What was your gpa and other stats, before BSN acceptance?

CyclicalEvents · Feb 25, 2012

I had a 3.8 when I applied for nursing school. I also had volunteered in an ICU before applying. I started with 3 applications for 3 schools, but in the end only finished one application for the school I decided I actually wanted to go to. I didn't go to a community college beforehand, but did my prereqs at a University that I felt was easier than high school. I felt the transition was easy and that my nursing school slowly increased in difficulty and time commitment, which helped many acclimate.

tyvin, BSN, RN · Feb 25, 2012

I love to bragg...4.GPA (oh how I loved school). The transition from community college to university was good. All my professors from both arenas were excellent, filled with enthusiasm and a visible desire to help every student succeed. I did a small portion of my prereqs at the community college level and finished them at the university.

I finished my last prereq which was related to filling the social arts requirements in my last year (I took voice for 3 years straight to fulfill some of it). Almost got a minor in music but then tried to go for a minor in psych then a minor in business. So many classes, so little time.

When you get in you're going to love it!

Success to you :up:

luciddreeams · Feb 27, 2012

Thanks so much for answering! I have another question, actually. What were your clinicals like? i've checked the curriculum for the BSN program and it seems to be about 4 regular classes and the rest are alll clincials! How are you graded on these? they are hands on aren't they? If so then what kind of homework is there? A play by play of exactly what to expect would be wonderful! Is there anything you wish somebody would have told you about before entering into the program? I might actually post this as a thread in and of itself and id love to hear as many responses as i can get!

klag0915 · Feb 28, 2012

Getting into nursing school is not all about GPA - although it definitely helps. Having some life experience, spending some time working before going back are also areas of interest when it comes to schools accepting you. I graduated with a BA in 2001, with a 2.7 GPA. Worked for 8 years in advertising, went back to school to take prereqs (and re-do some courses) in 2009, and applied with a 3.5 (in pre-reqs) in jan 2011. I applied to 2 schools and I had to explain my undergrad GPA but at the end of the day, I am 15 years older, much more maturity when it comes to what I want from life and my future, I take school a LOT more seriously, and have years of life experience to show for it. I ended up getting accepted to an accelerated 2nd degree program, will be done in less than a year and I worked my a$$ off for it. My point is - you need to show maturity, personality and strength to these schools you are applying to. They test you in nursing school, push you to the limit to see just how much you can take. but it is ALL for a reason. I believe its so that at the end of the day you realize just how far you've come and how good you can be. You will most likely be an amazing nurse, but that person who may not be as book-smart as you is just as able to do so as well.

Good Luck!

luciddreeams · Feb 28, 2012

It's funny that you say its important to be mature and have life experiences, because i just so happen to have both of those as well! I neglected to mention that i've been a CNA for the past 5 years and i actually took a break from schooling when i was 19 and didnt go back until i was almost 23-during that time i worked at a nursing home as well as learned to manage a household and be a responsible adult. When i realized this lifestyle wasn't fulfilling my passion enough, i decided to go back to school full throttle and give it all i've got!!

I'm just worried as to whether or not i'll even get accepted, and decided to post to see what other people's stats were who got accepted, to maybe ease my mind a little bit. I too applied to 2 BSN programs. One i had to write an essay, the other i had to fill out a form that had a bunch of short answer questons; i was really able to showcase my personality and wit with this and quite enjoyed that application process. So far both universities have accepted my general application, but am waiting to hear back from the nursing departments!! Yikes!!

klag0915 · Feb 28, 2012

Good luck!! It sounds like you really took the time to decide what you want to do and if you just exude that confidence and enthusiasm you've got it in the bag..

I might be in nursing school, but i never said i was good at quick math ==> In my post I said I am "15 yrs older" but thats just logistically not true lol. Im 32, so 11 years out of college. whups.

Best of luck!!

luciddreeams · Feb 28, 2012

Thanks!! You too! I appreciate the advice! :)

luciddreeams · Feb 28, 2012

Actually... could you tell me a bit about what your clinicals are like? Whats your favorite thing in nursing school so far? Anything you wish you knew prior to entering the program? You're in a 1 year accelerated BSN program, correct?

klag0915 · Feb 28, 2012

Clinicals are interesting - some days are uneventful and others aren't. There have been some issues in various institutions that have caused us to not be able to do a whole lot as students (ie med administration), so there is a lot of observing. At the nursing home, I came home crying each time we were there. It was very depressing. Days are long but they go by quickly. We do 7wk rotations (due to the accelerated nature of my program), have been to 3 hospitals in westchester county so far.

My favorite thing so far is.....haha. tough question. I mean its not "fun" by any means. Im married and i never see my husband or my family. Im always exhausted, there is so much reading and so many projects and we have weekly exams.....so much work and stress. But i have made some good friends. And at the end of the day i can see the light at the end of the tunnel - im going to be a nurse in less than 1 year, its a huge accomplishment so that very well be my favorite part.

My program is 15mos for 2nd degree BSN - 4 "semesters" but some classes are only 7wks long. so we can take up to 17credits per semester. heavy load.

You will be great - good luck, let me know if you have any other questions.

luciddreeams · Mar 10, 2012

Well, i figured i'd post back to this form and update: I was accepted to the school of my choice!! I haven't heard back from the other two places i applied yet, but it doesn't matter because I'm brockport bound! yayyyy!!!