TIPS on getting into nursing school

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Hi there,

I applied for the WSU BSN program and was waitlisted. I am hopeful that I will get accepted, but want to strengthen my application in the time that I am waiting so that I am prepared to apply again if I need to. I already have my BS in Biomedical Science. I currently work as a CMA for an orthopedic trauma surgeon. My pre req GPA was a 3.87 (and I took higher level classes than most do for pre-reqs), TEAS test score was in the 95th percentile for the program, and I used to teach and tutor pre nursing students.

I feel that overall I am a decently well rounded candidate....I am wondering if anyone sees any large gaps that I can fill to make my application stronger for the next go around!

Thanks!

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Honestly, I'm shocked you didnt get into the nursing program! Like overall what you have is outstanding!! If I was on the admissions committee I would have accepted you in a heart beat! Do you have any clubs you can join? Or internships you can do like at an HR department or something? Or go on a church retreat? Something that will stand out thats different you know? You've got the grades & exam score & I know you've been a tutor & are a CMA but what about extra curricular activities?

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Specializes in ICU.

It depends on what they look at. Do they consider extra activities? Was there an interview or essay? Why did you take higher level prereqs than what is needed? It may just come down to people had a better GPA. If you have 100 people apply for 20 spots and 20 people have a higher gpa than you, than you get wait listed. Sometimes, it's just about numbers.

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We can all make suggestions, but have you considered contacting the school to ask them what would make you a stronger candidate in their eyes? That will not only get you the most useful and accurate info, but will show the school that you are serious about pursuing admission there.

In general, nursing has become ridiculously competitive in the last 15-20 yrs because of all the demand (how many people want to become RNs). You'd be amazed at who's not getting into nursing school these days. Best wishes for your journey!

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It depends on what they look at. Do they consider extra activities? Was there an interview or essay? Why did you take higher level prereqs than what is needed? It may just come down to people had a better GPA. If you have 100 people apply for 20 spots and 20 people have a higher gpa than you, than you get wait listed. Sometimes, it's just about numbers.

I took higher level classes because I was originally a pre med/PA student. Completed my BS in Biomedical Science before I realized I wanted to do nursing instead. I do think that GPA is very important to this school. I'm just looking for other options to make my application better than retaking classes. I know I could have interviewed better so I will definitely work on that if I don't get in off of the waitlist. I do have a lot of extra curricular activities in my past but nothing from the past 2 years. Maybe I need to get some more recent volunteer work in.

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I'm confused at to why you didn't get in. I would apply to UW if I were you. They generally take stats like you'd from what I read. Northwest university is pretty easy to get into.

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I'm confused at to why you didn't get in. I would apply to UW if I were you. They generally take stats like you'd from what I read. Northwest university is pretty easy to get into.

My husband is just now graduating PT school in Spokane so we thought it best for us to stay here for job opportunities. If I don't get in this rotation though I will definitely consider other programs!

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That's reasonable.

Just wanted to let you know, northwest university in Kirkland takes applicants even past the priority deadline (which was in January I think) on a first come, first serve basis. It's Wayyyy too long a commute from Spokane though. It's also a Christian university so you would need to take that into consideration also. Just putting in my 2 cents because it's an AMAZING program.

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