Schools that select based on GPA and tests.

Sorry but I dont know of any that dont at least want an essay and a letter of rec or two. Just wondering what kind of grades and test scores you have to warrant such a route.

There's a couple of them here in Washington that are based on GPA and test scores exclusively. I have a 4.0 (depending on which classes are counted.) It's funny, but I haven't taken the assessment tests yet. I'm just assuming my scores will be good enough. That probably sounds like a silly assumption, but I plan on studying many hours, and I usually do really well on tests.

I just don't have any healthcare experience or anything, so I don't think there's much point applying to places that take that stuff into consideration.

I just applied to the University of Northern Colorado, which is strictly GPA based.

The do want you to include a resume, but it is only used when it the last few people have the same GPA.

They calculate your GPA from the last 45 credits with pre-reqs weighted. Last year the lowest GPA they accepted was a 3.4 and the mean was 3.7

Not a silly assumption, I have a highly competitive GPA no matter what classes you count and got a highly competitive precentile on the TEAS, so there is definately a connection there. But I feel you with not wanting to compete against those with better resumes or letters or essays, all that stuff is stressing me out. I mean I spent a lot of time on my essay and resume, and have a good amount of vol service, I am sure my letters of rec are good too, but it all still falls on how the the admissions comittee feels about my essay and thats pretty nerve wrecking.

Sand Dollar, that's really interesting. I wasn't expecting there would be any schools that were pure GPA. I'll definitely look into that.

I just feel that with the schools with subjective selection processes there are going to be so many people with health-care work history and letters of recommendation from doctors and nurses (mine are just from teachers.) Maybe I'm being silly, but I just think 'why would anybody pick me over someone who's worked in health-care before.'

Boise State's admission process is purely GPA. No tests although they do include "pilot" essay/written interview questions that are optional to answer. They rank order applicants based on their GPA in two semesters of anatomy and physiology, general and organic chemistry (which can be taken in a one semester accelerated class or as a two semester sequence) and math.

Brookhaven College near Dallas, TX is based on nothing but GPA, taking certain classes, and passing the HESI A2 test. It's highly competitive, but a great program.

Drexel in Philadelphia accepts solely based on GPA, but as a result about 25-30% of the class fails out halfway through the program. I suspect it would be similar in other GPA only schools because GPA and test results really don't paint a full picture of how you will handle a program.

Philadelphia also has a terrible job market for new grads. But the Drexel application consists of basic demographic information and your transcripts.

Also, many nursing programs welcome non-healthcare experience and backgrounds because you bring a different perspective to nursing and nursing school. So if that's your reason for wanting to avoid programs that select on interviews and essays and recommendations, I would reconsider and give them a try too.

Drexel in Philadelphia accepts solely based on GPA, but as a result about 25-30% of the class fails out halfway through the program. I suspect it would be similar in other GPA only schools because GPA and test results really don't paint a full picture of how you will handle a program.

Philadelphia also has a terrible job market for new grads. But the Drexel application consists of basic demographic information and your transcripts.

hiddencatRN, I have followed a few of your posts and I appreciate the detail and time you have given them. I am curious about your comment regarding the Philadelphia job market for new grads. When did you graduate from the ACE program? Are you working? If so, what do you think helped get you a job in the Philadelphia job market?

Thanks.

I could see someone who had a really cool career setting themselves apart, but I've never had much of a career.

Thanks for all the ideas guys.