I am so impressed by the support and advice I see on this site that I decided to write about the anxiety I have about my ADN-RN program application. I am 50, finally done with pre-reqs and applying to both LVN and RN programs with the real hopes of getting into the RN program.
Two college mistakes I made in 1981 have come back to haunt me in this application period. Right out of high school I enrolled in two classes at a local community college. I was enthusiastic at first, but soon stopped going to class due to being 18 and stupid. I didn't withdraw, so I ended up with a 0 GPA. I started nursing prereqs at another community college. I completed two courses and couldn't hack the other ones due to mooning over my future 1st husband. End story, a pretty lame GPA.
Fast forward 26 years, 2 husbands (2nd one still going strong!), and 3 kids, and I start pre-reqs in 2007 with the dream of a second career in nursing - what I always wanted to do. I completed pre-reqs with a 3.17 GPA. I began working on applications for both LVN and ADN-RN programs and realized that the past really can come back to haunt you. Both program applications look at "cumulative" GPA's, which include the two bombed college attempts from years past. They take my cumulative GPA below the required minimum for application. The LVN program director decided to disregard my ancient transcripts and accept my application after my discussion with his Admin Asst who took my application. The RN application is due at the end of July and I'm going to face the same thing again. I really want a chance to get into this RN program and I'm so scared this 30-year old mistake will disqualify me. I heard you just drop the application off - there is no discussion with anyone, so I won't get to explain myself and there is no cover letter accepted. I hope the GPA for my prereqs will show I am serious about my education.
I'm nervous and bummed out that these immature actions can impact me so greatly so many years later. It's going to be a long 2 months...but I'm going to stay positive and focus on the good grades I received on pre-reqs and my good HESI score so far (I'm taking BIO & A/P on July 23rd since I only took the LVN HESI last month).
