Reapplying to master entry level Nursing

[Aspiringprovider]

Hi all,

I will be reapplying to the master entry level in Nursing and would like some input on how to improve my application. This previous cycle, I applied to only one school which was Western University of Health Science. I am currently waitlisted, and am now looking into the next round of applications.

My overall GPA is 3.1 with 3.4 pre req and my last 60-90 units is 3.4. I have a substantial amount of volunteer experience and have study aboard 2 times during my undergrad. I just got hired as an health educator and medical scribe in the ED. With that being said, what can I do to increase my chances in getting accepted the next round of applications. I am looking into applying to more schools, but I honestly don't want to take the GRE, so I'm limiting myself to what programs that does not require GRE scores.

I am considering retaking some of my pre reqs as I know my gpa is horrible and nothing comparable to others. However, Im debating on taking new courses that certain program requires instead of retaking courses. I rather have the opportunity to apply to more programs than limiting myself to a couple of programs. What are your thoughts?

Right now, I am considering on applying to WesternU, Samuel merrit, and University of San Francisco. I will slowly look into programs outside of CA, but would like to stay in CA. I am hoping that next year, I'll get accepted because I am beyond excited/impatience in getting into the field of nursing, specifically being a nurse practitioner. Therefore, to me, it's extremely important to do whatever I can now to officially get in the next time around.

any suggestions/comments is truly appreciated. Thank you in advance!

[berries11]

Hello Aspiringprovider,

CSULA has a ABSN-MSN program where you get direct entry into the NP masters program after the ABSN portion. Although you don't have to take your GRE, you are required to take the TEAS test. You might want to look into that.

Also if you have a year to reapply, taking a CNA course can really help because you get clinical experience performing patient care. I think it's great that you have a lot of volunteer experience and a job as a scribe and health educator. However, getting the CNA license (and job if possible) is directly related to nursing.

Good luck to you :)

[jsimpsonlee03]

How far are you willing to travel? With your experience and GPA, I'm sure you would be able to get into California Baptist University in the EL-MSN program. They don't do waitlisting. They look at your last 60 units as an "indicator" for GPA. They required us to take the GRE but no min score. What type of NP do you want to be. From my experience, that is what you should look at when applying to schools (in CBU we have FNP, CNS in Gero, Management, and Education). I want NNP and I should have done more research in the school but I wanted to hurry up and get in. Let me know if you have any questions...I am currently finishing up my second semester of the EL MSN program (we did the pre-licensure course work in 15 months (no BSN is awarded since you have a previous Bachelor's in another area), then you are eligible to sit for your RN (I passed in dec. Out of our entire cohort of 29, only 4 did not pass the first time, 1 passed the second time taking it, 1 failed a second time, and the other 2 are studying to retake it now) and then you start the master's work. We are on monday nights 3-9

[dcwang]

I highly suggest that you retake your prereqs. To gain admission, 3.4 prereq GPA isn't the most competitive. I spoke with the coordinator at CSULA, and she advised me to aim for the 90s for the TEAS. Good luck!

[Vanaab]

Hi Aspiringprovider,

I was in your shoes last year. If u r waitlisted, IMO, the first thing is to talk with the director/coordinator of the program and find out why u were waitlisted! One of the directors with whom I talked, was really helpful and I got accepted into the program, which was my first choice J But the same is not true about the other program! My GPA is high (4.0) both bachelor, master and, of course, pre-requisites. I got 99 and 95% on TEAS. Have about 300 hours of volunteering and 4 years of working in the health care field. But I was waitlisted for the 2^nd consecutive year with NO reason! She just said that u did not do well in ur interview!? I can see that people who got accepted into this program did not have such high GPAs (around 3.1-3.4 too). SO I don't think ur GPA is that much bad. If u can retake some pre-reqs to improve ur GPA that would be great, but not the reason u got waitlisted or may be waitlisted again. Here in so cal I know CSULA and UCLA don't need GRE. UCLA even doesn't need TEAS. So u might consider them as well (So-cal is better than out-of-state). Another suggestion for u is that if it's possible for u, talk with the directors/coordinators before applying. U can find some really helpful and some really disappointing. In this way, u can avoid wasting ur time, money & energy on filling out their applications! Hope I could help u :)