Should I apply to both BSN & accelerated BSN programs?

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Hi there,

I am currently working on my prerequisites for a second degree in Nursing and I am in the process of getting all of my information and research in order to begin applying to nursing schools for Summer/Fall 2012. Since I already have my Bachelor's (in a non related field), I was only planning on applying to schools with accelerated BSN programs as these seem to be the best fit for me and my situation. Now that application time is nearing, I am wondering if I should also be applying to traditional BSN programs or even ADN programs as a transfer student as a back up plan since the accelerated BSN programs seem to be very competitive. I have a 3.4 GPA from my previous Bachelor's degree and have received all A's in my prerequisite classes so far. At the moment, I plan on applying to three accelerated BSN programs in NYC (CUNY Hunter, NYU & SUNY Downstate).

Any advice on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your time,

NM

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It can't hurt. If you have the funds to apply to lots of programs, you might as well. Then if you get lucky, you'll have choices. Also, since you have your pre-reqs done, even a non-accelerated BSN should only be 2 years. ABSN won't save you that much time.

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There are more programs in the NYC area. Why are you focusing on just those three? It seems you don't have a preference for a private or public school. Do you have a car? Are you willing to move? A satisfactory GPA is necessary but not sufficient for entry into these programs. You have jumped the 3.0 threshold. Now it is time to make the remaining portions of your application sparkle.

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Thanks Alif - I will look into adding one or two BSN programs to my application mix.

Spore - Thanks for writing back. I do not have a car so I would like to stay in the Manhattan/Brooklyn area. I was looking into those schools because they have ABSN programs and all have similar prerequisite requirements that I will have completed by Spring 2012. Do you have any recommendations for other programs in NYC that I should consider applying to? I am going to start studying for my NLN Pre-RN exam soon. Aside from my GPA and getting a good grade on the Pre-RN exam what other recommendations do you have for making my application sparkle?

Thanks for your help!!

NM

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Yes, I would apply to both traditional and accelerated tracks, so long you are able to pay for all the application fees.

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I am from the NY metro area and really thought about the school possibilities. You may want to apply and then consider transportation options. In NYC you named the big guns. I don't know why you left out Columbia University and Pace University has a NYC campus (both direct entry combined degree programs). There is Wagner College ABSN in Staten Island, Molloy College has an ABSN, Adelphi University has an ABSN and Stony Brook University does too (though it is far, I know). In Westchester, Pace hangs out again, as well as Concordia College and College of New Rochelle. I did not wait to find out if I would get accepted by these schools because I would like to begin as soon as possible (January 2012). Honestly, I don't know what nursing admission committees want to see in candidates. I suspect if a school is inexpensive, it can make rules that seem arbitrary if not ridiculous, because there are so many qualified candidates. If you have the prerequisites, go for it. Also, some schools require different entrance exams...GRE or TEAS. How long have you been out of school? Do you have people to write you letters of recommendation? Your personal statement needs to be tight and well-written. It is great you have health-care related experience. If asked to interview, you need to really be convincing why you want this now.

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Thanks for responding!

I also realized that Long Island University Brooklyn campus has an accelerate BSN program too, so I think I am going to add that to my list along with additional traditional transfer BSN, not sure where just yet. I believe Columbia's program is a combined BS/MS program. I believe that is why I ruled that out. Stony Brook would be a good program for me, but like you said, it's too far. I don't have endless funds to apply to so many schools, but I'm feeling good about my choices now.

Now it's time to begin studying for my NLN Pre-RN exam and TEAS exam so I can get a rocking grade on that. I have been out of school now since 2007. I have not done any volunteer work or any kind of work in the health-related field, which I think would help my application out a great deal, but I just don't have the time with working full-time and going to school for my prerequisites. I will be able to get letters of recommendations from my employers for sure and I need to begin working on my very compelling personal essay. All in all I think I'm in decent shape. I'm also making sure to go to open houses to talk with the school faculty about each program. Thanks so much for listening and giving me your feedback. If you have any more words of wisdom, I would greatly appreciate it.

thanks!

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NM, spore, I am also in the NYC metro. Where do you recommend I go to take prerequisites? Also do either of you have more information on the difference between HESI and NLN? Are either required for entrance into all nursing schools in the area?

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EsqtoRN, the exam you take completely depends on the program you wish to attend. The only exam I took was the GRE. I noticed some schools want the TEAS exam-mostly community college programs, though. As for prerequisites, take them at your local community college.

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Thanks spore. I actually live out in NJ and would like to get into Rutgers ABSN program. It appears this school only requires a list of prerequisites and not any of the pre-nursing exams (NLN, etc.). I could be wrong though.

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Also, don't apply to one school (or two schools). Are you tied to a geographic location? There are many great schools along the Eastern seaboard. As well, it is important to remember public=cheaper (provided you are an in-state resident). I don't know much about the Rutgers program (there are some threads located in the NJ programs section) but I seem to remember there may be time limits on some of the courses. If it has only been a bit since you graduated from college, you should be alright.

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Also, don't apply to one school (or two schools). Are you tied to a geographic location? There are many great schools along the Eastern seaboard. As well, it is important to remember public=cheaper (provided you are an in-state resident). I don't know much about the Rutgers program (there are some threads located in the NJ programs section) but I seem to remember there may be time limits on some of the courses. If it has only been a bit since you graduated from college, you should be alright.

Graduated 5 years ago.

I'm not necessarily limited geographically but I do have to consider costs associated with attending an ABSN as I eventually intend on furthering my education to the Masters/speciality area, which will cost more. I will be supporting myself through this and I anticipate having to take out loans. As a resident onf NJ it will be considerably cheaper for me to go to nursing school there. NYU, SUNY Downstate are great names to have but I could only imagine the cost associated with attending those programs. I'm trying to minimize debt (hence one of the reasons I steered away from law :)).

P.S. we can take out loans for nursing programs, right? :)

P.S.S OP, sorry for imposing my own inquiries on your thread. I would have PM'd spore but I'm not allowed to just yet. ;)

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