I always try to think positive thoughts, However, i also like to think about alternatives. Its inevitable for me to think what would happen if I dont get admitted into a nursing program. So thats my question, What happens after investing all your time and energy into your pre-requisites and although you have good grades they are not good enough to get admitted into a nursing program? I've heard people say that they've been denied with 3.0's and up.. so What happens? are you forced to change your carrer path? can you apply those classes to another profession? What are the alternatives or choices for those who dont get admitted into nursing school? What are your plans if you dont get admitted?
Oh man, that sucks! They're always finding a way to set the bar higher.
At my school students aren't docked for re-taking class, but instead they have limited the number of times a person can repeat a class.
I think grades are important as far as showing your ability to manage your time and meet deadlines. It is true one needs brains to be a nurse, but I think having common sense, being able to prioritize tasks and being able to think fast on your feet are important skills too. If someone is a real braniac and can quote statistics 'til the cows come home, that won't make any difference when you have three patients going downhill at once, an angry family member in front of you and a doctor phoning in orders. All the good grades in the world can't prepare you for that.
At our school they even double the tuition if you attempt a class a third time
Not getting in was one of my biggest fears, even almost prevented me from even trying. I'm 36 and don't have time to take countless pre-reqs and then not make it into a RN-program. There are numerous community colleges near where I live, and all of them have this very competitive, tough criteria. Now I'm enrolling into a technical college to become a LPN first. It only takes four pre-reqs (English 101, which I already have, PSYCH 101, MATH 108 or 115 or 200, and BIOL 118 , for which I might have to take CHEM 101 first). This is doable, plus they start their nursing programs TWICE a year, with no waiting lists and you WILL get in after you have all your pre-reqs with a 3.0. Plus, the entire program, incl. pre-reqs is only going to cost me $7,000, which is great.
For me, this is the best way to go. I can become an LPN within two years, make some money and experience, and if it isn't what I want to do, I only wasted two years and $7,000, versus four years (pre-reqs and two-year ADN program) and at least $18,000. Once I'm a LPN, I can become a RN with an online program while still making money.
Maybe this helps someone out there who is just as frustrated and discouraged as I was. Good luck to all of you!
At my school there is no wait list. You keep reapplying. They have a day (starts in spring) & evening (starts in fall) program. You have to have pre-req's and a 2.0 GPA to apply, but after that acceptance is totally based on NLN scores. I'm applying in July for the evening program that'll start in Spring 07 and if I don't get in I'll apply in Feb. for the day program that'll start in Fall 07.
If I'm still not in I'll either look into the LPN program more or change my major and get a BA in Administration of Justice. I'm done with pre-reqs and next fall I'll be taking classes for my BA (hopefully for nursing), but they're the same classes (arts, foreign language, economics) that I'll need for a BA in AofJ.
I didnt get into the 2 schools that I applied to either. I was upset because I am 38 years old, have 4 children and my husband works 2 jobs while I care for the children and go to school. It took me 3 years to do my pre requsites and I have started working on the last few co requsites. I will retake Chemistry b/c I got a C( no penalty). I called one of the schools I applied to and asked to make an appointemnt to meet with someone to go over my application and hopefully get a little direction for when I apply again next year.The hospital dilploma program has a long application, requiring and essay and 3 letters of reference..the community college only goes by overall GPA and math and science(A&P I, CHEM) GPA. I cried a lot of tears this weekend, but I needed to pull myself up and re focus..especially b/c I have micro and A&PII tests and finals coming up!..good luck to everyone, I know how hard we all work and to be "rejected' is tough, especially when family and friends dont realize how competetive it is to get in..good, smart people dont get in...many qualified applicants, not enough room in programs(instructor shortage is a part of the nursing shortage)...keep trying, its better than regretting!!!
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stpauligirl
2,327 Posts
At our school they even double the tuition if you attempt a class a third time