Wasn't accepted to the RN program at LBCC, now what?

[theloneran6er]

Hello all!

I am new here but have been scouring the site for about a year now. I also just applied to the RN program at LBCC but found out that I was not accepted today. My friend was accepted and said he got a letter today, I did not. So I went to the nursing office and asked the lady at the front and she confirmed that I was in fact not selected. I also asked if she knew why or if they would let us know why and she said no. I feel very let down, disappointed in myself, and just generally bummed out. My counselor had told me that I had a pretty good shot at getting in but I guess that wasn't the case. Perhaps someone can shed a little light on my problem?

I have the following grades:

Anatomy: A

Physiology: A

Microbiology: B

English: B

Sociology: A

Speech: C

Psychology: in progress, likely an A

All proficiencies have already been met.

I also just received my Bachelors, however, my GPA from CSULB and LBCC combined is only 2.43 due to some unfortunate events a couple of years ago having to due with me not dropping a lot of classes. (Which I think may have affected my eligibility) Now I'm regretting that I turned in my CSULB transcripts since my LBCC GPA alone was 2.83. I'm wondering if that had a lot of weight on their decision or if I'm just beating myself up. And now I'm freaked out because I know they are increasing the minimum cumulative GPA to 2.5 for the next semester, which I do not have, and now they already have my CSULB transcripts!

I am so sad that I didn't get in and I would really like to know how far off I was to getting in, why I didn't get in, and what I could do to improve my chances for next semester. I was also wondering if I should try to talk to the department head to find out where I went wrong and if she could suggest anything or if I should just keep applying.

With all that said, I'm beginning to wonder if I will even ever get in due to my poor cumulative GPA. They also mentioned something about alternates? How does this work and does it really exist at LBCC? How do I know if I'm an alternate? I thought I was a pretty good candidate in the first place but I guess not.

If anyone has faced a similar plight and still managed to get in with a low GPA, how long did it take? I'm 30 years old and trying to make a career change and I have been completely overwhelmed by this rejection. I have also applied at Cerritos and will apply at all of the other local schools for the spring.

All of my friends that are nurses have been telling me that I'll get in but I just feel very discouraged.

So I guess I'm really wondering if you guys think I still have a good chance for next semester or if I should go the LVN route.

Any insight, advice, or encouragement would be greatly appreciated.

[wannabe an rn]

Sorry you're disappointed, but if your cumulative GPA is less than the minimum required for admission (in this case, a 2.5 GPA), then you're not eligible for that particular program. I believe Cypress college still accepts with a 2.0 cuml GPA.

You MUST turn in your CSULB and any other transcripts to the colleges you are applying for admission. Yes, without those transcripts you feel you would be eligible - but if your hiding academic records this is academic dishonesty and could cause you to be removed from the program (since technically you weren't eligible). Yes, schools can (and often do) find out about hidden records.

Expand your options beyond just one school. RN programs in the area are highly competitive and you need to be flexible and go where you can get admitted - which isn't always your first choice.

Good luck to you.

I suggest expanding your options as well. In fact, many programs suggest that you apply to several nursing programs, not just one.

[theloneran6er]

My friend just got his letter for Spring 2011 today, however I did not. I'm pretty sure that means I didn't get in, again! We have the same science GPA but his cumulative is 3.7 where as mine is only 2.5. I was an alternate for fall 2010 and this was my second application, yet I was still not accepted. I have also applied at cypress and am waiting to apply to golden west in january. I think that the lady at the front may have affected my chances as I was told that she averaged my GPA from CSULB with my GPA from LBCC which mucked it up and made it higher than it actually was. THey also said however that it did not matter because since when I first applied the GPA requirement was only 2.0 that I would be grandfathered in. Hopefully I will be an alternate again and maybe be selected this time. If not, then perhaps I will get into cypress or golden west since those are based upon both grades and lottery...

[nomsa]

LBCC require you to have a computer class or refrence that shows that you have copmuter experience. I did not apply there because the counselor told me to take the computer class in order to be placed in the selection list. They do accept your application but its hard to get in without the computer class. i sorry try other colleges.

[theloneran6er]

I have completed all prerequisites including the computer classes. I have done all of the science prerequisites, pysch, sociology, speech, etc. I also have a bachelors which takes care of the english, math, reading, etc. My science GPA is good with 2 A's in physio and anatomy with a B in Micro. My Lbcc cumulative GPA is 3.0 but combined with my CSULB GPA it is a mere 2.5 from my undergraduate work. I have excellent letters of recommendation from my floors director and several charge nurses from Hoag Hospital. I have 2 years work experience as a CC/TT. I just really want to go to LBCC, especially since it is right by my house and because that is where I have been going my entire college career. I wil gladley go to cypress or golden west, I would just prefer LBCC. Hopefully I will be an alternate and get selected this time around???

[lifelearningrn, BSN, RN]

Have you looked into BSN programs? There are a lot of programs designed for students who already hold a BS in another field. I think you should seriously think about taking this route.

[redmango]

I just really want to go to LBCC, especially since it is right by my house and because that is where I have been going my entire college career. I wil gladley go to cypress or golden west, I would just prefer LBCC. Hopefully I will be an alternate and get selected this time around???

Hi theloneran6er,

I completely understand what your going thru as I too was an alternate last Fall at LBCC expecting I'd be in for sure Spring 11' which also I wasn't accepted. So I totally understand the frustrations. Honestly after getting rejected the first time everyone told me to apply everywhere and I did. I also had all my classes at LBCC but it seems that doesn't matter to them. I myself wonder what they look for but I'm assuming a high GPA with no "C"s or "W"s on your transcript.

I luckily got accepted in Cerritos College and I'm glad I applied at other schools. My advice is apply everywhere, everywhere, everywhere. It'll make your chances of getting in somewhere much better and other schools are not so GPA based so as long as you meet their requrements they put you in a lottery system. I too felt that I only want to go to LBCC but as I looked at Cerritos they have a high NCLEX pass rate also and the campus is nice and parking is great.

I also have a friend that has our similar story, she too got an alternate last semester and got an alternate again this semester but as far as I know she hasn't been called yet if someone didn't pass their Teas or background check. Plus her counsler said the same thing that her probablity of getting in looks good by her GPA.

So don't get discouraged. Keep applying, take classes toward the LVN in the mean time because they prepare you for what to expect in the program. Their pre reqs like pharmacology and nursing fundamentals are useful while your waiting.

Just don't stop, eventually you will be there and it's the happiest feeling when you get your acceptance letter. :)

Good Luck !!!

[blackpuggy]

I trully sorry for your condition. This career is about passion and determination. I am not talking about getting into the program, but treating and carring your pt. is ten times fold. And if you're not a character of helping others, may be other career options might satisfy your goals, or continue to get a master. However, if you still want to continue, increase your GPA by taking more of the 5-units classes; its will boost your gpa faster. Anyhow, keep on trying and open up your horizon. One rejection won't kill you but you need to keep on going. Think of everyday is a new day, and every new day is the day of opportunity. LIVE, LEARN, LOVE, EXPLORE, then die HAPPY.