VCU ABSN Summer 2017 Hopefuls

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Hello everyone!

I know it's somewhat early to start a topic, but the threads from the previous years have been extremely helpful to look through. Especially seeing the stats of the previous students who have been accepted.

I am currently a student at VCU who will be graduating in May, and I am majoring in Health Science. My current GPA is 3.45. I have completed all of the pre-requisites except Anatomy and Physiology, which I am currently taking at a community college. I am about to finish part 1 of A&P with an A. I am a little worried about this course because I took Anatomy at VCU and didn't finish with the grade I liked, so I am retaking it now. I was wondering if anyone knew if retaking a class could seriously impact a decision?

I have a pretty average SAT score. (I was thinking about taking the GRE in hopes of getting a high score and submitting those instead of the SAT, but I'm not sure if I should?) I have volunteer experience at the ER at MCV, and plenty of volunteer experience outside of the health field. I have also participated in several clubs. I have a CNA license, and I worked as a CNA for about a year before entering college.

I am also applying to Bon Secours, but I am researching other programs as well. I am hoping to hear from former and current students and any advice about the application process!

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Hi fellow applicant! Thank you for starting this page. I found the previous year posts very helpful as well so I'm glad you got the ball rolling for this year's applicants :) You sound like a great candidate for the program!! Especially with the CNA experience, that's going to really help. I graduated from VCU in May 2015 with a degree in psychology and have been working as a medical assistant since then. VCU is my top choice for nursing school so I am really hoping to get in. Fingers crossed! I will probably also apply to UVA's accelerated nursing program which is the masters degree clinical nurse leader, but VCU being my alma mater is still my top choice! I graduated with a 3.84 GPA from VCU and have taken Microbiology and A&P part 1 and 2 at my local community college since I didn't take those in undergrad. My SAT and ACT scores weren't that stellar, but will suffice I hope! I have been gaining quality experience in the medical field working as a medical assistant and volunteering at a local free clinic. So far, I've submitted most parts of the application except the essays! Still working on those. Eek! Here's hoping we all get into the program and grow to become future nurses together! :)

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In response to your question about retaking a class, I haven't retaken one but I would assume as long as you show you improved and did better this time around then that's what really matters! Good luck with A&P part 2!

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Specializes in Medicine, Step-Down, Cystic Fibrosis.

Hey vcu17. You sound like a great asset to the program. Retaking a class yielding a better grade is a good idea and shows determination. I don't think that would be a make it or break it deal though.

My SATs were 1090 (on old scale of 1600) and GRE was 800 (took it for a completely different program). I don't think those are weighted as heavily the longer you're out of high school. ASBN is not graduate school so GRE isn't necessary.

Good luck with the process. I think you're a strong candidate. I loved VCU ABSN and work at VCU Health now.

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Specializes in Psych/Med Surg/Ortho/Tele/Peds.

My mom is an instructor in the Nursing Program ~ good luck to you all!

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I too have been referring to the previous groups to help calm my nerves and gain better insight. I will be graduating in May with a Health Sciences degree. My grades aren't the strongest and I too have had to retake some classes but I did receive better grades in them. I also became a preceptor for anatomy assisting the students when the needed help. I have volunteered in the NICU and Pediatric floors for the past three years and I am currently working at MCV as a Care Partner on the surgical unit. I am hoping that my experience will make up for my lower GPA. I am more than nervous about decisions.

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Hey all!

First, thank you so much for creating this! I am hoping it will calm my nerves! I finished my application and sent it in so now I wait. I attended an accelerated informational session/tour at the vcu school of nursing today and fell even more in love! I was a nursing major at the beginning of my under grad career but ending up graduating from JMU with a degree in social work. I rediscovered my passion for healthcare and am dead set on vcu. I have tons of volunteer experience, however, I am nervous i wasn't able to touch on all of it in the essay portion because of the word count limitation. My under grad gpa was around a 3.8 and my sat scores are above the minimum requirement. I was going to take the gre but I called the admissions office and they stated that as long as you meet the minimum requirement you shouldn't retake for a better score. Your test scores are not weighted very highly in the selection process. I am just banking on my essays, experience, and references at this point! Best of luck to all of us and December could not come fast enough!

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Specializes in Peds, Med-Surg, Disaster Nsg, Parish Nsg.

Your thread has been moved to the Nursing Schools / Colleges forum where the other school specific discussions are. We hope you will receive additional responses in this new location.

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So I applied to the Summer 2017 program. About 3 days ago I go a financial aid offer/package from VCU. Has anyone else gotten financial aid info? Why would they put together an aid package about two months before decisions are made? Just trying to figure out if this is a good sign or just standard procedure.

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Hi everyone! The boat of nerves fills by the day, doesn't it! My name is Rachael and I graduated from American University with a BA degree in communications so I'm currently taking my prerequisites for the ABSN program as we speak! Curious to know if anyone else is doing the same or is in a similar position... Anywho, it's great to have a forum like allnurses so we can all be in good company and share our experiences. Just as most of you have mentioned, I too have read previous threads which have both helped and elicited additional anxiety, so my main goal is to stay positive and know that this is all part of the process.

stone9c - did you fill out your FAFSA 2017-2018 prior to receiving VCU's package and/or was there a monetary offer for financial aid included? If so I would take it as a good sign!

Looking forward to continuing our discussion as December 15th approaches! Good luck everyone!

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Specializes in Psychiatric/Co-occurring Disorders.

Hey there,

I am currently enrolled in VCU's accelerated BS Nursing program and will be graduating in just a few days. At the time that I applied there was a student in the accelerated program who was really helpful in answering my questions. In fact, she continued to answer my questions throughout the entirety of the program. Therefore, I would be more than happy to try and answer any questions that you guys might have regarding the program. :)

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Hello @MJane29

This is so nice of you to offer some guidance. I am literally a boat load of nerves as the decision date grows near. Do you mind me asking what you background is that lead to your acceptance into the program?

Thanks again for your help!

richmondliving. Aka. Ashley

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