So confused, what to do!!!

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I have 2 Bachelor of Science degrees, not science related. Two years ago I decided to go back to school to pursue a career in nursing. Had I known how hard it was to get in, I probably would not have wasted my time or money taking my science prereq's. To late to complain about that, I can't get in anywhere near me! I have been denied twice by 2 schools. My GPA is 3.10. I am not going to retake any of my classes, I don't have the time or money to do that. I am just wondering where do I go from here. I put my whole life on hold when I decided to go back to school, and since I got laid off now I have no clue what I am going to do with my life. I cry about it all of the time. All I want to do is be a nurse. I live in Maryland and I have a son that is 1, so I can't just pick up and move. Thanks for any advice.

I'm sorry you're having a hard time, sweetie. I know it's frustrating to not be able to complete something you've worked for. Have you actually been into these schools to talk to the admissions counselor? They can often provide insight to options you may not have thought of. It sounds like you've applied to two schools twice. Are there more schools you haven't submitted applications to that could be options?

I think you just need to examine all of your options in your life. I don't know the details of your situation, so only you can do that sort of introspection. Don't just give up, though! Research, research, research and then plan based off of what you find out. I wish you the best of luck.

Have you thought of a technical college to be an LPN?

Specializes in Oncology/hematology.

If you absolutely won't retake any classes to bring up your GPA, your only option may be a private school. They are easier to get in to, but they cost more. I know it's too late now in your case, but I really recommend that anyone, going to school for any profession, do a lot of research to find out what it's going to take. Nursing schools are very competitive right now because they can be. I feel really bad for people that don't realize this before spending tons of time on prereqs. I hope you can figure out a way to get in somewhere if this is what you truly want. Good luck.

I live in Maryland too. Since you won't retake classes to bring up your GPA, I agree with others. Look into private schools. Two i know are Notre dame university of md and Stevenson university.

The thing to remember here is that nursing school is competitive reguardless, and a 3.1 GPA is not competitive, in terms of some of the GPA's of students applying to these programs. Since you cannot move (which I understand, moving isn't easy or cheap especially with a child), then I really would look into repeating some of the classes you did poorly in. I know you said you do not want to, but I think re-taking 2-3 classes you did poorly in and getting a better grade will be cheaper in the long run than a private university, where tuition can be quite expensive. Re-taking 2 or 3 classes and getting A in them will boost your GPA to a more competitive level.

I know at the school where I am taking pre-reqs, and applying for nursing school in the spring, the cut-off pre-req GPA is 2.8, however the average of the entering class is between 3.6 and 3.8. Same with a large university here that I will also be applying to, the cut off is 2.8 but the average acceptance is a 3.7 GPA for pre-reqs.

I would just look into re-taking a few of the classes, but that's just my opinion.

Since you already have 2 BS degrees, have you looked into any accelerated BSN programs? I will be attending one next year and the gpa requirement was only 2.75. It is a good school, too. The drawback being of course, that it is a BSN and therefore costs a lot more than the ADN. The good being that it should take about the same amount of time to get a higher degree and may not be as competitive to get into.

Laurie, AACC in Anne Arundel County has rolling admissions so if you can get your application in faster than others, you're in.

Laurie, AACC in Anne Arundel County has rolling admissions so if you can get your application in faster than others, you're in.
Thanks for the responses. I have spoken to the admissions at both colleges and they both said it would be a waste to repeat classes. I have looked into ban programs and unfortunately I would have to take organic chem and bio chem. I have looked into other fields too like surg tech and radiology , but I just can't see myself going into debt for something I can make the same money at working now. Chelsea, is Anne Arundel competitive? I know they take Anne Arundel residents before out of county residents.

@Laurie121 I go to Anne Arundel CC, but will not be applying to their program because it is competitive and I am out of county. From what it sounds like, they are willing to accept out of county but you may be put on a waiting list. I know they have an excellent program, so it is worth a try to apply.

Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

OK - here's a thought . . . have you explored any health profession alternatives? Nursing is not the only health career. I would suggest you look into Respiratory Therapy, Surgical Technology, Pharmacy Assistant, Physical Therapy Assistant, Occupational Therapy Assistant, etc. Those programs may be much less competitive in your area and generally require the same sort of pre-requisites as nursing.

Best of luck to you!

OK - here's a thought . . . have you explored any health profession alternatives? Nursing is not the only health career. I would suggest you look into Respiratory Therapy, Surgical Technology, Pharmacy Assistant, Physical Therapy Assistant, Occupational Therapy Assistant, etc. Those programs may be much less competitive in your area and generally require the same sort of pre-requisites as nursing.

Best of luck to you!

I actually got into the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at CCBC and declined it. I just don't think I would enjoy anything else. thanks

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