University of Washington?

[Jae8826]

Hello,

I am currently a junior in high school and UW is my top choice school. I was wondering if it was worth it to apply (if I even get in) then possibly not get into the nursing program and transfer somewhere else? Their website says only 94/400+ students get into the program so I would really have to work my butt off to at least get to the essay portion. It would be great if anyone could share their experiences! Also, what are you all's opinions on having a minor? I've looked through other threads with some saying it's impossible and others having done it. I really want to minor in Korean, but would it be possible with the intense nursing school schedule?

Another thing, what was/is your nursing school schedule like?

Sorry for all of the questions, I just haven't found the answers to any of them yet. :)

Thanks!!

PS.- I am in a dual enrollment health/nursing class with a local community college and by the end I will be a CNA, will that help any? I am also starting a volunteer position at a local hospital in December and I'm really excited!

[JLoya]

Hi there. Quick and simple response.

For me, I got my AA at a community college while continuing to build on my healthcare experience. UW doesnt just look at grades when inviting you to the proctored essay. They look at your Personal Statement, Volunteering and/or work experience. For me, I had 10 years as an ER Tech to begin with, BUT, there was also someone in my class who just over the minimal requirements to get in the program. If you don't have a lot of experience, don't stress yourself out trying to get into the program at the University level. Your classes are ridiculously huge and hard to get into.

IF you can prove on your APP via your P Statement, Volunteer or work experience, decent grades ( I got in with a 3.1 cumulative), then you should at least get an invite to the proctored essay. UW wants to see that you can succeed in managing life as well as school. They don't want just book smart people. Once you get into the proctored essay you have a 1 in 3 chance of getting in.

Hope that helps.

[adri.aco]

Great comment JLoya!

You'll definitely want to figure out what's most important to you when you take your prereqs. I've advised many students in your situation and the main things they have to weigh are cost, classroom size, class availability, and experience. The good news is that even if you don't complete them at UW, you'll be looked at equally as someone who did. We don't have any preference or spots reserved for UW students.

We've had people minor in the program. Languages and related degrees (Public Health, Psych, etc) are common for those who actually have a minor. The one thing you'll want to figure out is your workload, and how much you can handle. You can look at the curriculum grid to see how many credits you can expect each quarter in the BSN program, and figure out how much of the minor you can squeeze in. I've often found people have most of their Minor credits completed before starting, so that they aren't overloading themselves.

Working as a CNA is great experience! As JLoya mentioned, we're really looking to see if you can succeed academically and that nursing is a good fit for you. By working directly with nurses and patients, you'll have the opportunity to convince us that this program is a good fit.

Let me know if you have any other questions!