Hi, this might be a little long but i’m pretty emotional about this and on my period. so it might be word vomit so stay with me.

I’m 20F, a first-generation college student, and I recently found out that I was rejected from my university’s nursing program. For some background, the minimum requirements were a 3.0 prerequisite GPA and a 58.7% on the TEAS. I applied with around a 3.0 GPA and a 64% TEAS score. I knew the program was competitive, but getting that rejection email still hurt more than I expected.

Looking back, I realize there were things I could have done differently. I’ve learned that some students took anatomy at community colleges or completed statistics online, which may have helped them earn higher grades. I didn’t really know about those options at the time, and I can’t help but feel frustrated with myself for not exploring them sooner.

This past year has also been incredibly difficult for me personally. My mom was diagnosed with cancer for the second time in her life and has undergone multiple surgeries. I’ve spent a lot of time helping her through her recovery while trying to balance school and everything else in my life. Watching someone you love go through cancer is emotionally exhausting, and I genuinely believe it affected my mental health and academic performance more than I realized at the time.

I’m not sharing that as an excuse for my grades, but rather to explain that there’s been a lot happening behind the scenes.

What hurts the most is watching other students move forward into nursing school while I feel like I’m standing still. I’m genuinely happy for everyone who got accepted, but it’s hard not to compare myself or wonder where I went wrong.

I still want to become a nurse more than anything. I’m planning to retake my TEAS, work on improving my GPA, and reapply for the fall cohort. I’m determined to give myself another chance, but right now I’m struggling with the disappointment and the fear of getting rejected again. I think being a first-generation student makes this even harder sometimes because I feel like I’m figuring everything out as I go, and I don’t always know what resources or opportunities are available to me until it’s too late.

For anyone who has been rejected from nursing school before, how did you cope with it? Did you eventually get accepted? What did you do differently the second time around?

I could really use some encouragement or advice right now. I know one rejection doesn’t define my future, but it’s hard to remember that when you’re in the middle of it.

Thank you to anyone who took the time to read this. ❤️

Hi everyone! I’m still a pre-nursing student, but I’m planning to attend Samuel Merritt’s ABSN program because it’s close to where I live.

For recent graduates, were you able to land a hospital RN job as a new grad, especially in the Bay Area? How long did it take, and which hospitals or specialties hired you? Did your clinical placements help you get interviews or offers?

With the cost of the program, I’m trying to get a realistic idea of the job prospects after graduation. Thanks for sharing your experience!

I swear, trying to get into nursing school feels like an extreme sport I never signed up for. Between memorizing the Krebs cycle, trying not to fail Anatomy, and refreshing my email every 5 seconds waiting for an acceptance letter, my heart rate is higher than a patient's in SVT.

To everyone currently in the trenches of prerequisites or waiting on decisions: how are y’all keeping your sanity intact? Drop your best coping mechanisms below before I lose my mind and start diagnosing my houseplants with UTI.

Im 22f and I’ve always wanted to be in healthcare. Ideally a travel nurse.

For context: straight out of HS I went to community college and was barely able to get into proper science and math. I also went through several different counselors who changed my major many times, and required for me to complete certain classes.
The CC I went to was trash. I felt like I never really got the help I needed, it was hard to get in contact with my professors and I ended up getting on Academic dismissal without proper warning.

Then my mom recommended for me to go to her college at University of Phoenix (which I graduate in Jan). However I couldn’t take an AA or BSN in nursing since I’m in a different state so I ended up majoring in business management & administration. Now Im ready to move into studying healthcare.
Which I’m also hoping some of my classes will transfer over to wherever I apply to.

I’m a little lost on what to do next and how to get into these colleges. A lot of them need 4 years English, 2 years math. took all of the required pre-reqs when I was in HS but idk if they’ll transfer over to the colleges and nursing programs I’m looking at. I also felt kinda bummed that I missed the apps for BSN spring term 2027 and have to attend in fall 2027 most likely.

What should I do here? Should I take my prerequisites somewhere else or can I transfer HS transcripts over?

For reference I am a first semester Sophomore as of Fall 2026, and I am in California. So far my pre-req GPA is a 3.8+, and I will be taking my TEAS soon, expecting somewhere in the 90s based on my practice test performances. Issue is, I am missing Physiology.

Here are my options:

A - Rush Physiology THIS winter, except for the fact no community college near me has that option (5 credit class + lab, impossible for the winter intersession) and rush my TEAS soon.

B - Do Physiology next semester in Spring 2027, which is my final pre-req, and I'll be ready for applying. During this time period, before Spring 2027 semester ends, I'll probably be taking my TEAS as well.

Its looking like I have to do option B, but when would I be applying? If I'm targeting CSU nursing programs, I'm looking online and I'd be applying in the summer of 2027, receive acceptances in the Fall 2027, and would be heading to nursing school in Spring of 2028? Is that how it works? My advisors are brushing this off as an issue to worry about once I finish my pre-reqs, but I don't believe this is something to put off.

I kind of hate how behind this feels. If I was able to cram Physio this winter, I feel like I could be applying in Spring 2027 and be where I want to be in the Fall at a nursing program. Or maybe I'm not understanding the applying process?

help me out please lmfao maybe im just stupid

I’m 26(F) I recently got accepted into an LVN program here in the San Fernando Valley, California. I don’t have experience in the medical field, other than as a Pharmacist Technician for a few months. I was wondering if there are any current/previous nursing students who have any advice/pointers to give? I would appreciate the help :))

Anyone can share their starting pay in Texas area??

I've been in college since Fall 2024 working toward nursing school. Unfortunately, my TEAS score was lower than expected, and even though I applied for Spring 2027, I was told I couldn't move forward because of my score. Now I have to wait until January to apply again for Fall 2027.

The problem is that I've basically finished all my prerequisites. I really only need Biology II, but I have to remain a full-time student (12+ credit hours) to keep my scholarship. Financial aid is telling me they won't cover random classes because they aren't part of my course of study. I even asked about taking a psychology course about drugs and medical terminology, but neither would be covered, which is frustrating because I feel like both could be useful in nursing.

I've also tried reaching out to multiple academic advisors through email to figure out what classes I can take and what my options are, but I haven't received a response from any of them. I live over an hour away from campus, so it's not exactly convenient to drive there just to ask questions that could easily be answered through email. It's frustrating because I'm trying to plan ahead and make responsible decisions, but I feel like I'm getting nowhere.

I'm also worried that because I've already been in college for over two years, I might run out of financial aid before I even finish nursing school. I feel like I'm spending more money just trying to remain eligible for my scholarship while waiting to get accepted.

What makes it even harder is that everyone in my classes keeps talking about how they got accepted into the spring nursing program. I'm genuinely happy for them, but it's hard constantly hearing about everyone moving forward when I was hoping to be starting alongside them. It honestly makes me feel like I'm falling behind, even though I've been working toward the same goal.

I also don't have many nursing schools to choose from. There are only about three schools within an hour of my house, and those are already the closest options. One requires a CNA certification, which I can't realistically get right now while attending college, especially since the program costs around $1,500. Another school doesn't accept the TEAS and requires the Kaplan entrance exam instead, meaning I'd have to pay for and prepare for two different nursing entrance exams just to have more than one option.

I really wanted to start nursing school this spring, and knowing I have to wait until next fall is honestly upsetting. I've considered LPN programs, but the spring application deadlines have already passed, and I don't necessarily want to go the LPN route if I have a chance of getting into an RN program.

My biggest fear is not getting accepted for Fall 2027 either. At that point, I genuinely don't know what I'd do. I love nursing and want to become an RN, but I don't want to keep spending time and money taking classes that aren't getting me any closer to my goal. Part of me feels like giving up if I don't get accepted next fall because I can't keep putting my life on hold indefinitely.

Has anyone else been in this situation? What did you do while waiting to get into nursing school? Did you take extra classes, transfer schools, pursue an LPN program, or take a semester off? I'm especially interested in hearing from anyone who dealt with financial aid issues, limited nursing school options, unresponsive academic advisors, or having to take multiple entrance exams. I just feel really lost right now and could use some advice.

Hi everyone! I’m planning to apply to FIU’s Traditional BSN program for Fall 2027 and wanted some advice!
I’m currently attending Broward College with a 3.8 overall GPA and am almost finished with my AA. I’ve completed most of my nursing prerequisites, including A&P I and II, Microbiology, Nutrition, Human Development, and Sociology (All A’s) I’m also a certified medical assistant with previous clinical experience.
I haven’t taken the TEAS yet, but I plan on studying for the next few months to get a competitive score.
For those who got accepted, what were your GPA and TEAS scores? How competitive was the application process, and do you think I’d have a good chance of getting in?
I’d really appreciate any advice! 💕

Feeling discouraged

I was put on the alternate list for my nursing program in case someone drops, but I’m honestly doubtful. Admissions use a point system, and having fewer credits at the university hurt my points. I completed all my prerequisites elsewhere and only needed developmental psychology and philosophy at this school.

My advisor said my GPA and application were great, but recommended raising my TEAS score from 64% to at least 78%.

For context, I started pre-nursing at 20, took a gap year, and became an esthetician. I’ve been doing that for almost five years and returned to school within the last year or so, earning my associate’s and pre-nursing degrees. I’m still figuring out what study methods work for me.

I previously used Nurse Cheung, but I feel like her videos mainly helped me with science. I used TEAS with Tyler for English and reading, and he helped tremendously. I’m testing again in January, so I want to get ahead of it and start focusing on my weak areas now. What resources or study routines helped you significantly improve your score?

I also rush and second guess myself during exams. My advisor recommended trying the remotely proctored TEAS at home because of my test anxiety. Has anyone taken it at home, and how was your experience?

hey everyone! i applied to emory's traditional bsn program for all 2027 during round 1, and decisions were originally supposed to come out today (october 15).

i just received an email from the admissions office saying that round 1 decisions have been delayed due to the high volume of applications. they mentioned that decisions would be finalized "in the coming months", but didn't provide a new release date.

just wondering if anyone else received the same email or has heard anything about when decisions might actually come out?

good luck to everyone who applied!

I'm a veteran returning to school, but does it really matter where I get my bsn as long as it is accredited?

I've been accepted into Charleston southern pre nursing and I've applied to UNC charlotte, Clemson, and a handful of other schools in sc/nc.

so does it really matter at the end of the day which one I go too. all of them are accredited both nationally and regionally

Hey everyone. I'm a senior at UAlbany majoring in Human Biology, graduating May 2027. My cumulative GPA is 2.34, which I know is low I lost a loved one during the start of my collage year. But my last two semesters were 3.26 and 4.0. I also work 24 hours a week as a PCA in a Level 1 trauma ICU, specifically neuro/ sugrgical/ trauma. I got a D- in Gen Bio 1 and a D in Statistics, and I'm retaking both in Spring 2027. I'm aiming for A or B in both.

I want to start an ABSN in Fall 2027, preferably in NYC. I'm open to any fully in-person program. I know Monroe (2.75) and Mercy (2.8) might be options, but I'm wondering if there are others. How much will retaking Gen Bio and Stats help? If I get A's, my GPA should be around 2.8-2.9. Should I even bother applying to programs with a 3.0 minimum, or just focus on the lower ones? And how do I explain my GPA in a personal statement without making excuses? I've been working in the ICU throughout college and it's been a huge part of my growth. I'm feeling discouraged and could use some honest perspective. Thanks.

I am researching private schools to obtain my nursing degree, and I came across Pacific College who offers a ADN degree as well as RN-BSN. I am weighing my options and comparing to schools like Stanbridge/West Coast/Chamberlain... Obviously, the biggest difference is the degree type. I have not heard much about Pacific College and why someone would pursue going to school their vs the previous mentioned universities. Looking for anyone who has experience attending Pacific College.

hey guys, so i am a new starting nursing student. i am an undergraduate and currently doing pre-nursing and doing my prerequisite classes right now. i knew anatomy and physiology was not going to be easy but i did not know it was going to feel nearly IMPOSSIBLE to gather and memorize information. i want to note that i did take anatomy and physiology my junior year of highschool and it was fun, hard but not that difficult and we even dissected a fetal pig but why is college anatomy and physiology SO MUCH HARDER i thought since i did it in highschool it shouldn’t be too difficult for me to gather and understand the information and material but no… i am already flooded with assignments and we are just starting week 2 and i am extremely overwhelmed. my dream is to become a RN and i knew and understood it wasnt going to be easy which is why i dont want to give up because this has been my dream career ever since i was little but i need some advice and motivation because i already scored a 61% and a 71% on both quizzes that are proctored. i need help guys idk what to do im so overwhelmed

Hey guys. I have been on this sub for more than a year. Learned a lot from here! So right now, I am only taking micro and physio at the same time and aiming for both A’s. My overall GPA is like 3.90( plan to take more credits to bring that up a bit, the only one that I got a B was English 1 lol), science GPA: 4.0, by the end of this fall I will have finished all my pre reqs for most the Cal state BSN/ cc ADN programs. I plan to take teas test next January and aim for at least 90 ( so I will not be able to apply to Cal east bay since it is due on 11/30), I am bilingual, CNA certified, had three months of full time experience at a SNF, first gen college student and so on.
And also I am located in the Bay Area, CA
So the schools I plan to apply to are:
Sonoma university
San Jose University
Sacramento University
Fresno university ( which is 2.5 year long)
CC: Sacramento city college
San Joaquin Delta College, Stockton
Modesto Junior College
Considering the Cost of living and also how competitive it is to land a new grad residency job in the bay( from NewgradRn subreddit), I plan to leave the bay but still wanna stay and gain my RN experience in Cali, I would prefer BSN but some of the programs are 3y long so I would rather go to an ADN and start working one year earlier in case I don’t get into any. My ultimate goal is to land a hospital job.
But I am also so scared since I am a new immigrant. And English is not my native language( excuse my grammar mistakes)😭
I am wondering what you guys think, What is the chance of getting in? is there any thing I am missing? I appreciate any honest advice!