Hey, I was just starting this thread to see if anyone had heard back from Salem State University in regards to the BSN Fall 2012 program. I am still waiting to hear back, but was looking to see if anyone else had heard anything? This is the main nursing program I applied to, so I am hoping that I get in, otherwise I may have to rethink my future plans. I was also accepted into NECC's nursing program, but am on the wait-list for this Fall, which means I would have to wait until Fall 2013 if a spot doesn't open up . Unfortunately I already have three degree's and no more courses to take, so it would not be ideal to wait that long.
I know what you mean. I am not sure what these schools are looking for. You should take it as a good sign that you have not heard yet. I am keeping my fingers crossed for you :) and thanks for all of the support, it is tough to be rejected. I guess i will be thankful for my spot in 2013 and just know that other people are in worse situations than I am. I hope u hear soon tho! It would be nice for one of us to hear good news!!!!
I had to call the school today about my status. They finally updated it online and it says I've been rejected as well. No time to be sad but to keep moving... Thanks again for all of your support :)
I have to say I am completely puzzled as to what they are looking for in candidates.... I really hope you get into a program :) any ideas what you are gonna do next? I am still a bit lost for what I am planning. And you're welcome! Thanks for being there for me as well.... For a while there I though I was alone!
One thing I've learned with this website: you're never alone... I feel the same way (about nursing criteria). It seems you really have to be an A student to get in, but the best students in my opinion are the ones who are always working hard and never stop studying to get B's and C's in the hardest subjects... In the end, GPA's shouldn't be seen as everything... I really hope I can get in somewhere too. As of right now, I have absolutely no clue as to what I should be doing; this whole situation has really left me a bit flustered. I'll just have to do more research and find some alternative options. In the meantime, I'm just gonna work and continue taking classes to raise my GPA some more.
I was doing a search and your thread came up. I hope you don't mind if I add to it. I'm a bit confused as to what they are looking for, as well. I have a 4.0 GPA, most of my college nursing pre-reqs (the maths and sciences) done, had a 29 ACT score when I took in in high school, graduated 2nd in my high school class, currently volunteer at a hospital, have prior medical-related volunteering experience, and I was put on the wait list. Thankfully I still have applications in at other schools, and a backup plan if necessary, but I'm still very bewildered as to what they want in a nursing student if it isn't what ANY of us have listed.
Thank you CapeCodDreamer!!! If Salem and other nursing schools (Associate or Bachelors) are looking for medical students, then I believe they are looking in the wrong location or need to change their criteria.
Frankly, I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that, as transfer students, they can't make as much money off of us than they can freshman, since we are bringing completed college credits with us. As was received from another local university when I inquired about their nursing program: "I am sure you know that the chances of getting into our program are very slight, as there are very few spots available [for transfer students]."
I've looked at admissions criteria and it seems a lot of these schools won't even look at our applications, despite our credentials (proof ability to succeed and perform well at college courses; completed college courses, degrees, and the like; GPA, extracurricular activities, involvement in your desired field at some level), until after the sometimes poorer-choice (barely-qualifying-for-the-program GPA, minimal ACT/SAT score for the program, no real idea of what they want to major in) freshman/graduating high school applicants are considered.
CapeCodDreamer, I know how you feel completely. I too graduated with high honors, almost a 4.0 and experience in the medical field as well. I have come to realize though that a large amount of people who do get accepted and are barely qualified do not ever graduate. There is a question in my mind as to why these programs are so hard to get into and highly desired, yet we there still is a shortage of nurses. I know some of it has to do with those nurses who are phasing out, but I believe a lot of it has to do with the graduate rate of the nursing programs, and how many actually go on to obtain their license. It is quite frustrating though for a person who has achieved what they are asking and still not receiving an invitation to join them for their program. I also agree with you in regards to transfer students being a last pick, which in my eyes doesn't make sense. It would make sense to allow transfers in to your school, as they have already proven they can handle college and the courseload. I do understand the need for there to be spots for all people applying, but it does not seem to be equally spred out among the types of applicants. It is very frustrating!!!! I can only hope we all get in to where we wish someday soon.
With everything that has been said, I have to wonder why this has yet to be investigated? I mean I understand that admissions committees make the assumption that those with great grades will 'succeed' in their programs, but they need to start realizing that this is not the case whatsoever. Stop wasting time and money; that same time and money could've be put to better use towards those who actually deserve and appreciate it.
. Unfortunately I already have three degree's and no more courses to take, so it would not be ideal to wait that long. 
maz357
10 Posts
I know what you mean. I am not sure what these schools are looking for. You should take it as a good sign that you have not heard yet. I am keeping my fingers crossed for you :) and thanks for all of the support, it is tough to be rejected. I guess i will be thankful for my spot in 2013 and just know that other people are in worse situations than I am. I hope u hear soon tho! It would be nice for one of us to hear good news!!!!