I panicked a bit last night. I was and am a bit nervous that 201 is not going to be good enough. I thought if I hurried up and took an English or Psychology class this semester, an A would give me the 10 point boost I need. I saw that there are several online classes for each that are not full but the registration date has passed. I called the school of nursing to see what could be done. I explained my situation with the two B's. When I mentioned the 98 on my TEAS, she interrupted me. She said I should be doing back-flips because she's never heard of anyone getting that high of a score. I believe she used the word "phenomenal". I certainly don't say this to brag, because there is still a good chance it won't be good enough. I mean, if I'm so stinking smart, why do I have two B's? I'm just a good test taker and I mention it because it is all I have to encourage me at this point. I was told that there was no way I could enroll in an online course and it would be difficult just getting into an on-campus course at this time (courses have already started). She really thought that the extra 10 points would not be worth all the trouble because 201 is usually good enough. It all depends from semester to semester. Some semesters, people with C's get in and sometimes it takes all A's. She said most people have 10 less points on their TEAS test. She really thought I would be okay but said if I didn't make, take a class in the summer to get the 10 points. That was the plan.
All that to say, not much has changed. I tried to make a difference but it seems I was a bit late and possibly overreacting. I'm still in just Microbiology that starts this Friday. I'm still going to turn in my application and wait until May like everybody else. I'm just going hope that my TEAS score is good enough. Man, I hate "good enough".
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
A Big Bubble
I don't believe I could have done any better than I did on the TEAS. Yet, I don't think it was good enough. Another quick explanation:
30 points for each A
20 points for each B
100 points possible for TEAS
3 points for being local
A total of 223 points possible.
I have:
60 points for the 2 A's at Ivy Tech
40 points for the 2 B's at USI when I was 18 and stupid
98 points on the TEAS
3 points for living in Warrick County
A total of 201 points.
There's no set cut-off. Only around 30 students will be accepted and those will be the ones with the most points. I'm under the impression that the students getting in all have over 200. That puts me right on the bubble.
March 1st - April 1st
I turn in my application.
May 30
Acceptance/rejection letters are mailed.
If I am rejected, I will retake psychology this summer and apply for the spring.
30 points for each A
20 points for each B
100 points possible for TEAS
3 points for being local
A total of 223 points possible.
I have:
60 points for the 2 A's at Ivy Tech
40 points for the 2 B's at USI when I was 18 and stupid
98 points on the TEAS
3 points for living in Warrick County
A total of 201 points.
There's no set cut-off. Only around 30 students will be accepted and those will be the ones with the most points. I'm under the impression that the students getting in all have over 200. That puts me right on the bubble.
March 1st - April 1st
I turn in my application.
May 30
Acceptance/rejection letters are mailed.
If I am rejected, I will retake psychology this summer and apply for the spring.
Monday, January 11, 2010
TEAS tomorrow
I am taking my TEAS test tomorrow. That's the entrance exam I've mentioned earlier. I will be heading to the Admissions office to pay the whopping $35 and then running to the Workforce Development Center by 9am to start the 3 and half hour test.
I also once mentioned that I was going to get 100 points on this test. I think I need to lower my goals a tad. After studying I see that I have some glaring weaknesses. I should do okay on the reading comprehension part, although I have a tendency to argue with and over-think the given choices. I also think I will do alright on the spelling, but, thanks to spell check, my spelling skills are rusting and I question myself more often. My weakness is vocabulary. There is always one or two words I've never heard of and nothing I can do but guess. It's not something I can study for.
I also think I will do alright on the math, but there's a chance I will run into something I just don't remember how to do and the odds of making at least one mistake are relatively high. As for the science portion, I'm scared out of my mind. The practice tests I have been studying touch on every science class I've ever taken and the questions are very specific and complicated. I'm trying to relearn biology, physics formulas, laws, electricity formulas, ecology, anatomy, chemistry, etc. This is crazy and sort of irrelevant to tell you the truth.
I am confident I will get a good score. I am not confident it will be good enough. I could get all 100 points and it still not be good enough if my overall score (TEAS plus class grades) is not in the top 30 or so applications.
I will let you know how I think I did later this week. Please pray.
I also once mentioned that I was going to get 100 points on this test. I think I need to lower my goals a tad. After studying I see that I have some glaring weaknesses. I should do okay on the reading comprehension part, although I have a tendency to argue with and over-think the given choices. I also think I will do alright on the spelling, but, thanks to spell check, my spelling skills are rusting and I question myself more often. My weakness is vocabulary. There is always one or two words I've never heard of and nothing I can do but guess. It's not something I can study for.
I also think I will do alright on the math, but there's a chance I will run into something I just don't remember how to do and the odds of making at least one mistake are relatively high. As for the science portion, I'm scared out of my mind. The practice tests I have been studying touch on every science class I've ever taken and the questions are very specific and complicated. I'm trying to relearn biology, physics formulas, laws, electricity formulas, ecology, anatomy, chemistry, etc. This is crazy and sort of irrelevant to tell you the truth.
I am confident I will get a good score. I am not confident it will be good enough. I could get all 100 points and it still not be good enough if my overall score (TEAS plus class grades) is not in the top 30 or so applications.
I will let you know how I think I did later this week. Please pray.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Spring 2010
I admit I fell behind a bit there. Chemistry just isn't something I enjoy writing about. But it is officially in the past so, after a quick summary, we should be able to move on.
I took my chemistry final on December 19th. I watched my teacher grade it. He was pulling for a 100% because no one had ever gotten perfect scores on all the tests. He got to the last problem and found a significant figure mistake that I should have caught. I ended up with a 99% on the final and a 105% in the class. Mr. Mills even introduced me to the head of the chemistry department (or whatever they call it). She wasn't interested. Whatever. I moved on back in November. Overall, the class went remarkably well and I liked it a lot more than I expected to. I'm really glad I'm done with the Saturday class thing. But I think I will miss the relaxed atmosphere and how easy it was to get the A's.
Next up: Microbiology. I have enrolled and paid for a class that meets on Fridays from 8am to noon. Like Chemistry, half of that is lecture and half is lab. I know this class is going to be harder. There will be a lot more memorization and reading, similar to Anatomy.
The textbook I need is sold for $242.50 new at the bookstore. I bought a new one online for $65. When I'm done I'll probably sell it back to the bookstore for over $100. That's what they get for overcharging people who are in school because they need more money.
My first class meets January 15th. While I'm waiting, I'm studying for my TEAS test (the entrance exam for the nursing program, see previous posts). I'll be taking it next week. I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about it. I've got to get as close to perfect as I can or I may go nuts. I think I'll go study now.
Also, a shout out to my good friend Michelle who is now enrolled at Ivy Tech for the Spring. In one year she hopes to also be in the nursing program.
I took my chemistry final on December 19th. I watched my teacher grade it. He was pulling for a 100% because no one had ever gotten perfect scores on all the tests. He got to the last problem and found a significant figure mistake that I should have caught. I ended up with a 99% on the final and a 105% in the class. Mr. Mills even introduced me to the head of the chemistry department (or whatever they call it). She wasn't interested. Whatever. I moved on back in November. Overall, the class went remarkably well and I liked it a lot more than I expected to. I'm really glad I'm done with the Saturday class thing. But I think I will miss the relaxed atmosphere and how easy it was to get the A's.
Next up: Microbiology. I have enrolled and paid for a class that meets on Fridays from 8am to noon. Like Chemistry, half of that is lecture and half is lab. I know this class is going to be harder. There will be a lot more memorization and reading, similar to Anatomy.
The textbook I need is sold for $242.50 new at the bookstore. I bought a new one online for $65. When I'm done I'll probably sell it back to the bookstore for over $100. That's what they get for overcharging people who are in school because they need more money.
My first class meets January 15th. While I'm waiting, I'm studying for my TEAS test (the entrance exam for the nursing program, see previous posts). I'll be taking it next week. I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about it. I've got to get as close to perfect as I can or I may go nuts. I think I'll go study now.
Also, a shout out to my good friend Michelle who is now enrolled at Ivy Tech for the Spring. In one year she hopes to also be in the nursing program.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Proceeding
I mailed a request for my USI transcripts on Saturday. I just received them today. I'm glad I requested two. Official transcripts have to be in a sealed envelope. I opened one thinking there was a sealed envelope inside. That was stupid. The mailing envelope is the sealed envelope.
Jason picked up two books from the library to help me prepare for the TEAS test. I hope there are no holds on them because I think I will need to keep them for a bit. I originally stated I wanted to take the test before the end of the year. But when I think about sitting down to review, I realize my chemistry work needs to take precedence. I think that will be the trend until my final on December 19. Then campus will be closed for the winter break. My spring course, microbiology, is on Friday of the first week. I'm thinking the ideal time to take the TEAS would be just before my first microbiology class. That would give me several weeks over the holidays to only work on the TEAS and then stop thinking about them and switch gears for my class.
And speaking of chemistry, I have my third exam this Saturday and then a week off for Thanksgiving.
Jason picked up two books from the library to help me prepare for the TEAS test. I hope there are no holds on them because I think I will need to keep them for a bit. I originally stated I wanted to take the test before the end of the year. But when I think about sitting down to review, I realize my chemistry work needs to take precedence. I think that will be the trend until my final on December 19. Then campus will be closed for the winter break. My spring course, microbiology, is on Friday of the first week. I'm thinking the ideal time to take the TEAS would be just before my first microbiology class. That would give me several weeks over the holidays to only work on the TEAS and then stop thinking about them and switch gears for my class.
And speaking of chemistry, I have my third exam this Saturday and then a week off for Thanksgiving.
Friday, November 13, 2009
I can officially proceed.
When I first considered going back to school to get my RN license, I was told I needed to attend the Mandatory Nursing Information Meeting. There is one meeting per month and I can not get an advisor or take the TEAS test until I have attended. However, I was still nursing Willow at the time so I thought I would wait until I was done in August to sign up. When that time came, I went to sign up and found to my dismay that there was a 6 month waiting list. I couldn't get in until February. The February one was during the day and the March one was in the evening so I opted for the March one so I wouldn't need a babysitter. In the meantime, I explained my situation to the secretary and she arranged a meeting with Susan Dye, the chair of the nursing department. That meeting was very helpful and I believe I wrote about it on this blog here.
Moving on, seven months later, the week of my meeting, my mother past away. Her visitation was at the exact time of my meeting. I called to reschedule and plead for sympathy and found none. I signed up for the next available meeting 8 months away in November. So now you see that I have been waiting for this important meeting a long time and I finally attended it last night.
Here are a few things I learned:
Applications for the nursing program in the fall of 2010 are due between March 1 and April 1, 2010. I would like to have mine all ready by March 1st so I have just over 3 months to get it ready.
My application needs to have official transcripts from classes at USI. That means I get to call them and ask them to send it to me in a sealed envelope. Seems easy enough if they cooperate. I'll do that within the next week.
I have to take the TEAS test (Test of Essential Academic Skills). It tests reading, math, science and English. I think it costs about $35 and I can take it up to three times, but only every 30 days. So if I don't like my first score, I don't have a lot of time to retake it. I should probably get this done before the end of the year. It's a good thing I like taking standardized general education tests. Weirdo.
I also learned the point system for acceptance into the program. The process is completely objective and based on numbers. I get 30 points each for my A's in Anatomy 101 and 102. Great. But the bad news is that I only get 20 points each for psychology and English because I took them at USI and only got B's. I was just a stupid kid back then. What sucks is that English is by best subject. I wrote a paper about my faith in Christ and my teacher gave me a C and said, "Never write about that again." So my grade ended up as a B. I can't believe that is going to come back to bite me in the butt 15 years later. So I am starting out already down 20 huge points. Also, I get 3 points for living in the area. Whoopity-do! The only other points they consider is the TEAS score.
I was told that most of the people accepted have A's and B's and typically get between 85 and 90 on the TEAS. So the average person has probably around 195-200 points out of a perfect 223. Since I've already lost 20, the best I can do is 203. And I was told that no one has ever gotten 100 on their TEAS. Yeah, well, watch me. I now have a goal and one I'm crazy-mad about. I won't settle for anything less than a 95 on my TEAS and my goal is to be the first 100. That'll get their attention.
I guess I should explain, though, that there's no clear number for a cutoff. All the applicants are ranked by their scores and then they take the top handful depending on the student-teacher ratio (which needs to be 10:1) and depending on how many spots are available at the clinics. The last two semesters they accepted 30 students each out of maybe 80 to 100 applicants. So no matter how good I do, 30 people could do better than me and I'm out. Getting B's is haunting me 15 years later. Let that be a lesson to you kids.
Moving on, seven months later, the week of my meeting, my mother past away. Her visitation was at the exact time of my meeting. I called to reschedule and plead for sympathy and found none. I signed up for the next available meeting 8 months away in November. So now you see that I have been waiting for this important meeting a long time and I finally attended it last night.
Here are a few things I learned:
Applications for the nursing program in the fall of 2010 are due between March 1 and April 1, 2010. I would like to have mine all ready by March 1st so I have just over 3 months to get it ready.
My application needs to have official transcripts from classes at USI. That means I get to call them and ask them to send it to me in a sealed envelope. Seems easy enough if they cooperate. I'll do that within the next week.
I have to take the TEAS test (Test of Essential Academic Skills). It tests reading, math, science and English. I think it costs about $35 and I can take it up to three times, but only every 30 days. So if I don't like my first score, I don't have a lot of time to retake it. I should probably get this done before the end of the year. It's a good thing I like taking standardized general education tests. Weirdo.
I also learned the point system for acceptance into the program. The process is completely objective and based on numbers. I get 30 points each for my A's in Anatomy 101 and 102. Great. But the bad news is that I only get 20 points each for psychology and English because I took them at USI and only got B's. I was just a stupid kid back then. What sucks is that English is by best subject. I wrote a paper about my faith in Christ and my teacher gave me a C and said, "Never write about that again." So my grade ended up as a B. I can't believe that is going to come back to bite me in the butt 15 years later. So I am starting out already down 20 huge points. Also, I get 3 points for living in the area. Whoopity-do! The only other points they consider is the TEAS score.
I was told that most of the people accepted have A's and B's and typically get between 85 and 90 on the TEAS. So the average person has probably around 195-200 points out of a perfect 223. Since I've already lost 20, the best I can do is 203. And I was told that no one has ever gotten 100 on their TEAS. Yeah, well, watch me. I now have a goal and one I'm crazy-mad about. I won't settle for anything less than a 95 on my TEAS and my goal is to be the first 100. That'll get their attention.
I guess I should explain, though, that there's no clear number for a cutoff. All the applicants are ranked by their scores and then they take the top handful depending on the student-teacher ratio (which needs to be 10:1) and depending on how many spots are available at the clinics. The last two semesters they accepted 30 students each out of maybe 80 to 100 applicants. So no matter how good I do, 30 people could do better than me and I'm out. Getting B's is haunting me 15 years later. Let that be a lesson to you kids.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Did I Say "Hate"?
To this day I regret not following through on my pre-med degree. It was that wretched chemistry that forced me to run away with my tail between my legs and join the education department. How is it that now this stuff makes sense? I know this is basic chemistry, but I'm understanding things now that I know tripped me up in high school and college.
I currently have the flu. I went to bed with 103.6 and can only assume I slept at some point. When my alarm went off I immediately downed two Aleve and a cup of bold coffee. Then I headed off to class covered in a cold sweat. I managed to stay upright through the lab and review. Then I took the test that kills weaker men, a test of nomenclature (naming formulas). I'm so glad I've been studying for this chapter for 3 weeks because I wasn't learning much the last two days. I could have waited to take the test, but I was ready and I wanted to get it over with.
I admit the test was pretty easy. Some of the questions were word for word off of the study guide, but I guess that's an advantage of studying. I flew through the test one time and then double checked my answers without changing a thing. It all made sense even through the fog. And it paid off. I got another 100. Oh I could have been a doctor!
PS: My teacher felt it necessary to remind me that people die of the flu. Good to know.
I currently have the flu. I went to bed with 103.6 and can only assume I slept at some point. When my alarm went off I immediately downed two Aleve and a cup of bold coffee. Then I headed off to class covered in a cold sweat. I managed to stay upright through the lab and review. Then I took the test that kills weaker men, a test of nomenclature (naming formulas). I'm so glad I've been studying for this chapter for 3 weeks because I wasn't learning much the last two days. I could have waited to take the test, but I was ready and I wanted to get it over with.
I admit the test was pretty easy. Some of the questions were word for word off of the study guide, but I guess that's an advantage of studying. I flew through the test one time and then double checked my answers without changing a thing. It all made sense even through the fog. And it paid off. I got another 100. Oh I could have been a doctor!
PS: My teacher felt it necessary to remind me that people die of the flu. Good to know.
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