Question about the CCP nursing program

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Nov 29, 2008

They sort applicants in to 4 categories- high school graduates with no college, current CCP students, students with some college, and students with a BA. They look at grades based on what category you are in, for example, if you apply as a current CCP student (with 12 credits there) they will ONLY look at your CCP GPA. If you apply in the BA category, they will ONLY look at your GPA upon graduation.

If you fall in to more than 1 category, for example have a BA but also have 12+ credits at CCP, you can pick which category you want to be evaluated in.

They don't weigh science/prerequisite classes any differently than your other classes. You get up to 4 points for GPA/degree, up to 2 points for having no Fs or Ws in the last 2 years, and up to 3 points for the Allied Health Test, which they will schedule you for after you attend an information session.

Here's the points breakdown:

GPA (all but BA students)

3.5+ 4 points

3.0-3.49 3 points

2.75-2.99 2 points

For those with a BA, you get 1 point for the BA and:

GPA

3.5+ 3 points

3.00-3.49 2 points

2.75-2.99 1 point

For everyone, no Fs or Ws in last year of BA/school/high school (2 years for CCP students) is 2 points, 1 is 1 point, and 2 or more is 0 points.

So depending on your GPA, it might make sense to take several corequisites at CCP to be able to apply as a CCP student with better grades. I would have had no chance to get in if I'd applied as a BA student, but I have the maximum points as a CCP student.

1tchr2nurse · Nov 29, 2008

Thanks Hiddencat!

Just to make sure I got or at least tell me what you think...I got my AS from CCP/3.? then went to Temple for BS/3.25 then GMC for MS/4.0...I did well with final average for all 3...but between BS and MS wanted to go back for nursing...would register for A&P at ccp then drop it because it was just too much with work...did that a couple times actually. I am enrolled now and doing pretty good in the course but worry that with so many drops on my record from CCP that they will hurt me...what do you think...I have taken the TEAS test and did pretty well so I think I will do pretty well on the AH test what do you think...I know its just your opinion but...just give it go. If I get accepted into CCP I will only have the nursing classes to take because I will be done all other courses in the spring. I can afford to pay those classes out of pocket. I thought about applying to a few other schools but I used A LOT of loans for my MS and dont want to go the private loan route...so paying for 7cr each semester on the payment plan may be my only chance.

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Nov 29, 2008

I'm not sure- you'd have to check with them about that specifically. It sounds like it might make sense though to apply as someone with a BA? Then they shouldn't look at the Ws of A&P. They're still having info sessions I think- there's a schedule in W2-2. I found it really helpful, and there's someone there to answer specific questions.

Guest321574 · Nov 30, 2008

I agree, go to the information session, you'll then get a paper that explains exactly the point breakdown, you can decide at that point which category will maximize your points based on your specific situation. At any rate, you must attend the session in order to apply, so going to one is the best thing to do. If they don't tell you, 8's and 9's get in, and some 7's do as well (in order of applying?)

*disclaimer, I went through the application process in 2006 so I have no idea if they have changed the point system any*

The only other thing to consider is that applying as a BA degree holder gives you 2pts automatically, BUT you do not get points for the AHT which can get you 3 pts. That is a bit of a disadvantage for BA holders in my opinion, and that caught me up a bit. I applied as a BA holder, and my gpa (3.2), and 1 W ended me up with 6 pts. So I took 12 credits at CCP, with a 4.0, maxed out on the AHT and then was accepted with max pts the next year.

When I applied winter 2006, there was another category, applying with other college experience (but not as a BA degree holder). I don't know if that category takes into account your CCP classes and the W's.

Good luck, CCP's NCLEX scores have definitely slipped the past few years, I guess some would argue its not as good a program as it once was. I graduate in May, so hopefully our class will change that trend, if not the 2008 class pass rate, which should be known in a few months or so.

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Nov 30, 2008

The only other thing to consider is that applying as a BA degree holder gives you 2pts automatically, BUT you do not get points for the AHT which can get you 3 pts.

They changed it- everyone has to take the AHT, even if you have a BA. You only get 1 point for your BA, and all your GPA points for the BA are reduced by 1 so there's really no benefit or cost to having a BA.

1tchr2nurse · Nov 30, 2008

Thanks to both of you! I already planned to attend the session this week. I'm not concerned about the test, I figured I would have to take it and I certainly wasn't thinking that my prior degree would give me an edge...my concern was the Ws I had in the past from CCP. I know that going to the session is best...the wait is driving me crazy lol so I was just hoping to calm my nerves...but thanks guys!

Guest321574 · Nov 30, 2008

They changed it- everyone has to take the AHT, even if you have a BA. You only get 1 point for your BA, and all your GPA points for the BA are reduced by 1 so there's really no benefit or cost to having a BA.

Ah I see. That makes more sense I suppose, because it was unfair towards BA candidates since the most they could get was 8 pts. I think they thought it was helpfulg but not making them take the AHT, but really if you have a BA/BS you should be able to do well on the test, so why take away that extra point?

I was really angry because it wasn't made clear that taking the AHT wouldn't count for me the first time I applied. They scheduled me for it, I did take it, and then it didn't count!