Prenursng student!! finished prereqs, need help on what to do next.

[thelifepursuit6]

Hey yall, thanks for taking the time to reading my story. any help would be most helpful.

so my name is jorge, and im a pre nursing student, with all my prereqs finished. my cumulative gpa is a 3.4, and my science prereqs are as followed, Anatomy B, Chemistry (intro to gen, organic, and bio chemistry) A, Microbiology A, and Physiology A. so ive done really well in my science classes but all my general ed classes were Bs, and As, mainly because at the time i took those classes i didn't know exactly what i wanted to do. all i have left is my TEAS exam at the end of the summer and then i plan on applying for programs this coming fall. im also taking trig,P/NP and a developmental psychology course over this summer as well, more chances to raise my gpa.

For references im using my microbiology professor, Physiology professor and my biology/ anatomy instructor that i TA'ed for (teacher assistant)

Im applying to these programs: SFSU, CSfullerton, CSLB, CSeastbay, CsSan Jose, CSsacramento, CSLos Angeles, Mt. ST. Marys, Saddleback college, Santa Anacollege, Golden West college, and Cerritos College.

I have 0 volunteer, or clinical expierence, just working fulltime at nordstroms.

I believe my personal statement and if these programs have interviews are my shots where i can stand alone from other students. my story is interesting, and i believe its what many nurses have, empathy and understanding and i feel i bring a lot to the table if given a chance.

with all this information what are my chances getting into a program? and what other steps should i take to get into a program?

Thanks again for reading and giving your advice :)

[crosew]

If I were you, I would look into volunteering at a hospital or some other place you might be interested in (public health centers or nonprofits) or volunteer with a group that you want to work with (children, adolescents, seniors, etc). I think that will boost your application because you have to figure that most people are going to have good grades, good references, and good personal statements. I know you work full-time but a lot of hospitals have programs specifically for student volunteers and they're only 4 or 5 hours a week for a few months.

[NurseGirl525, ASN, RN]

California is a tough state to get into nursing school. Good luck and be prepared to be put on some type of waiting list.

Just so you know, everyone has a story. Everyone. You need to come up with something different to stand out. I'm sure the people who have conducted these interviews have heard everything and anything of people overcoming things which will most definitely make them a good nurse.

I'm not trying to discourage you at all. You just mentioned that you think you have a good story that will make you a great nurse. I feel like nowadays it's becoming all too common to somehow show people that we have overcome all this adversity so that makes me special. To me, a person who is generally a good person, has a great work ethic, and strives to succeed in life, is what everyone should be aiming for. I find that a rarer quality.

ive had serious health problems and got myself out of an abusive marriage. I never tell people that though. I see my years of working in various industries and never having one that was not profitable because of my hard work and dedication one of my greatest professional accomplishments. Being the youngest store manager for a large retail chain being a great accomplishment. I also felt my straight As in the prereqs to show that I was a hard worker. I find my ability to easily make friends and that I am extremely trustworthy make me a good person. I'm outgoing and not afraid to try new things. I think a lot of those qualities make a great nurse and that I am willing to work hard for it.

Just somehow, someway, to make yourself stand out. Be confident and smile, do not have a limp handshake. So many people cannot properly shake a hand. The schools are looking for people that are likely to pass NCLEX the first time. That is how they get accreditation and attract more students to make more money. Show them you are willing to do what it takes.

[MLSTTS2015]

I dont know anything about the schools in california. But it is good that you are applying to several. Here in VA some of the schools are different as far as what they expect on admission. Some only look at grades and teas scores. others look at other things because they want to see the whole person such as essays volunteer experience, references work experience etc.. because I know nothing about the schools you are applying to I cant say what your chances would be of getting in but i would say that you should try to volunteer somewhere it doesn't have to be a hospital, places like homeless shelters or anything that is trying to help or give back to the community looks really good to.

[Jl0202]

Hi Jorge. I can tell you that many of the CSU's that you plan on applying to do not have interviews. They are very competitive and require at least a 4.0 or a GPA very close to that. You mentioned your science courses, but what about your other pre-req's? The CSU's have the same general pre-and co-req courses including; psychology, sociology, public speaking, English composition, critical thinking, nutrition, lifespan human development, and statistics. How are your grades in those courses? If those are also A's and you get a good score on your TEAS (above 87%), I'd say you have a good shot. If you have anything below an A in those courses you may want to look at repeating those specific courses. I can not give you advice on the other college requirements as I have not looked in to each one. Just make sure you look at the requirements for each college as the requirements tend to differ. In addition, if you can squeeze a few hours per week in for volunteer work, do it. Many universities and colleges that offer extra points for volunteer work require at least 100 hours. Some also offer extra points to bilingual students and/or "local" students. Good luck!