The Wait List

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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The wait list....is it a blessing after all it isn't a flat out rejection.

But waiting for that maybe to become a yes is trying.:confused:

Wondering if there are others in the limbo land of the wait list willing to share how you are coping with the wait like - trying not to check every phone in the house to make sure the line is clear and you didn't miss the call

I'd also love to hear from folks who made it in to their school of choice after being on the wait list.

I'm staying positive and doing my best to not let the wait bring me down.

Specializes in Transplant, Med-Surg.

When I found out I got waitlisted, I seriously cried because to me, it was just a huge fat rejection. It wasn't until I started to talk to other people and they were like, "Hey, you were waitlisted! That means you still have a chance!" that I started to turn my thinking around. I'm going to turn in a more updated resume and maybe even another reference to enhance my application. If they don't take me, then I don't think that school was meant to be (unless I try again next year, lols). I'm still waiting on another school so all I can do is keep my fingers crossed! I was bummed about it too but all we can do is not lose hope and to keep on moving forward! :)

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When I found out I got waitlisted, I seriously cried because to me, it was just a huge fat rejection. It wasn't until I started to talk to other people and they were like, "Hey, you were waitlisted! That means you still have a chance!" that I started to turn my thinking around. I'm going to turn in a more updated resume and maybe even another reference to enhance my application. If they don't take me, then I don't think that school was meant to be (unless I try again next year, lols). I'm still waiting on another school so all I can do is keep my fingers crossed! I was bummed about it too but all we can do is not lose hope and to keep on moving forward! :)

I guess being waitlisted means different things to different people. Most nursing programs in my area use the lottery system to fill seats. Some however, use the waitlist. The waitlist here means that once you are on the list, you will get your turn as long as you meet all entrance requirements. It's not a "wait and see", it's a wait your turn. I think the average waitlist time here is between two and three years.

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Specializes in ICU / PCU / Telemetry / Oncology.
I guess being waitlisted means different things to different people. Most nursing programs in my area use the lottery system to fill seats. Some however, use the waitlist. The waitlist here means that once you are on the list, you will get your turn as long as you meet all entrance requirements. It's not a "wait and see", it's a wait your turn. I think the average waitlist time here is between two and three years.

I'm currently on a waitlist, but in my neck of the woods that loosely means "You meet the criteria for admission for this class but we have accepted others before you to fill up the class, and if some of them decide not to enroll with us then that leaves open seats in which case we will take you." If that does not happen, then the waitlist offer is rescinded and you must re-apply if you wish.

Very few schools that I am aware of here in the East coast maintain waitlists as you describe, where candidates wait years to get in. They have done away with than in favor of the reapplication method.

I'm one of those that believes that if it's meant to be it will happen. If not this year, then next year. Not getting accepted when you want is not the end of the world. Giving up on that probably is.

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I'm currently on a waitlist, but in my neck of the woods that loosely means "You meet the criteria for admission for this class but we have accepted others before you to fill up the class, and if some of them decide not to enroll with us then that leaves open seats in which case we will take you." If that does not happen, then the waitlist offer is rescinded and you must re-apply if you wish.

Very few schools that I am aware of here in the East coast maintain waitlists as you describe, where candidates wait years to get in. They have done away with than in favor of the reapplication method.

I'm one of those that believes that if it's meant to be it will happen. If not this year, then next year. Not getting accepted when you want is not the end of the world. Giving up on that probably is.

The waitlists in my area are different than that. Some have year-round application submission, and you simply wait your turn once they place you on the list. Others have application periods where they accept applications, then do a lottery to determine waitlist positions. Either way, once your on the list you wait your turn. None of them require you to reapply. So, the good thing is that once your on the list, your turn will eventually come. The bad thing is of course, that you will have quite a wait.

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rio hondo also has adn... theres where im starting this summer

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I found out today I am on the wait list. I knew something was not right from the thin envelope. I am soooo sad, crying as I type. I just knew I was in with a 3.8 GPA. Will know yay or nay by July 1. WONDERFUL! I just LOVE WAITING!!!!

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Try to stay positive Going2B if you don't get in this go around you will get in next time. Also take comfort in knowing that you will know by July, the way my school works I could get a call the day before classes start...that's not a whole lot of time to prepare.

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I am officially number 8 on the alternate list, so I feel good about my chances. One of my micro classmates was number 22 on the list last year and got in. I just hate the being in limbo too. I want to start buying my books and supplies and start studying.

All of the selected students and alternates have to turn in paperwork this week to let the school know if they are attending, so I hope enough people drop then that I will know something shortly.

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I'm wait listed for an accelerated BSN program, accepted to a traditional BSN program as a second degree student and waiting on word from another traditional BSN progam. It is SO nerve wracking and stressful. The program that I am accepted to is my last choice and the most expensive option. I hate the thought that I could get called off the wait list, I just want to know yes or no. If I don't get off the wait list or get into the other traditional BSN program I'm going to be stuck going to a super expensive school and tuition is due April 30 for summer classes which I need in order to start the nursing program in Jan. But I can't take out a loan yet because if I end up not going there what am I supposed to do?

As for whether or not its a blessing I go back and forth. Some days I'm angry and I wish they would have just rejected me, and other days I'm still hopeful. When I first found out I was upset and disheartened for a day or two, then I got to thinking that there's still a chance and based on how competitive it was I did pretty good making the wait list. I also started thinking that maybe that is not where I'm meant to be or the path I am meant to take. But then other days I'm stressed and upset about it.

Sorry, this is more of a rant!

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Specializes in Transplant, Med-Surg.
I'm wait listed for an accelerated BSN program, accepted to a traditional BSN program as a second degree student and waiting on word from another traditional BSN progam. It is SO nerve wracking and stressful. The program that I am accepted to is my last choice and the most expensive option. I hate the thought that I could get called off the wait list, I just want to know yes or no. If I don't get off the wait list or get into the other traditional BSN program I'm going to be stuck going to a super expensive school and tuition is due April 30 for summer classes which I need in order to start the nursing program in Jan. But I can't take out a loan yet because if I end up not going there what am I supposed to do?

As for whether or not its a blessing I go back and forth. Some days I'm angry and I wish they would have just rejected me, and other days I'm still hopeful. When I first found out I was upset and disheartened for a day or two, then I got to thinking that there's still a chance and based on how competitive it was I did pretty good making the wait list. I also started thinking that maybe that is not where I'm meant to be or the path I am meant to take. But then other days I'm stressed and upset about it.

Sorry, this is more of a rant!

I definitely understand the frustration! Ever since I found out I was waitlisted, I've felt as if I were in limbo and it's really hard to get back up after that kind of notification even though you have to because life just keeps moving :crying2: . I feel the same way, glad that I got on the waitlist but upset because I wish there was a definite answer. While I'm trying really hard to keep my hopes up and putting more effort into classes and just doing what I have to do, it's hard. I'm still waiting to hear back from another school (an ABSN) and while people are already hearing back about their acceptances, I'm still really nervous about it because I know my essay probably wasn't my best in comparison to the ones I wrote for other schools. Trying hard not to concentrate on what I could've done but it's not easy.

For the school you are waitlisted in, did they already tell you when you would be notified with a definite answer? Perhaps it's possible to call them and let them know that you've been accepted to another program but since that school is your first choice, you were wondering if you could find out an answer in advance. Or at least, the earliest you could be notified of their decision. I know that for some people who are waiting for their acceptances to other schools and already need to notify other programs of their decision, they just went ahead and called the school to let them know their situation. Especially since you have to let them know by April 30th, so I'm very sure that they'll make an exception for you. And hey, at least you've been accepted to a program already! Congratulations! :)

I'm applying to another program in the meantime to see if I can increase my chances of getting in somewhere. I'm worried that I'll be rejected by all the schools I applied to but I need to keep my head up until I get a definite answer. It's not the end of the world to be waitlisted or rejected but sometimes, it sure does feel like it! Good luck and hopefully you'll be able to work out something with your first choice school!

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For the school you are waitlisted in, did they already tell you when you would be notified with a definite answer? !

That's the worst part. They said it could be any time between March and the first day of classes (late May). And that frustrates me even more, how am I supposed to plan anything, find a place to live, get settled etc if they call me the day before classes start (even though that is highly unlikely). And there is no numerical ranking so its completely up in the air!

I might call the people at the second traditional BSN program that I have not heard from yet. They said they would be sending notification out soon, but I really need to know now. That program is only a couple thousand more expensive than the ABSN, and the location and pace would suit my life better. I had thought about calling/emailing, but I wasn't sure if that would be appropriate. How would you word/ask such a question?

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