Why don't programs take into consideration anything else?

caliotter3 · May 24, 2010

I don't think they should have withheld that the biology class was part of their admissions criteria. They should have been open about what would and would not be considered. If I were you I would apply to other programs as well. Hopefully, you will meet the necessary criteria of at least one of the ones you apply to.

Dresdenchick · May 24, 2010

Don't give up. A lot of times programs will not require something but will give preferential treatment to people who have that extra leg up, especially if it's a program that gets a lot of applications. My advice would be if you have to wait to apply to the program again, go ahead and take the biology class. Also, look at what other classes aren't specific to the program that you can take before hand. It will show that you are dedicated and are willing to make that extra effort to get a head start on the program. Also, look into other programs in the area you are in, with tons of people applying to programs these days anything you can do to get ahead of the pack is a plus.

It's not fair and really not ethical, but it's unfortunately the way these things work. All I can say is don't give up, if this is something you really want to do keep plugging away at it.

honeycakes55 · May 24, 2010

Do you think it would be a good idea to go in person and speak with them? I obviously cannot push for anything but maybe if they saw me in person and I spoke with them about what I would have to do even for next year, they would consider me. Also, that is the only program in my area. =(

redessa · May 24, 2010

Absolutely go talk to them and go over both their admissions requirements and other expectations. But don't expect any kind of preferential treatment in terms of being reconsidered for this year or when it comes to next year's rounds of admissions. If they get a lot of applications, I'm sure they see tons of hopeful students. Chances aer they won't even remember you personally unless you make a really bad impression for some reason. Just make sure that you don't sound like you're whining about their "unwritten" requirements or how your life experience wasn't taken into account. Go in with a very business-like attitude of clarifying what you can do to be a strong candidate for their program.

roser13, ASN, RN · May 24, 2010

Look at it this way: say you're applying for a job with 49 other people and all 50 of you have the exact degree required for the position plus the required years of experience. However, 10 of you have advanced degrees and/or more than the minimum required years of experience. Even though all 50 applicants for that one position are technically qualified, those 10 that are more educated or experienced will certainly have a leg up on the others. In this time of many applicants for few nursing school spots, the school is going to use anything they see to narrow the field. If you decide to request a meeting with the school, I would definitely not go in expecting to be granted a spot for this year. However, you might learn how to fill your next year with useful activities/courses that will enhance your next application.

realnursealso/LPN, LPN · May 24, 2010

Is Biology a required pre req? If it is and you have not taken it, it seems you need to take Biology and then reapply. Visiting a school to plead your case is not going to change anything if Biology is a required course to be taken. Good luck, hope you sort it all out.

juliaann · May 24, 2010

Before you apply again, definitely go talk to them. Bring your transcripts.

Go over the application step by step. Ask how the application is scored. Ask what a competitive GPA is. Ask what you can do to improve your chances for next time. Take the bio class, and any other class that isn't required but is listed as "optional" - the more you have done, the more well-rounded you look to them. There are so many people applying to nursing schools these days that the bare minimum often isn't enough!

I know what a pain applications are...it's so frustrating to know that you're "beaten out" by people who don't necessarily want it as much as you do or are not necessarily as good of a student as you - but they've just been working at it longer and have more credits completed. But hey, we've all got to pay our dues...if there aren't any other programs in your area, just work really hard this year at doing everything you can to make your application stronger for next time! :)

honeycakes55 · May 24, 2010

I went in and they said that since I took intro to biology and the students in the program took human biology, that's why I won't be accepted. However, they should seriously specify that in their admissions requirements. On their website it says "students do NOT need to have taken any college courses for admissions" but they obviously do not mean it!

Junebugfairy · May 24, 2010

from my experience, your experience is similar to almost every other nursing school.

there are 'minimum' admissions requirements, actual admisions requirements in my program were bare minimum, however of course if you have taken more classes you become first in line. by taking all of your non nursing classes you always get a leg up. so to speak.

you should not give up, you should take the classes needed, then reapply!

Junebugfairy · May 24, 2010

no, you not need to take them.. however you are given extra 'points' in the selection process by taking them. since almost everyone knows this, everyone takes all of the non nursing classes first before applying.

this is also beneficial because taking everything together would be a huge pain in the butt.

honeycakes55 · May 24, 2010

I don't what to do for a whole year. I have an opportunity to attend a college in NY but it does not have anything nursing related. The only other programs in my area are medical assisting programs. Any suggestions or ideas with what you did?