Should I wait to transfer or become non degree seeking student

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I am college Sophomore. I had to sit out this semester because of a financial aid mishap. Because of the mishap, I can not request my transcript. My GPA is not anyway. In order to get my transcript I have to pay the balance off, I cant afford to right now. I wanted to transfer anyway. I was thinking about enrolling at VCU as a non-degree seeking student to take the pre-requisite courses for their Nursing program. I would then apply to their program, among others. I really strongly feel that this is a great decision and I could possibly start over on my journey to becoming a pediatric nurse. I can not seem to find anyone who has done something similar. I would really appreciate feedback and advice!

Thanks so much! :)

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you can't use financial aid if you're a non-degree seeking student, just something to keep in mind

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You can receive federal loans if you are taking pre-reqs to get into a degree program. I would only be taking 11 credits. My concern is not paying for it.

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Specializes in NICU.

So you can't afford to pay your bill on the first school in order to get your transcripts but you are willing to take loans out for a second school? You don't think that they will look at the fact you have an outstanding balance at the first school when you go for a loan at the second school? Do you understand what a credit report is?

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Specializes in ER.

I don't think taking classes for pre-reqs in order to eventually get a degree qualifies you as non-degree seeking. Also, I would look at how the language is worded on the application because it could cause you to be dismissed if you do not send all transcripts to the school when applying even if they catch it down the road.

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Okay i dont think you understood what my question was! Im asking about advice on pursuing my nursing degree. How i choose to pay for was not the topic. You took the time to bash me for what gain? But whatever. I hope you feel great about yourself.

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Well what would qualify me as non degree seeking? If wanted to take the classes for personal reasons i could be non degree seeking? I just want to get back into school the best way possible.

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

I would suggest looking into a debt repayment plan. If you do not repay that back somehow, they may place you on suspension or other collegiate discipline and that could cause you problems down the road. If you transfer, they're going to want your transcripts. If you're a non-degree student taking specific coursework that leads to a degree program, that might be an issue if you attempt to challenge some coursework as they'll want to see your transcripts. If "they" find out you attended another school, then they may require you to produce your transcripts in order for you to remain enrolled there.

Later, your state's BON is going to want your transcripts... if you can't produce them, they may take that under advisement and not issue you a license or ATT.

Cleanest way to move forward is to get the financial aid stuff cleaned up.

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Specializes in APRN, ACNP-BC, CNOR, RNFA.

You could take this time to get a job (if you don't have one), and start paying off the amount that you owe. Since money is an issue, I also recommend taking your non-nursing classes at a community college. It's a lot more affordable, and can be done out of pocket. Why take out a loan to take "random" non-nursing core classes? Also, don't rush! Nursing school is competitive, so take your time and do well. Good luck to you!

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Specializes in ER.

Well, I know I am considered a transient student at Ohio Miami University because I am seeking a degree but not at their location (through Ohio University, I plan on taking a single class to transfer). I think non-degree is when you're seeking classes for fun or further enrichment without working towards an active degree. Like someone who decided to take astronomy for the heck of it. I would also be careful because the length of time is now calculated into financial aid. You only get financial aid for so long. I think it's 150% time of your degree plan although schools are allowed to make exceptions for programs that take longer to complete. So if you were in school for 8 semesters for an associate degree, you risk losing financial aid. I also think there is a credit limit.

Also, if you received federal loans from the other school and you do not pay them, you may be in big trouble. My friend had an issue back in 2009ish where he didn't remember registering for classes and so he didn't pay his bill. He ignored the college's attempts at contacting and collecting so they went to court and he had a judgement against him. He couldn't go back to college till the bill was paid off so it took him till this July to return to school. I don't know if he receives financial aid now due to the situation.

I think this is a potentially messy situation. If you try to forget about the past, it'll come back and haunt you.

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I think your best bet would be talking to the school and trying to set a payment plan so you can fix your financial aid so you can transfer. If you need to work for a few do it and get it done. See if you can get some help from family or friends. When you transfer you will feel so much better knowing there is nothing holding you back. Besides, I don't think any non-degree classes are going to help you with getting into a nursing program. I don't think those classes will count, but I'm no expert. Good luck

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Specializes in Public Health.

I am kind of in this situation although the school I graduated with my ADN from did not require former transcripts. I simply had to start from scratch.

Now. I WILL not be able to further my education until I pay my fee bill and then I will have access to my transcripts.

Your options: start over from the very beginning at a CC OR, find a way to pay your fee bill.

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