What are the steps to getting into GBCC?

Published

I'm a junior in high school, I want to go to Great bay community college and get into their nursing program. I was wondering what the requirements there is for getting into that school and what steps I must take to get in. is there any classes I should take in high school to prepare myself and make my chances of getting in higher? I am currently in a Health science class (Getting a good grade too) in another school for people who want to get into the health field such as nursing. Will this help me in the long run? Thanks :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Keep on with the health science classes, they certainly won't hurt you. I'd suggest taking all the science and math you can handle. You'll have to take the PAX-NLN test. GBCC offers workshops occasionally with test taking tips for this exam, I'd suggest taking one. Most of my classmates rank in the 90th percentile or better with the occasional low math or science score. You're gonna hate hearing this, but... Realistically, you might consider taking A+P I in the accelerated summer semester, followed by A+P II in the fall to get the 20 bonus points for having completed these classes when you apply in the spring. I'd knock out all the electives and science classes you can before you enter the nursing program. It's intense, and I wouldn't want to take more than one class while taking a 9 credit nursing class. The classes are by no means impossible, and the faculty want to see the students succeed. IMHO it's really a three year class, because most of us complete the science classes before applying. I actually don't believe anyone was accepted this year who had not previously completed A+P. Good luck with this, faculty and students here are very approachable, and there are many at the college willing to answer your questions.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Keep on with the health science classes, they certainly won't hurt you. I'd suggest taking all the science and math you can handle. You'll have to take the PAX-NLN test. GBCC offers workshops occasionally with test taking tips for this exam, I'd suggest taking one. Most of my classmates rank in the 90th percentile or better with the occasional low math or science score. You're gonna hate hearing this, but... Realistically, you might consider taking A+P I in the accelerated summer semester, followed by A+P II in the fall to get the 20 bonus points for having completed these classes when you apply in the spring. I'd knock out all the electives and science classes you can before you enter the nursing program. It's intense, and I wouldn't want to take more than one class while taking a 9 credit nursing class. The classes are by no means impossible, and the faculty want to see the students succeed. IMHO it's really a three year class, because most of us complete the science classes before applying. I actually don't believe anyone was accepted this year who had not previously completed A+P. Good luck with this, faculty and students here are very approachable, and there are many at the college willing to answer your questions.

Where would I take A&P 1 in the summer? At my school? If so My school doesn't have classes in the summer or summer school. I might be able to take A&P 1 next semester then take it my first semester Senior year? would that be fine or would I miss the deadline? Another thing sorry for bothering you. When and were would I take the NLN test

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Rehab.

You can take classes this summer at GBCC if you really wanted, as long as you have completed your biology, chemistry and algebra classes. you just would not get financial aid. We have one person in my class that managed to get in even without A&P completed, but it does usually make the difference between a straight out rejection or not, espeically if you do well on the NLN, but not above 90% in all areas(I wasn't in the math portion, it was low, in the high 70% area I think, and I had both A&P's done but got wait-listed. Fortunatly I was high on the list)

And you will sign up for the NLN on their website, its a $75 fee to take it, and they have a variety of dates where and when you can take it. GBCC is a testing facility for it. You can only take it once every 6 months though, unless they changed it, which is possible, I took mine over two years ago-graduate in May!!:yeah: Let us know if you have any other questions!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
You can take classes this summer at GBCC if you really wanted, as long as you have completed your biology, chemistry and algebra classes. you just would not get financial aid. We have one person in my class that managed to get in even without A&P completed, but it does usually make the difference between a straight out rejection or not, espeically if you do well on the NLN, but not above 90% in all areas(I wasn't in the math portion, it was low, in the high 70% area I think, and I had both A&P's done but got wait-listed. Fortunatly I was high on the list)

And you will sign up for the NLN on their website, its a $75 fee to take it, and they have a variety of dates where and when you can take it. GBCC is a testing facility for it. You can only take it once every 6 months though, unless they changed it, which is possible, I took mine over two years ago-graduate in May!!:yeah: Let us know if you have any other questions!!

Should I take the NLN this year or wait till next year? I am very concerned about the math portion I get Ok grades in math but they are defiantly not the best. Did/how did you study for the NLN? How are the classes at Great bay? Sorry for so many questions I'm excited and really want to be able to get in! I think I might Be able to take A&P 1 next semester so I can take A&P 2 next year so I will be able to send all the stuff in on time. Congrats on graduating in may it must be so exciting :D I have so many questions but I won't bombard you with a lot. Thank you so much!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Rehab.

Sorry it took so long to get back, was gearing up for finals. If you want to take it to get a feel for it, go ahead for it this year, the scores are good for two years I think? Worse case you just take it again, or you do better than you expected. The math portion isnt that bad, get yourself the entrance exam book by Lipponcot I believe it is, theyre at barnes n noble and it says NLN pre entrance exam on it. I had the Rn and the LPN book, and found that to be quite helpful. How did I study? I just did it over, and over, and OVER again. When it gets closer to the time for you to take the test, see if you are able to take the exam review offered at GBCC, it helps A LOT. If you're not a student by then, its a 20$ fee. having your A&P out of the way will get you 20 extra points on your application, which is a HUGE factor in getting into the program Don't worry about bombarding with questions, I have a whole month off, with nothing but work :yeah:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Sorry it took so long to get back, was gearing up for finals. If you want to take it to get a feel for it, go ahead for it this year, the scores are good for two years I think? Worse case you just take it again, or you do better than you expected. The math portion isnt that bad, get yourself the entrance exam book by Lipponcot I believe it is, theyre at barnes n noble and it says NLN pre entrance exam on it. I had the Rn and the LPN book, and found that to be quite helpful. How did I study? I just did it over, and over, and OVER again. When it gets closer to the time for you to take the test, see if you are able to take the exam review offered at GBCC, it helps A LOT. If you're not a student by then, its a 20$ fee. having your A&P out of the way will get you 20 extra points on your application, which is a HUGE factor in getting into the program Don't worry about bombarding with questions, I have a whole month off, with nothing but work :yeah:

Thank you so much! I think I am going to take the NLN this year and then during the first semester of my senior year take It again. How hard was it to get into GBCC and what were the main things you had to do to get in? I'm glad I can actually talk to someone about it instead of just looking online its a lot less confusing talking to someone who has gone through it then looking up random stuff about it on the internet.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Rehab.

You definatley want to get your A&P I and II out of the way, to get your extra admission points, it may even be a part of the admission requirement now-they had changed things for this year. You will need to take the accuplacer test and place at least in Math 145, and if you don't place into it, you have to be eligible to take it by the time you are eligible to be accepted. Again, this may change, they like to do those things! If you have running start at your school for A&P, they accept that last I knew, so you can potentially knock out one of those classes while still in school-you do get credit for any running start classes as far as I know. Plan on three years realistically to finish as someone else stated-it gives you a chance to get all your co-requisite classes out of the way. Attend an info session about the nursing program that the school offers-tons of great info if you go. It is not required though(again, last I knew!) You might want to double check that your NLN scores will be good for two years, or how long theyre good for, b/c you don't want to take the test and find out they're no good and have to do it all over again! HTH!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

As far as English and Math on the NLN you might already be pretty strong and not yet know it. You won't be able to rely on a calculator, every thing must be done longhand on paper. But... it's mutiple choice. Quick time-saving hint here: If you have a large problem to do most often they only have to be figured out to the first two or three digits, and there's only possible correct answer. If you're a slow reader, you might want to see if there's anything you can do about that. On the science portion you will likely see series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits. It really has no place in the medical world but it's there, so if someone will teach you Ohm's law, E=IR, (volts = amps x resistance) and a simple circuit it would very likely increase your score on the science portion. Take A+P 1+2 before applying if you can. Normally there's 400 or so applicants for the 56 seats, so if you don't get in on the first attempt take the core classes, and get them out of the way. Honestly, I'm completing the program in three years because I took the science classes before applying, and wouldn't want to do it in two, but if you're a strong student and don't have to work, it can be done. Like niko suggested, GBCC does offer an exam review, and that combined with the study guide should give you a strong background for the test.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I do have the running start program at my school should I take any classes?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Rehab.

If it's not too late for you to take those classes then yes, because they do transfer for credit :) So if you take your anatomy over at school it should transfer as a transfer credit.:yeah:And you will be one class closer. Also see if any of the core classes, such as college comp can be taken at your school too

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think I could take two running start classes next year (Might be a little stressful though but I will deal with it!) What classes should I take? . I also have to talk to my teacher about taking chemistry because I have not taken that yet. Thank you again for all your help :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion