Question about waitlists...

[xInspiredx]

If you get on the wait-list for a program, ((as an alternative let's say, and DON'T know which number you are)), would it be best to just move onto a different school?

Could you re-apply to that school, or are you just on that wait-list until you eventually get in? About how long do you usually have to wait for? If you wait long enough, will you get a guaranteed spot?

Thanks!

[dream& achieve]

waitlists are usually dissolved once class starts, so each year there is a new one. I'm surprised that you weren't given a number in refference to were you stand! It can't hurt to have more than one iron in the fire in case you do not get into a particular program.

[Elle71]

Every school is different. Usually if a junior college says they have a wait list, the list is not dissolved. A wait list is different from an alternate list, which is dissolved once class starts. The school website should clearly state if you need to reapply every start. Some schools with waitlist require that you do some sort of update or confirmation to renew your wait list spot. Most of the junior colleges in Southern California have a 2 year waitlist, give or take half of year. And then there are some that are based on points that will not maintain a waitlist (based on GPA, etc.). And then some are strictly by lottery...draw your name out of a hat. Most BSN programs are just points, with an alternate list if someonce cancels, or is cancelled.

By all means, most schools will tell you to apply to mutiple schools.

[xInspiredx]

Most of the junior colleges in Southern California have a 2 year waitlist, give or take half of year.

By junior college do you mean the ADN program?

Thanks for the replies everyone!

[Elle71]

By junior college, I am referring to public school ADN programs. Private schools have their own set of rules...you should just call and ask. It is harder to get a hold of someone at the junior colleges, but many of them hold nursing info sessions.

[Saysfaa]

Every school is different.

In some schools, the wait list works as a straight wait list - the next person in line gets the next opening. In that case, if someone accepted into the program this year gives up their seat, the next person on the wait list get the place that year and the rest wait until the next year (or year after that or year after that).

In other schools, everyone applies each year. All qualified candidates are ranked and they start down from the top ranked student until the class is full. The rest are the waiting list. If someone gives up their seat, the next person on the wait list gets it. When the classes start, the rest of the list is dissolved.

In other schools, the nursing department takes the top (however many seats there are) candidates and makes the next four alternates. All four alternates are guarenteed a seat. They go either that year (if someone gives up a seat) or the next year (if no one gives up a seat). The rest of the applicants need to apply again the next year.

There are probably other ways of doing it also. If it isn't in the literature from your school, then you need to ask.

[caliotter3]

I repeat, every school has its own policy. Some work off an existing wait list. Others create a new one each term. You keep up with each application you have in all the programs that you have applied to and sooner or later!!!!

[PacoUSA, BSN, RN]

I was waitlisted until recently I received a letter stating since the class is full there is no more space for alternates, never once did I know what number I was on that list. The letter says I am welcome to reapply for next year but have to start the process from square one (including new college transcripts all over again, and I have to order 6 of them, UGH ).