UWM nursing program

[SELnurse]

Hey! I am currently a pre-nursing student at UWM. I am curious if anyone has any suggestions on getting in the program. I apply this summer for the Spring 2012 program and I am looking for ideas to put on my application to make me stand out or what my chances are of getting in...

So far... I have a 3.3GPA but my nursing GPA is slightly higher (about 3.5 estimate). I have 300+ volunteer hours in the past 2 years including americacorps, americaReads, a free local clinic, volunteer work in Hong Kong teaching children English, and other community based volunteer work. I also have had a job throughout college. I currently work as a nanny. I am wondering if getting my CNA would benefit me? I am also applying to be a chemistry tutor next semester. I have traveled to Hong Kong to study abroad for a semester. I will be joining a nursing mentoring club on campus as well next semester as well as working with one of my professors for world health day to explain the importance of nursing students studying abroad. Besides this, I am planning on doing some volunteer work at a hospital in my area. If anyone has applied for this program, please tell me your story! Whether you got in or not... Again, I am also looking for suggestions as to how to better improve my chances.

I am also dyslexic and I am wondering if it is a good idea to put this on my application to show how hard I work and the accomplishments I have achieved despite the obstacles-- I have actually been a note-taker for other students with disabilities in my classes in the past. Or... would this be something to keep hidden as they may think that I won't be able to think quickly and efficiently in times of an emergency?

Besides this, I am looking for back-up plans in case I don't get accepted. Does anyone know of other good programs that you automatically are accepted into? I heard that cardinal stritch does as well as alverno? It doesn't need to be in WI if it's private though...

Please tell me your stories and suggestions/advice! Anything is welcome!!

Thanks!

[Nurs23Student]

SELNurse,

I am applying to the UWM program also. I noticed you said you weren't accepted into the program and I am shocked! Everything you said you've done makes me wonder why you wouldn't have gotten in right away? If this isn't too personal, would you mind telling me why you didn't get accepted? Was it just too full?

Thanks

[williams84]

Just a note: I am a white female who was able to get in on my first try. I am finishing up the 3B semester. Most of my classmates are second degree students. A large majority of my class is also white.

[SELnurse]

It is very difficult for those to get in on the first try, though. In my experience, I have not met anyone who has that was a traditional student, but it is not impossible. Do you mind if I ask how you got in? =) what was your GPA?

[SELnurse]

Also, are you a traditional student or a returning student?

[williams84]

2nd degree, veteran, science gpa was a 3.8. I can't tell you why you didn't get in, but have you calculated just your science gpa? When I was applying they said that was a big number that they took into consideration. The program is heavily science-based.

All I can recommend is that you re-apply for the Fall. You probably won't have to change much in your application if you were waitlisted. It's definitely too late for them to have a grade for any retakes, but sometimes they like to see effort on your current class schedule. Believe me, there are still plenty of 20-21 year olds in my class to make me feel old.

[Nurs23Student]

Thanks for all the information!

I am not a second degree student. I did transfer from MATC (to cut costs), but I have received all A's and A-'s. I'm taking my final pre-reqs at UWM and so far I think I'm getting all A's as well. Hopefully being a transfer student doesn't weigh on their decision but I've maintained a high 3.8-3.9 gpa overall. I also have over hundreds of hours of volunteer work and while I do not have any healthcare related work (except for some of my volunteer experiences and CNA course), I have very good work history.

Even though I've worked so hard, I still am quite worried about getting in. Why do you think there's more second degree students?

[williams84]

I honestly think there are more 2nd degree students because UWM is one of the few schools in SE Wisconsin that will take credits from previous degrees. I know Marquette would make you start from scratch since they're a direct-entry program. Plus, once you have a bachelors in something, it doesn't make you feel as good to earn something less than that. Price is always good, too.

[williams84]

Oh, and if you have any questions about the program, just let me know. I'll do my best to answer them.

[SELnurse]

Thanks for all the information!

I am not a second degree student. I did transfer from MATC (to cut costs), but I have received all A's and A-'s. I'm taking my final pre-reqs at UWM and so far I think I'm getting all A's as well. Hopefully being a transfer student doesn't weigh on their decision but I've maintained a high 3.8-3.9 gpa overall. I also have over hundreds of hours of volunteer work and while I do not have any healthcare related work (except for some of my volunteer experiences and CNA course), I have very good work history.

Even though I've worked so hard, I still am quite worried about getting in. Why do you think there's more second degree students?

You will def get in! They will not care where you got your credits. I don't think that having transfer credits will weigh their decision at all. I went to 2 other schools before UWM. Write a good essay and you are in for sure! Congrats on all of your hard work! It is sure to pay off. =)

[Nurs23Student]

To foxessb1-

Thanks so much! and that makes sense...I had no idea that schools even allowed you to use credits from previous degrees so that's pretty cool that UWM is one of the few. If I have any questions Ill be sure to ask you. Right now I'm just waiting it out to see if I even get into the program.

Thanks again! :)

[Nurs23Student]

SELnurse-

Thanks for your words of encouragement! I appreciate you also sharing your own personal experiences with UWM.

Where are you attending school now? I'm trying to look into other places in case I'm not accepted for a back-up plan. Regardless of whether or not I'm accepted into the UWM program, I will continue to work hard and earn a degree in Nursing. Hopefully, you're choosing to do the same...you sound like a great person just from reading all the volunteer work you've been involved with and of course, your willingness to respond back to my posts.

[SELnurse]

I am currently at UWM this semester-- I was just put on the waiting list this time around. However, I have been accepted into MSOE's nursing program. It's a bit more expensive ( about $15,000 in loans for me each year), but the education is great there! If you are looking into other programs, I would suggest MSOE. They have a direct entry program so if you are accepted into their school, you are automatically a nursing student. They also have a 100% pass rate for the NCLEX and a 97% job placement for new grads. Honestly, I feel that you should get into UWM's program without any problems, but it is good to have a plan B. =)

Good luck to you in the future!