Linfield, I would have had plenty of time between acceptance and start time to complete the extra classes. Doing that saves a ton of time, money, stress :)

Keep up the great planning and if you are at PCC, meet with the Health Administration Office advice counselor regularly. Melissa Stark was in charge for years, but I believe she is out on maternity leave. Another little nugget of advice; do not just see any advisor. Nursing requirements are so specific and you will get very confused if you meet with the general advisors. Meet with only the advisors that work in the HAO and you will save yourself a ton of undue stress and possibly some classes you don't need. :clown:

KP503 · Aug 30, 2010

Andie, you're amazing. Thank you SO MUCH.

Thankfully, at PSU you can take Nutrition without any A&P. It's technically considered a chemistry class. I took it and got a B; but that was before I knew I needed an A. I'm happy to retake it, though, because Nutrition was one of the most interesting classes I have ever taken. :)

Thanks for the heads up about Linfield, too. I felt pretty intimidated by their pre-req list..thinking I wouldn't have enough time to finish up but this looks totally plausible. :yeah:

vohjen · Apr 3, 2017

What was your GPA when you got accepted to nursing schools?