Wait listed for Nursing school--how should I take this?

Jen1228 · Nov 10, 2007

I go wait listed the first time I applied to nursing school. I was called and they told me that someone had decided not to enter and there was a spot for me. Unfortunately, I had already recieved the rejection letter so I did not take A&P 2 that summer before the nursing program started in the fall. I would have gotten in if it weren't for that. I did get in the next year though and the girl that had given up her spot was in that class with me. She had found out she was pregnant and wanted to wait to start. However, in my class and the two classes after mine, no one declined so no one off the wait list was called. We had a couple of people drop out within the first 2 weeks of classes and the instructors told us it was too late to let anyone else in because of all the things that needed to be completed already for clinicals (background check, CPR, physical, etc.) I would apply to every nursing school I could, just to better your odds. Good luck and I hope this helps!

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Nov 10, 2007

Hi, haleygirl, and welcome to allnurses! :welcome:

You should be posting this on the General Nursing Student Discussion Forum. Click on the "Students" tab at the top of any allnurses page you are on to get to it. You'll get more responses.

I was originally put on a waiting list at my original school of nursing. I was admitted the next semester. This happens. I've heard there are schools where people are waiting for 5 years to get in.

widi96 · Nov 10, 2007

Wait List or Alternate - you need to find out if the school has both.

At one area school they just have a wait list, which means you could possibly get in, you are just on the list of people.

Another area school has a wait list and an alternate list. The wait list is those who are still being considered for the program, but will NOT get in for that semester. They choose 5 or so alternates who are offered spots in the event someone declines admittance.

jlcole45 · Nov 10, 2007

Haleygirl,

Stay on the list. I've read that part of the problem is the shortage of nursing instructors, as a result they have to limit class sizes and even the opening of new programs.

Be patient you will eventually get in.

Good luck

medicgrrl · Nov 10, 2007

Have faith...I was wait listed twice for Northern Illinois University and finally received notification that I was in for Spring of 2008. However, I got accepted to RUSH University Medical Center for Fall 2007 right away. In the interim, I'd apply to all of the programs you can.

RNperdiem, RN · Nov 11, 2007

Yes, I was #6 on my school's wait list, and I got in. It seems that a number dropped out when the mandatory first meeting for everyone(including waitlisted) went over exactly what nursing school would entail in terms of time commitment and expectations.

HM2VikingRN, RN · Nov 11, 2007

I just found out today that I have been wait listed for the Spring(2008) at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences. I feel discouraged because I am not sure if there will be a spot for me.The letter said we could be notified as late as January 08'.
Has anyone here ever been wait listed and actually got in? Is there a number of people who declince acceptance? Let me know....

I was accepted after being put on a waiting list. Don't panic. Keep yourself in their minds by regular email contacts. Get your financial aid in line. Apply to other area schools for admission and to be put on their waiting list. Each of these draw energy to your desire to be a nurse.

This is the approach I used and it worked.

Pinning ceremony 12/15/2007.

RheatherN, ASN, RN, EMT-P · Nov 11, 2007

My school had a 3 yr wait when i got on the bottom of the list, i moved up and got in in 2 yrs cuz of ppl dropping it, going to another major or to another school.

i hear now the list is up to 4 yrs!

GL!

I dont know how you can just be off of the list or not on suddenly..

-H-

turbohound · Nov 11, 2007

Don't be discouraged:) Many people use the "shotgun" approach to nursing school applications, and apply to many schools. Then they see where they get in, and choose. Here in CA, it's not uncommon to go deep into the waitlist. You'll be fine:)

haleygirl · Nov 11, 2007

Thanks for the info. I just don't know how to feel about being put on the waiting list. I'm going to call the admissions director tomorrow and see if he'll meet with me.

jlcole45 · Nov 13, 2007

haleygirl,

I suspect what happened is that there are a lot of good candidates and they had to make some tough choices. Don't feel insulted. At least you made the waiting list. If they didn't want you they would have sent you the Thanks but no thanks letter. It's just they don't have enough seats to take all the qualified candidates.

You mentioned Carbarrus Co. like in NC? If so, then you are just outside Charlotte which has a large population, which means more folks applying to a limited amount of nursing schools.

Keep it in perspective girl! You did make the acceptance list, you just have to be patient.

Let me ask a question. Is this the first time you've not made the first cut, so to speak?