Where should I apply for ABSN? So confused!

[akaye217]

The title basically says it all: I'm a pre-nursing student utterly and completely confused about which ABSN programs I should apply to. I graduated from a top liberal arts college (not sure that info matters) about four years ago with 3.73 GPA and a BA in history. I was an Americorps VISTA for a year, then I worked in publishing for nearly two years, but the whole time I was trying to figure out what I *really* wanted. One of my roommates was a nurse, and as I talked to her about her job, I just thought it sounded so cool. So I did some research, and then some more research, and started volunteering at an inner city ED, and I decided this is definitely something I want to pursue.

But as I read about ABSN programs and how tricky they are to get into, I'm very intimidated. I made a list of schools to apply to, but now I'm afraid I won't get into any of them--or that I'll only get into one, which happens to be the most expensive.

I'd be so grateful for any advice, and I really hope this is the right place to be posting this question!

Some basic stats: 25 years old (again, not sure that matters), 3.73 undergrad GPA, currently taking four accelerated pre-reqs and maintaining A-averages. Volunteer experience includes the aforementioned emergency department (~100 hours so far), Americorps VISTA, and volunteering on domestic violence and rape crisis hotlines. I don't have any student loan debt, and I'm expecting to take on quite a bit, but some of the price tags for these programs seem astronomical.

Schools on my list:

University of Washington (dream school)

UMass Amherst

NYU

Oregon Health and Sciences

I live in the NYC area but would be happy to live elsewhere.

Thank you for any insight you can offer!

[windsurfer8, BSN, RN]

What advice are you looking for? There are hundreds of BSN programs with an accelerated track. I did mine in the DC area.

You are "afraid" to apply? Even if you are accepted you do not have to attend. As far as costs also look at cost of living. Meaning if you go to say the Univ. of Tennessee the cost of living MAY be lower than DC metro. Tuition is a huge part, but so is where you will be living.

You have good GPA. If you want to go to Washington state then I would think you are flexible where you go. I would look everywhere. The south, the midwest, etc. Good luck!

[verene, MSN]

As someone who is in an ABSN program, I think you have a better shot than you realize. Most of these programs are holistic - meaning they want to make a good match between their programs and the students they accept. You have very solid grades and healthcare exposure, both of which make a difference in the application process. These programs also weight personal statements and interviews strongly so even if your grades aren't quite as high or you don't have quite as much experience as someone else there is still room to really explain why you want to be a nurse and why you are a good fit for the program.

If you are really feeling unsure about getting in, apply to your top ABSN programs, and apply to some BSN and/or ADN programs you'd be willing to attend. That way you can keep moving towards your goal of being a nurse even if you don't get into your dream school. You lose nothing but time and the application fee in applying, if you get in and no longer think the program is a good fit you can decline, but you don't have a chance at going unless you apply.