Received my 3rd rejection today.

[iono101]

This morning I woke up and to find that I had an email from my university's college of nursing. I've been so excited for this email because I was sure I was going to get in this time. I've been rejected from the college of nursing twice before, and since I've already met all the prerequisites, I've been taking upper level science courses towards a Human Biology degree. I've worked really hard and got a 4.0 in Orgo 1 and 2, plus the lab (not required for nursing). I've 4.0 a 400 level biochemistry, and pharmacology. This raised my GPA to a 3.6. At the same time I got a job working as a ED Scribe, and continued to volunteer tutoring at risk children in literacy. I got two strong letters of recommendation, one from a former CNA instructor, and another from a supervisor when I volunteered in the ED. I've worked so hard and put so much time into getting accepted into this damn nursing program. I really thought I would get in this time.

So when I saw the email, I excitedly skimmed to the part "however, you have not been selected for admission". It didn't hit me until I called my mom to tell her the news. During the call I couldn't speak, and I had to hang up so she wouldn't know that I was crying. I had remained positive after my 2 previous failed attempts; however this time, I can't deny the sadness and anger I feel. I skipped all my classes today and sat in my bed trying to convince myself that everything will be okay, that I can finish up my Human Biology degree and apply into Med, Dentistry, or Pharmacology. The problem is, I can't lie to myself and deny the truth, that all I ever wanted was to be a nurse. I apologize for this lengthy rant, I just needed some place to get my thoughts down. I can't speak to anyone about this because it gets difficult to hold back the tears.

[na-na]

I am so sorry to hear that this is happening to you, but I am sure that everything will work out. If this is what you really want don't give up on it. I am sure that when you finally get an acceptance this letter, that this experience will have made you stronger and you won't even think about these rejection letters. Have you tried looking into an LPN program to get your foot in the door. Many people dismiss this option but this is what I am doing. I was an alternate then denied to my nursing program for summer 2013, I was recently accepted into an LPN program that starts in January. It hurt like heck to get that rejection letter and it hurt even more when my friends who applied for fall 2013 got accepted. But I know nursing is my dream and even though I did not get accepted into my first choice school, I will still become a nurse although the journey will be longer.

Keep going you have gotten this far. Do not give up now.

[lifelearningrn, BSN, RN]

Are there other programs out there? The school I am in only looks at first attempts for the science prereqs too. There was another school I was going to apply to that wouldn't accept you if you had too many withdraws on your record. All schools have different policies and things they look at.. the school that doesn't like withdraws probably would have rejected me every time, but because I did well on my science prereqs, I got into the school I'm currently going to. Spread out your net and apply at other programs.. you have good grades- you will get in somewhere!

[martymoose, BSN, RN]

Sorry- it seems you are trying hard. Is there a 2 yr school you could apply to? Maybe then it would be easier to get into a RN-BSN program down the road?

Good luck...

[iono101]

Thanks for the reply guys. I think at this point, I'm going to be looking at the local community college. It's been an option that I didn't want to pursue. I go to Michigan State, and I love this school. I wanted nothing more than to complete my degree here. I didn't do the best on my prerequisite courses (3.3-3.4). I thought that if I work hard and get a 4.0 in upper level science courses, it would prove that I could handle the rigor of the nursing program. For now I'm looking at either finishing my Human Bio degree or looking at a 2 year program.

[cherryames1949]

Do not give up your dream! These rejections will make your success all the sweeter. I agree with those that are advising you to think outside the box. There is a way forward for you.

[KatieMI, BSN, MSN, RN]

I totally agree with those who suggest thinking outside the box.

Nursing programs are different in what they consider to be "qualified applicants" and what they tell about it to prospective students. Almost all of them have "internal criteria" which they are completely free to choose. They legally cannot say "we don't want those who are just too bright and science-oriented because our Professor "X" feels uncomfortable with them and here what she says that goes". But the Professor "X" remains the Chair, and so applicants who are otherwise perfectly qualified but "too bright" and got all As in science get rejection letters.

Try to shop around - you have quite a few to choose from in Central Michigan.

[rubato, ASN, RN]

Do they have a BSN bridge program? If so, their requirements may be a little less for that, so you could still, eventually, end up with your degree from them.

[7237dallas]

I'm sorry:(

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Have you explored any other healthcare professions? Most have basically the same educational pre-requisites as nursing but are not as competitive for admissions. Frankly, nursing is in a real mess right now and the job prospect for new grads is really grim in many areas of the country. It may all even out in a few years, but I doubt whether the 'glory days' of enthusiastic recruitment bonuses will ever return.

[Marsha238612]

I'm so sorry about your ordeal. If you really want to become a nurse keep applying to other 2 year colleges, ones that are less competitive because your GPA seems high enough. Maybe after an ADN you can pursue a BSN.

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

[Ladyt03]

I am sorry you feel this way. Now it's time to get back on your feet and TRY OTHER SCHOOLS. I am speaking here from experience. I got rejected by my previous college last year. When I got the letter I was disappointed. Right there I went online and looked into other schools. I didnt waste time to reapply to the school. I applied to the first school I came across, which was out of state, like a 15-20 minute drive from me. I got in right away. I needed at least one class to develop a gpa to apply to take my first nursing class, as I was already done with my prerequisites. The unfortunate thing is the grade for that class would not have been in to apply for the next semester which would have been spring. So in spring i took one class which i knew would go to my bsn, as this is an ADN program. Right now, I am doing my first nursing class(nursing trends and concepts). Im on the presidents list. I also realise that the professors here are better than my old school. It's easier to get into the program than my old school. and its CHEAPER!!!

Sometimes we have to start from the bottom and go all the way up. Like other people suggested, you may need to start in an ADN program and move up to the BSN. The good thing about that is, you are at a chance of working with an ADN whilst you're completing your BSN.

Girl, don't give up and don't dwell on this rejection. Don't mope over it. There are other options. Look into them. Leave this school alone. It wasn't meant to work out for you over there.

Not that it matters, but which state are you in? Maybe people on here can give you suggestions if they're from the same state.

STAY POSITIVE!

[mebe5]

I feel your pain of not getting into a nursing program. I've applied for the last 2 years with no luck even though I have the GPA and the prerequisites completed. I've been applying to schools with a lottery system so it really is all about luck. I'm finally realizing that doing an LVN program first might get me into an RN program quicker, but then the LVN program only takes 30 out of all its applicants.

It's such a frustrating process but I'm really trying to stay positive and hopeful that this next time I will get good news. Reading all these posts with words of encouragement is really helping me to keep going with the process. That's why I looove this site so much :)