Worry Worry Worry

[hg09]

Hey everyone!

I recently applied to a brand-new accelerated second-degree BSN for their first class. I have been through this entire process before - waited months for letters for accelerated BSN/MSN programs. I got into two of the "top" schools for graduate entry programs but didn't want to pay the high premium, so I decided to go for an accelerated bachelors degree.

Well, it seems like the competition is much more harsh for these programs than at some of the "top" schools in the nation. All of the schools I applied at before considered a personal essay, letters of recommendation, etc. but this one said all they needed were GPAs and NET scores.

I spoke with an admissions representative who told me since this would be the first time they went through the admission cycle, the guidelines for admission would be written as they go along. I asked her if it was okay if I sent additional materials and she said yes. Although it isn't required (I don't think anyone else did this), I sent letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and my curriculum vitae (resume). I would rather the admission committee know more about me than just a number.

Well, there's a reason. My GPA isn't the best - it's about a 3.4

In the main science prerequisite courses I made an A in A&P 1, B in Microbiology, and C in A&P 2.

For all of the rest, I mostly made A's.

I have no doubt that I could have made all A's in my prerequisites but I was taking 20+ credit hours each semester to finish my undergraduate degree and get prereqs out of the way. All this on top of being an elected officer in 2 major nursing student organizations and a member of student government.

I did well on the NET test (96 composite, 99th percentile) but I feel like my GPA might dampen everything, especially with the C in A&P2.

Has anyone been in this situation or has anyone had a mediocre GPA with a good NET score? I'm not even sure how much they weigh the NET - no one really knows anything about how they are going to pick the class. I think they said there are about 60 applicants for 25 spots.

For now, I'm going crazy trying to imagine every scenario - it's always nice to know how everything works. If they put all the GPAs from highest to lowest, I'm definitely out of the race. Then again, I wouldn't really want to go to a school that does this (I don't think good GPA = good nurse, it's just a lazy way to quantify large amounts of applicants). Why are "top" schools admitting students with decent GPAs but excellent volunteer experience, work experience, personal essays, and recommendations but these other programs are just milling in "4.0" students?

Do you think any of the materials I sent will be weighed somehow? I hate the idea of being a GPA on an Excel spreadsheet.

Guess I'll be going crazy for the next week

[OnTrek]

College admission processes appear to be rather bogus but I'm sure they have a reason for their madness. And once the class is picked I'm sure you will hear all the negatives about why this person should have been picked over that person. My college went on a points system based on completed pre-reqs and coursework, an "interview" that was more like a 3 minute presentation in front of your competing classmates, and an essay. I felt it in no way represented who was going to be the better nurse. Hang in there and keep your spirits up. :-)

[Dancinagain]

I had a C in Psychology from 25 years ago and was advised to retake it to improved my GPA. If for some reason you don't get in, maybe you can retake the classes you got a C in. Right now, I'm taking one class at a time and feel like that's all I want to do. The better my GPA, the better my chances. You may not like how they choose who gets in, but you need to play by their rules so that you can get in and show them you were worth the risk.

I would talk to your advisor and see how you can improve your chances if you need to apply again next year.

Best of luck.

[hg09]

Thanks everyone for your feedback - I'm hoping since it's a new program they're not a totally heartless gpa machine. Guess I'll know pretty soon. If so, I'll be taking a few classes again!