I am preparing myself to apply for Summer 2018 pacesetter BSN program. We can use this forum for Summer 2018 applicants. I am in the process of taking Hesi exam. I have completed all my prerequisite courses needed for the program.
Little bit about me:
BS in Microbiology in 2005 -GPA (3.05)
MPH degree in Epidemiology in 2012-GPA (3.85)
Associate degree of Science in 2017-GPA (4.0)
Hesi test-will be taking it in August
Working full time with City Health department as an epidemiologist specialist since last five years. I am also a mom of two boys.
Got accepted to MUSC college of nursing program but declined it. Also got accepted to Johns Hopkins Entry into Masters of nursing program for Fall 2017 but had to deffer it to Fall 2018 due to financial circumstances.
Trying to apply for the in-state school due to affordable tuition as well as easy commute.
I really hope i can get into UT Health Science center pacesetter program as it's my first option as it's closest to me as well as it's affordable and one of the best programs in Texas.
I have learned a lot about this process and I think I may have figured it out to a certain extent. I'd like to share real quick what I can to help anyone out.
I got into the Summer 2018 program with what I have learned. Partly because I am very driven, partly because I am OCD about reading into clues and also it helps to be married to a nurse. She has helped me immensely.
I started my pre-req journey in 2016 and this May I will finish the last of them. I have maintained a 3.93 GPA up until this semester by very carefully selecting classes in order of, 1. ones I can complete with good grades for sure, 2. balancing the workload evenly, i.e. you don't wanna take two heavy sciences in one semester. I am gonna suffer this semester with at least some B's if not C's, but it is okay, because when I applied I had a 3.93 and it got me in.
There is a very small and dilute paragraph on the UTHSC website under, "BSN Admission Requirements" with an almost hidden link under the "Admission Criteria" paragraph. The last word says, "factors". This is your hidden pot-of-gold people. This is what they're looking for in an applicant. Some of the most important are; difficulty of prerequisite load, simple GPA calculation, being very thorough and meticulous on your application (NO ERRORS!!!), What you did before you decided to become a nurse, etc...
When I looked at all of this what I figured was simple, they want to see that you can no doubt maintain their load of work and do well and pass the NCLEX so that they can get more money and continue on and their GPA average improves. It is more important that you pass than have a high GPA though. Drop outs more negatively affect stats than a lower GPA. So, while GPA is important, honestly, the undergrad workload is more important.
I work six days a week as a cop, I have 5 kids and I take 16 semester hours for the past three semesters and I take every mini I can. It has been hell on earth, but I got it done quickly, and also it showed them that I can handle a heavy load. GPA is also important, but since I knew I sucked at math I made sure to put it as my very last classes, so I will take a huge hit on my GPA, but not before I got into school. You have to think about this differently from everyone else to really excel and get what you want. I'm not saying this to be mean, but excuses will get you nowhere. You can't latch onto the poor pitiful me attitude and expect them to cater to you. Results are what is important. How much are you willing to sacrifice? I know I have had ZERO life for two years now and I sat crying uncontrollably when I got the acceptance email because of what my family has been through to make it happen. I will cry again at graduation as well. THAT is when you let emotions catch up to you.
If you have a 4.0, but it took you 5 years by taking one class at a time, they're gonna look at that negatively because you don't challenge yourself. They do not do interviews for BSN applicants, so it's all in the numbers and timelines. You have to take risks and push yourself. Ask yourself where your limit is, and pursue it. I quickly found my limit this semester when I tried to take Chemistry, Nutrition, English II, Statistics and College Algebra and work 6 days a week at the same time. Did I mention I suck at math? I ended up dropping the Algebra mini because it was too fast, then I dropped Algebra online full semester again because I just wasn't getting it and supplemented my elective as Business Computer Applications instead. I had to adapt, but I quickly found my limit. If you want to be sure to get in, you have to be different.
My HESI was not bad, but not great,
(1) Reading Comprehension 96.00%
(2) Conclusions 88.00%
(3) Implications 93.00%
(4) Meaning-Word Use 100.00%
(5) Understanding 100.00%
(6) Grammar 88.00%
(7) Vocabulary & Knowledge 96.00%
English Language Composite Score 93.33%
(8) Biology 100.00%
(9) Chemistry 84.00%
(10) Anatomy & Physiology 88.00%
Science Composite Score 90.67%
(11) Math 96.00%
Cumulative Score: 92.57%
Learning Style
Personality Style Kinesthetic/Analytical
Creative/People
By the way, take the extra stuff on the HESI, they like that. It's not required, but it shows you're not scared of it. I took Biology, Chemistry and the personality profile just because I was curious and I think it worked out well. They see all of that. Put yourself in their shoes.
61 hours finished in 22 months
Worked full-time
A 4 year degree in 3 years is pretty cool to me.
For anyone that has been accepted, or wait-listed, please feel free to join my Facebook page for this entering class, "New UT Health Nursing Summer 2018 Pacesetter students". It's a very informal page for studies, travel/transportation arrangements and just having fun. I post reminders and would like to work out carpooling most importantly. The freaking parking is outrageous.
I have learned a lot about this process and I think I may have figured it out to a certain extent. I'd like to share real quick what I can to help anyone out.
I got into the Summer 2018 program with what I have learned. Partly because I am very driven, partly because I am OCD about reading into clues and also it helps to be married to a nurse. She has helped me immensely.
I started my pre-req journey in 2016 and this May I will finish the last of them. I have maintained a 3.93 GPA up until this semester by very carefully selecting classes in order of, 1. ones I can complete with good grades for sure, 2. balancing the workload evenly, i.e. you don't wanna take two heavy sciences in one semester. I am gonna suffer this semester with at least some B's if not C's, but it is okay, because when I applied I had a 3.93 and it got me in.
There is a very small and dilute paragraph on the UTHSC website under, "BSN Admission Requirements" with an almost hidden link under the "Admission Criteria" paragraph. The last word says, "factors". This is your hidden pot-of-gold people. This is what they're looking for in an applicant. Some of the most important are; difficulty of prerequisite load, simple GPA calculation, being very thorough and meticulous on your application (NO ERRORS!!!), What you did before you decided to become a nurse, etc...
When I looked at all of this what I figured was simple, they want to see that you can no doubt maintain their load of work and do well and pass the NCLEX so that they can get more money and continue on and their GPA average improves. It is more important that you pass than have a high GPA though. Drop outs more negatively affect stats than a lower GPA. So, while GPA is important, honestly, the undergrad workload is more important.
I work six days a week as a cop, I have 5 kids and I take 16 semester hours for the past three semesters and I take every mini I can. It has been hell on earth, but I got it done quickly, and also it showed them that I can handle a heavy load. GPA is also important, but since I knew I sucked at math I made sure to put it as my very last classes, so I will take a huge hit on my GPA, but not before I got into school. You have to think about this differently from everyone else to really excel and get what you want. I'm not saying this to be mean, but excuses will get you nowhere. You can't latch onto the poor pitiful me attitude and expect them to cater to you. Results are what is important. How much are you willing to sacrifice? I know I have had ZERO life for two years now and I sat crying uncontrollably when I got the acceptance email because of what my family has been through to make it happen. I will cry again at graduation as well. THAT is when you let emotions catch up to you.
If you have a 4.0, but it took you 5 years by taking one class at a time, they're gonna look at that negatively because you don't challenge yourself. They do not do interviews for BSN applicants, so it's all in the numbers and timelines. You have to take risks and push yourself. Ask yourself where your limit is, and pursue it. I quickly found my limit this semester when I tried to take Chemistry, Nutrition, English II, Statistics and College Algebra and work 6 days a week at the same time. Did I mention I suck at math? I ended up dropping the Algebra mini because it was too fast, then I dropped Algebra online full semester again because I just wasn't getting it and supplemented my elective as Business Computer Applications instead. I had to adapt, but I quickly found my limit. If you want to be sure to get in, you have to be different.
My HESI was not bad, but not great,
(1) Reading Comprehension 96.00%
(2) Conclusions 88.00%
(3) Implications 93.00%
(4) Meaning-Word Use 100.00%
(5) Understanding 100.00%
(6) Grammar 88.00%
(7) Vocabulary & Knowledge 96.00%
English Language Composite Score 93.33%
(8) Biology 100.00%
(9) Chemistry 84.00%
(10) Anatomy & Physiology 88.00%
Science Composite Score 90.67%
(11) Math 96.00%
Cumulative Score: 92.57%
Learning Style
Personality Style Kinesthetic/Analytical
Creative/People
By the way, take the extra stuff on the HESI, they like that. It's not required, but it shows you're not scared of it. I took Biology, Chemistry and the personality profile just because I was curious and I think it worked out well. They see all of that. Put yourself in their shoes.
61 hours finished in 22 months
Worked full-time
A 4 year degree in 3 years is pretty cool to me.
For anyone that has been accepted, or wait-listed, please feel free to join my Facebook page for this entering class, "New UT Health Nursing Summer 2018 Pacesetter students". It's a very informal page for studies, travel/transportation arrangements and just having fun. I post reminders and would like to work out carpooling most importantly. The freaking parking is outrageous.
I haven't worked in the 5 semesters it took me to complete my prerequisites(no summers) and didn't take anything extra except what is required for HESI and have been accepted as well. I know others who also got in that didn't work as well and usually didn't take more than 4 classes a semester so i can't say that i agree. Only stating these things so that hopefully no one that has taken a little longer than others to complete their prerequisites gets discouraged by reading your post. No one knows exactly what it takes to get accepted and it seems to be all over the place so just apply, be hopeful, and be grateful when you get your acceptance. Congrats on your acceptance btw see you in May! Also, we already have a FB page so definitely join. UTHSC Summer 2019
I haven't worked in the 5 semesters it took me to complete my prerequisites(no summers) and didn't take anything extra except what is required for HESI and have been accepted as well. I know others who also got in that didn't work as well and usually didn't take more than 4 classes a semester so i can't say that i agree. Only stating these things so that hopefully no one that has taken a little longer than others to complete their prerequisites gets discouraged by reading your post. No one knows exactly what it takes to get accepted and it seems to be all over the place so just apply, be hopeful, and be grateful when you get your acceptance. Congrats on your acceptance btw see you in May! Also, we already have a FB page so definitely join. UTHSC Summer 2019
Agreed. It took me 6 semesters to complete prerequisites (3 classes/semester) and I worked in retail during that time (30 hr./wk.). I also did not take extra HESI subjects.
Before acceptance, I thought that my releatively slow rate of completion would hinder my chances, but it didn't. I also thought that my lack of healthcare/public service experience would hinder me, but it didn't.
Everyone has different circumstances and I think they look at the whole picture. Admission truly depends on the applicant pool, which is out of anyone's control.
In reference to the post emk27 quoted and to future applicants: don't get discouraged or compare yourself to other people who have seemingly worked harder than you - a pattern that's easy to fall into on AllNurses. Just do YOUR best and stay interested, only you will know the workload you can realistically handle. No need to martyr yourself.
It's been 10 days and my anxiety is through the roof
It is past 10 days! I was also wait listed with UTA and they have until tmrw to accept or decline. I anticipate several openings with them. I have learned so much patience, lol.
SNOWPATROL
7 Posts
No, I have asked them this and they said once your transcripts are on file, they stay.