Why can't I get beyond the wait list?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Everywhere I've applied, I've been waitlisted. One place specifically has waitlisted me three times and eventually denied me. Only two have requested information beyond grades.

Currently I have a 3.6 GPA for prerequisites and by the end of the semester it should be bumped up to around a 3.7. It may be a little lower or higher depending on what the school considers prereqs. I have volunteered as staff support, with patient interaction for over 250 hours. I am a licensed EMT. I have references from pretty credible medical people in the area.

Why don't more schools take things outside of grades into account? Or a better question, why don't the schools who do ask for other information seriously consider me? I simply cannot get past the waitlist. I can't even get into the community college that I'm getting my associates from.

It bothers me because if I had applied directly after high school, I could have easily gotten in pretty much anywhere. I see some pretty stupid people getting accepted and it makes me wonder why I can't. I'm not trying to sound cocky, just frustrated.

Feel like they hate men or something. Oh Illinois.

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

It sounds like you are a pretty good candidate based on the info you provided. One thing I would take a look at is your admissions essay. I know the programs out here focus on that presentation of yourself more than they do on grades alone.

I can imagine that its frustrating; stick with it though and try to get some interviews!

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Everywhere I've applied, I've been waitlisted. One place specifically has waitlisted me three times and eventually denied me. Only two have requested information beyond grades.

Currently I have a 3.6 GPA for prerequisites and by the end of the semester it should be bumped up to around a 3.7. It may be a little lower or higher depending on what the school considers prereqs. I have volunteered as staff support, with patient interaction for over 250 hours. I am a licensed EMT. I have references from pretty credible medical people in the area.

Why don't more schools take things outside of grades into account? Or a better question, why don't the schools who do ask for other information seriously consider me? I simply cannot get past the waitlist. I can't even get into the community college that I'm getting my associates from.

It bothers me because if I had applied directly after high school, I could have easily gotten in pretty much anywhere. I see some pretty stupid people getting accepted and it makes me wonder why I can't. I'm not trying to sound cocky, just frustrated.

Feel like they hate men or something. Oh Illinois.

That is frustrating. I start to feel bitter about how easy it is for kids right of high school to get right into a 4 year nursing program, but I already have a BA degree and have to deal with getting pre-reqs done if I want to transfer my gen curriculum classes. I almost feel like I would be better off starting as a freshman again!

Good luck, please dont give up. I wish I knew why you are wait listed. :(

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.
That is frustrating. I start to feel bitter about how easy it is for kids right of high school to get right into a 4 year nursing program, but I already have a BA degree and have to deal with getting pre-reqs done if I want to transfer my gen curriculum classes. I almost feel like I would be better off starting as a freshman again!Good luck, please dont give up. I wish I knew why you are wait listed. :(
No direct-entry options for you?
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No direct-entry options for you?

There are 3 other schools I didnt apply to because they all were about an hour drive each way. I am not willing to do that right now, with gas prices as they are, seeing as I would have to also cut my work hours way back.

:(

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Tele.

The unfortunate fact is that every nursing program in the country has a large applicant pool and there are only so many spots available for each program making it very competitive. Have you spoken with any of the schools to find out why you were waitlisted? It can't hurt to speak with the nursing dept. admissions employees and try to find out why you were not accepted or what you can do to improve your chances.

Good luck to you! Keep you chin up

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Specializes in Wound Care, LTC, Sub-Acute, Vents.
they kept putting me on a waiting for the rn program in my community college. after 1.5 years of waiting, i got tired and applied at the local vo-tech for the lpn program. finished it and worked one year as an lpn (made 60k) and started my lpn-rn program. it took me longer but i got to where i wanted to be.

good luck to you. keep striving for your dreams!

i just posted this and thought it applies here too. good luck to you!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Academics.

Have you asked the admissions counselors at any of the schools exactly why you were waitlisted or denied? If you have applied to multiple schools in Illinois, I'm guessing you are near or in Chicago? The community colleges can afford to be picky because they have very long waitlists due to the relatively low cost. Many won't even consider you unless you live in the municipality that supports the college with taxes.

I'm a little surprised you got rejected from your own CC, seeing that you are currently a student there. Maybe start with the admissions counselor there to see what you can do to improve your application.

Good luck.

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