What are my chances?

[grace.sherwin]

I'm wondering what my chances are at getting it to a few nursing programs I've applied to. . .

Here's where I've applied:

Fanshawe - RPN

Western - Compressed RN

Western - RN BScN

U of T - RN BScN

Here's my Academic history:

2014 - 2017 Memorial Uni. Graduate BSSH 3.84 GPA (on a 4.0 Scale) Major: Anthropology & Minor: Aboriginal Studies

2008 - 2010- Fanshawe College: Hospitality Management (A avg.)

My high school marks (2003 - 07) were good (84 avg) but my science pre-reqs are low: 80 in Gr. 12 U Bio, 69 in Gr. 11 U Chem, 66 in Gr. 12 U Math.

I have a ton of work experience and school experience - just not in science. Do I have a shot at getting in anywhere? Please help me out :)

[mmanzella18]

Hey there!

So first off, I am a Michigander, so I cant really speak on behalf of the schools you applied to, but I can hopefully provide some guidance! I am currently in accelerated nursing school (which means I already had my bachelors and then went back to school again for a 13 month BSN).

So, GPA is obviously important, but it is the interview that matters! As far as the application, it is basically getting everything in by the deadline, which is sounds like you have already done. The toughest part about applying is the cost, and playing the waiting game! I waited like 6 months before I found out I was accepted! You sound like you are doing everything right! I would recommend you make copies of everything!!!!!!! So many of my schools that I applied to said that they never received anything because they have such a huge influx of applications coming in. Always save copies!!! Then you can scan and re-send anything right there on the spot.

So, after you apply, you should get called in for an interview. Here's what my process was like:

They give you a set time and date to come for your interview. Dress professionally, I went over to Express in their business section and bought a nice interview outfit and I have it ready to go for all my interviews, they have super cute stuff if you cant think of a good interview outfit! Anyway, so I had to fill out this questionnaire, I want to say 10 questions? This was for me to fill out while I was waiting to be called in for my interview. For example, if a convicted murderer was your patient for the day, would you care for them?

THESE QUESTIONS ARE IMPORTANT. You will be asked questions in your interview about nursing! So here is the big one, "Why do you want to be a nurse?" This is a guaranteed question for you. Think this over, and dont ever say its because the money is good! That is a horrible answer. For me, I chose to be a nurse because I want to join the military and I feel like I will never plateau with nursing, theres so many things you can do with it.

If you do land an interview, I would recommend asking nurses what they do, make sure you know what skills are involved in nursing so you can answer the questions they throw at you. Then when you are done, get the names of the people who interviewed you and send a hand written thank you letter. It makes you stand out. Lastly, someone always told me, at the end of an interview, when they ask "Do you have any questions for us?" dont ever say no. Always ask a couple questions, it shows you have passion for their program. Worked for me!

Good luck!

[grace.sherwin]

Thank you so much! This is SO helpful :) You are the best!

[mmanzella18]

No problem! I should also tell you that its okay if you dont know a lot about science, use that to your advantage! One girl in my program had a fashion degree and shes doing just fine! Sometimes they like people who arent science based because it shows that they are well-rounded, just use it to your advantage. Feel free to ask any other questions!