<p>Hello, </p>
<p>I'm currently enrolled at a community college in NJ in the nursing program. I am holding a 4.0, and am involved in the science club. I recently got accepted into Phi Theta Kappa, and and going to get involved with SNO (a nursing organization) when I get closer to clinicals. I was an 'average' student in high school. I got very low grades because my family was poor and I had to work a lot to help pay for food and my necessities. I also got a low SAT score as a result of this (1670). I do know I'd have to retake that to even be considered. I am volunteering at a nearby hospital, and I work part-time as a nanny to three wonderful children. I'm very driven and passionate. I know exactly what I want to do, I'm just not sure of how to go about it. I'm a first generation in college. I have been forced to go to a community college because I couldn't afford better. Both of my parents are incarcerated, and I don't know of any other family. I had to move out of my home state, find a job, a place to live, and school, but I did it! I think I'm getting too in depth with personal life, but I intend to explain my situation on my transfer application. All I need is for someone to believe in me, and I know I can go far. As for ivy league schools.. I'm trying to figure out if this will be an option for me. Obviously I'd want to enter their nursing program. My school of choice would be U Penn. Do they accept A.A.S degree transfers? I'm doing a dual study program with a local university to get my bachelors in nursing and afford to go to school. Although from what I've seen it doesn't look like anyone takes people with bachelors degrees. I would like to get my doctorate in nursing. Lastly, I have taken online classes.. do they accept those? All help is greatly appreciated!! I just need some honest direction!! </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>I don’t know enough to be helpful but would like to say congratulations to you.</p>
<p>I think you have a tough row to hoe as far as transferring to UPenn but admissions would be your best bet.</p>
<p>I read an article today about new nurses being caught in the experience trap (you can’t get a job w/o experience and you can’t get experience w/o a job) so I suggest you start getting any experience and contacts you can get now, well before graduation.</p>
<p>You explain your family situation and it is obvious that it is an anchor weighing down your performance. Ivy leaguers tend to be the kids that achieved huge things outside of school or overcame huge adversity while achieving a 3.9 gpa and 2000+ SAT. I wouldn’t let that stop you though. You may want find out though if its better for you to transfer or apply as a freshman before proceeding. If you can demonstrate excellence where you are and drastically improve your SAT, who knows.</p>
<p>You need the best help you can get, and that will be the admissions office. Write to them and explain what you’ve told us. Ask if there are any programs that can help you. Also ask about the way they take transfer credits, because sometimes they’re very demanding about the courses they’ll accept.</p>
<p>Penn has a bachelor’s program in nursing and a program for people who have a bachelor’s degree in something else (who earn both a bachelor’s and master’s in nursing). You can start with a community college and end up with a doctorate.</p>
<p>Please find a teacher or counselor you like who can help you. I think that, with a support system, you will be able to succeed. And I think you’ll be a wonderful nurse. </p>
<p>By the way, the president of Penn is passionate about finding and helping bright achievers come to Penn and pay their way. When she was in high school, her father unexpectedly died and her mother got an office job to support them. She expected to go to her local state school in New York. But her doctor started to talk to her about Harvard, which accepted her with a full scholarship. And she’s achieved in ways she never would have expected or predicted.</p>