What are my chances of being accepted?

botmann · Jan 29, 2020

As much as I agree with Tony above, unfortunately, with some schools, such as most of the California State Universities and community colleges, there are no essays or resumes in the applications. They're really do come down to grades and test scores because those items give points. The programs will then take the top point earners. Some it's about qualifying to be in the lottery selection.

The graduate or accelerated bachelor's programs, in general, want the letters of recommendation, resume, various essays, or an interview. They want to make the candidate fits their vision and not wanting to be a nurse purely for money; those candidates generally don't last in the profession.

I know I got into CSUEB spring 2020 cohort based on grades, test scores, school attended, health work/volunteer experience because there were no essays (starting for Fall 2020 cohort there are essays). Johns Hopkins, not that my grades did not matter, they were not the focus. That's to show I can handle the rigors. My guess, it was about the information I submitted and that I matched their vision.

Research nursing schools. See what they offer; does it match what you want to achieve from nursing school. See the requirements; do you meet them. Ask questions, go to information sessions. There is a school for you.

davidnguyen1023 · Feb 2, 2020

On 1/29/2020 at 12:54 AM, botmann said:
I cannot say what major "looks" better to admissions personnel for direct entry MSN programs. Obviously some majors may be more helpful in preparing for the rigors. Personally, I say major in something you find interesting and can use to find work. My bachelors is in economics. which I earned many years ago.
As for grades and the requirements, it really depends on the programs. In general, a lot of nursing programs want a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Some programs want higher, some will take lower. You have to check with the programs and you may want to ask. For example, UC Davis is very strick if your bachelor issuing school's transcript does not show 3.0. They will not look at any grades from school before that school or anything after obtaining the bachelor's. In my case, mine did not and I wrote and asked specifically about people who transferred and was advised I would not be considered. On the other hand, UCLA and Johns Hopkins both said they want a 3.0 GPA, but will consider those who are below. I wrote UCLA about the GPA and was told they do a more holistic approach, but I would need to show I was a significantly better student now than back then and would need really good essays and letters of recommendation. They also said given my past, I would need at least Bs in all my classes in my post-bachelorette work; although it the website said you need C or better in your science courses. Johns Hopkins, they do the holistic approach too and want 3.0. They do say and are strict about wanting B- in all science courses. I saw some programs want GRE scores; UCLA and Johns Hopkins did not require them. I saw one program in Riverside California wanted TEAS scores (which they would only accept scores no older than a year).
I would not say the programs are really strick towards their requirement per se. They have to use these things as a way to narrow down the candidate pool so they do not have to read all four hundred plus application essays. Very similar to people applying to four-year universities for bachelors. In regards to the TEAS, there is some evidence that score is an indicator of how well students can handle rigors of the program; this is material you're supposed to have a good knowledge base on.
In your situation, I would look at what programs are requiring, ask them any questions or concerns you have, and try your best. If you want to be a nurse, any of these programs will get you there. Realize you may not get in on the first try. You may need a bridge program to get your BSN or MSN. I've heard the bridge programs are not as competitive. CSUEB said during the information session I went to that pretty much everyone who applies the ADN-BSN bridge program that qualifies gets a spot because it's usually not impacted; if it is, it's a lottery. Lastly, being on the waitlist is not a bad thing. Sometimes the schools will actually end up going through the waitlist.

Thank you for your explanation and advice, I am definitely taking considering the other Nursing paths besides the entry level BSN. I have just been worrying a lot about the nursing major and getting accepted into the school(s); it's a lot more complicated than other majors. But it is definitely no worry if you don't get in on the first try. I have been comparing the different guidelines for each individual schools around the bay and am reading more about them on the way as well.

-David

botmann · Feb 3, 2020

4 hours ago, davidnguyen1023 said:
... I have just been worrying a lot about the nursing major and getting accepted into the school(s); it's a lot more complicated than other majors. ...

You'll find in that almost all nursing schools have very similar requirements. They tend to differ in the TEAS score(s), cumulative GPA, or science GPA. There will be some slight variation on some classes. There are a couple that will have a class that very few schools offer, but they do.

From there is how to determine scores, ie what's weighed more, how repeated are viewed, repeated TEAS exams treated, and so forth. Keep this straight for all the scores can be daunting.

The application process is another area that can add another layer of confusion. Since you're in California, almost all the CSUs use NursingCAS. It helps quite a bit. Unless you go that CSU, you have to apply to CSU itself, then the nursing school. Most are not at the same time. Most it's the school first, then the nursing program a couple of months later. I missed Sac State the first time around because I thought I would get an email to let me know the nursing school application being open; it did not. The community colleges, it's different for each school on how to apply.

NursingCAS is nice because a lot of schools throughout the country use it. Quite a few graduate nursing programs too. On a side note, the NursingCAS and Apply to CSU are the same company, but different sites, but use the same password.

End the day, the hardest part about getting into nursing school is the amount of competition to get in. And it does not matter whether it's ADN, BSN, direct entry BSN or MSN. All the schools get significantly more applicants than openings. In general, you'll be looking at 400 - 600 applicants for about 50 spots. For the spring 2020 cohort at CSUEB, the rumor was about 990 applicants for 60 spots. Some schools will have a history on their webpages with number of applicants, number of spots, average GPA(s) and TEAS scores. You'll see fluctuations when the applicant pool will be under 400, and other times close to 1000. Sometimes the schools will go through their waitlist.

Towards BSN and ADN, the public schools are probably significantly more competitive than private schools. They are significantly cheaper than any private school. Graduate programs, including direct entry, the cost difference remains true. I suspect they're closer in how competitive the applicant pool. I may not be the best person to ask about that since two of the three programs I applied were in the top 20 in rankings.

What I can tell you from experience, apply to several schools. I suggest ADN, BSN, and direct entry programs. I applied to the ADN program at the community college I was going my prereqs, four CSU BSN programs, and three direct entry MSN programs. I got into CSUEB BSN after being waitlisted. Rejected by the University of San Diego's direct-entry MSN. I got into Johns Hopkins direct entry MSN; I got into their early decision pool. I was having to pay application fees and apply to schools because I did not have decisions for any schools yet. I also used help from family and friends to make sure my resume and essays were the best I could make them. I put in the work, but they help with the final polish in the presentation.

It's going to feel overwhelming at times and discouraging. Keep plugging away. If you really want it, you'll figure a way to get there. If it was easy, everyone would do it. Hopefully, you're not doing it for the money; although it pays well, it can be a bit of a brutal profession. Without the right mindset, you'll get burned out.

I wish you luck in your ventures. Be confident in who you are at all times. People will take notice and it will reflect in your life.

davidnguyen1023 · Feb 25, 2020

On 2/2/2020 at 8:46 PM, botmann said:
You'll find in that almost all nursing schools have very similar requirements. They tend to differ in the TEAS score(s), cumulative GPA, or science GPA. There will be some slight variation on some classes. There are a couple that will have a class that very few schools offer, but they do.
From there is how to determine scores, ie what's weighed more, how repeated are viewed, repeated TEAS exams treated, and so forth. Keep this straight for all the scores can be daunting.
The application process is another area that can add another layer of confusion. Since you're in California, almost all the CSUs use NursingCAS. It helps quite a bit. Unless you go that CSU, you have to apply to CSU itself, then the nursing school. Most are not at the same time. Most it's the school first, then the nursing program a couple of months later. I missed Sac State the first time around because I thought I would get an email to let me know the nursing school application being open; it did not. The community colleges, it's different for each school on how to apply.
NursingCAS is nice because a lot of schools throughout the country use it. Quite a few graduate nursing programs too. On a side note, the NursingCAS and Apply to CSU are the same company, but different sites, but use the same password.
End the day, the hardest part about getting into nursing school is the amount of competition to get in. And it does not matter whether it's ADN, BSN, direct entry BSN or MSN. All the schools get significantly more applicants than openings. In general, you'll be looking at 400 - 600 applicants for about 50 spots. For the Spring 2020 cohort at CSUEB, the rumor was about 990 applicants for 60 spots. Some schools will have a history on their webpages with number of applicants, number of spots, average GPA(s) and TEAS scores. You'll see fluctuations when the applicant pool will be under 400, and other times close to 1000. Sometimes the schools will go through their waitlist.
Towards BSN and ADN, the public schools are probably significantly more competitive than private schools. They are significantly cheaper than any private school. Graduate programs, including direct entry, the cost difference remains true. I suspect they're closer in how competitive the applicant pool. I may not be the best person to ask about that since two of the three programs I applied were in the top 20 in rankings.
What I can tell you from experience, apply to several schools. I suggest ADN, BSN, and direct entry programs. I applied to the ADN program at the community college I was going my prereqs, four CSU BSN programs, and three direct entry MSN programs. I got into CSUEB BSN after being waitlisted. Rejected by the University of San Diego's direct-entry MSN. I got into Johns Hopkins direct entry MSN; I got into their early decision pool. I was having to pay application fees and apply to schools because I did not have decisions for any schools yet. I also used help from family and friends to make sure my resume and essays were the best I could make them. I put in the work, but they help with the final polish in the presentation.
It's going to feel overwhelming at times and discouraging. Keep plugging away. If you really want it, you'll figure a way to get there. If it was easy, everyone would do it. Hopefully, you're not doing it for the money; although it pays well, it can be a bit of a brutal profession. Without the right mindset, you'll get burned out.
I wish you luck in your ventures. Be confident in who you are at all times. People will take notice and it will reflect in your life.

Sorry for the very late reply. I appreciate you explaining to me all this information; I am indeed applying to several schools, 3 CSUs (BSN) and 5 Community Colleges (ADN) programs to be exact. I hope I get into at least an ADN program. I actually did not realize that many people applied to the CSUEB program you mentioned; a rumored 990 applicants sound insane haha. I wish you good luck in your studies and future as well!