Pre Reqs/Admissions

BBboy · Dec 13, 2015

First, don't overlook any ADN programs. BSN programs at almost any university are difficult to get into and you will be thankful to receive admittance to A nursing program when the time comes (have to remember the large amount of applicants for a small amount of spots).

How do you raise your chances? Get the best grades you possibly can and make sure you have experience. Typically programs will go off of a points based formula or off a rather more overall application one just depends. Experience is great to show not only on your resume but can also vastly set you apart from others as many new nursing applicants lack that.

Can a C still garner admittance? Just depends on the program. Typically you shouldn't want to shoot for a C at all because applicants will exceed the minimum requirements for grades and it gets very competitive. In some programs those with above 3.8's sometimes don't even make it in. Also, minimum requirements may not be the same for schools. One might accept a C in micro another may not accept any pre-req grade below a 3.0 so just try to get the best grade possible.

Minimum credits? Some schools will accept your pre-req classes while they are in progress and will make decisions when that current quarter or semester is completed. Others want those classes completed prior to your application period. Again it all depends on the program.

TLDR: Get the best grades you possibly can as nursing is competitive. Experience is always great to have. Check the programs you want to apply to for further clarification on requirements. ADN/LVN shouldn't be seen as last resorts.

turnforthenurse, MSN, NP · Dec 13, 2015

So I'm currently working on my prereqs at the moment near my community college. I plan to skip the ADN and just go straight into my BSN for better career choices. If I do not get accepted into the nursing schools I want too, I will choose ADN & LVN as my last options. Better to do something than nothing at all.

If you can, by all means try to get that BSN. A lot of hospitals are pushing for BSN-prepared nurses. LVNs are limited to where they can work so it depends on your interests. LVNs typically work in LTCs & offices/clinics. I once worked at a facility that employed LVNs in the ER and they were limited to fast track or psych.

How can I raise my chances of getting into Nursing school?

Sounds simple enough, but it's true - get good grades. Especially in your science courses. I remember my school calculated two different GPAs - you first had to meet the minimum requirement of a 2.75 overall. The other GPA was based solely on our pre-req science courses - Biochem I & II and Microbio (A&P I & II were co-requisites in my program). After averaging everyone's GPA the school decided on a "cut off" - so for example, if they decided on a 3.3 as the cut off for the science GPA, everyone below a 3.3 would get placed on the waitlist providing they met the other requirements. You should check the admission requirements for your program of choice.

What can I do to make me stand out?

Once again, do well in your classes. Some schools like to see volunteer work or applicants who have a CNA license.

What happens if you do get a couple of "C" in your classes, still possible to get accepted? (I haven't gotten C, its just for my personal knowledge).

Depends on the program.

Do ALL your prereqs have to be done before I can transfer? or can I get accepted with the minimum transferable credits?

Again, depends on the program. I would ask your program of choice regarding this. You also want to make sure that your program of choice will honor the pre-req credits that you have earned.

grizzx · Dec 13, 2015

First, don't overlook any ADN programs. BSN programs at almost any university are difficult to get into and you will be thankful to receive admittance to A nursing program when the time comes (have to remember the large amount of applicants for a small amount of spots).
How do you raise your chances? Get the best grades you possibly can and make sure you have experience. Typically programs will go off of a points based formula or off a rather more overall application one just depends. Experience is great to show not only on your resume but can also vastly set you apart from others as many new nursing applicants lack that.
Can a C still garner admittance? Just depends on the program. Typically you shouldn't want to shoot for a C at all because applicants will exceed the minimum requirements for grades and it gets very competitive. In some programs those with above 3.8's sometimes don't even make it in. Also, minimum requirements may not be the same for schools. One might accept a C in micro another may not accept any pre-req grade below a 3.0 so just try to get the best grade possible.
Minimum credits? Some schools will accept your pre-req classes while they are in progress and will make decisions when that current quarter or semester is completed. Others want those classes completed prior to your application period. Again it all depends on the program.
TLDR: Get the best grades you possibly can as nursing is competitive. Experience is always great to have. Check the programs you want to apply to for further clarification on requirements. ADN/LVN shouldn't be seen as last resorts.

Thanks so so much for the advice. Some universities where I reside sask for the same science and basic nursing prerequisites. So I'm trying to make sure I get those done but with the job market recently, I think it's best to try for a BSN first. I will definitely do my best with courses and grades.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Dec 13, 2015

Actually many ASN programs are more competitive than BSN programs. You still end up as an RN whether you have your ASN or BSN. It really depends on where you live as to whether or not that BSN is important.

Zyprexa_Ho · Dec 15, 2015

More career options? You can always bridge to a BSN later. In fact, it makes more financial sense to get your ASN and later bridge to a BSN.

grizzx · Dec 16, 2015

More career options? You can always bridge to a BSN later. In fact, it makes more financial sense to get your ASN and later bridge to a BSN.

this video was awesome, thank for this! I've definitely made my decision. :)

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Dec 16, 2015

A better way to go would be to pick three programs and aim to get admitted into all of them. It is better to spread your nets out instead of sticking them in one place. In my area, it was easier to get into a BSN program because the BSN programs cost more. It was harder to get into an ADN program because people wanted to pay the cheaper tuition and a lot of students are 2nd degree students or older students. I know people who applied to my school but then went on to do their BSN instead. When they finished with their BSN and were licensed, my CC finally called them to see if they wanted to start clinicals. So saying the BSN is harder to get to depends on your area.

A lot of schools are going towards an "impartial" points formula. They give points based off of grades in your first attempt in the past x amount of years. So that A&P you had a C in? Possibly no points depending on how the school grades them. My school went to a points formula and based it off of your ACT, A&P I, A&P II, Micro, combined comp I, comp II, and psych grade, TEAS test, and then some individual sections of the TEAS test. They required the CNA class but not necessarily a license before starting clinicals.

If you do the ADN, you can prepare yourself and take classes to go towards your BSN. Most CC have partnered with schools so you can know which classes to take. I had my BSN in 9 months and a whole semester earlier than if I went the traditional BSN route thanks to careful planning.

A lot of schools seem to not care about volunteer work or references because that could influence the admission process. Like, oh I know this person from work. Or this is Mary Jo RN's kid so she wants to continue on the family legacy. I would put this last unless you know the school requires them.

I personally did the ADN to BSN route. I was hired at the facility I worked at. I am currently in the ER.

grizzx · Dec 16, 2015

Is it possible to apply to lone star cy fair, Montgomery, and tomball nursing programs all at the same time? I currently attend the lone star cy fair location.