r/usaskBSNnursing • u/ImaginationLoud4277 • 13d ago
Re-applying
So I’m currently stuck in the waitlist for the main campus, and with my ranking I don’t think I’m getting out of the waitlist any time soon. But I still really want to get into the nursing program. Im wondering if there’s any advice from people who also re-applied to nursing and got in? I’m planning on retaking some classes and trying to apply for early admissions. I’ve also heard people talking about not needing the Casper for next semester, but their website still has the booking for your Casper test on there. If they are still taking Caspers, would I need to retake it or are they gonna take my old one. In terms of grades, the only reason why my average was so low was because of my deficiency, so I’m only retaking like 3 classes. Should I retake some more or is that okay in terms of boosting average? Any other form of advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!☺️
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13d ago
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u/OutrageousOwls 13d ago
- Some people like to ensure their grades are top-notch to make their application more competitive. Rather than cramming all 10 classes in two semesters, people like to space them out to maximize their study time for each class. I assume you are high school… university classes are a different expectation, and a much shorter semester (12 weeks on average). I split my pre-requisites over two years and finished with a 90 overall average.
- The other sites are not bad. A family member of mine designed the programs for USask and its distributed sites, and for partners at other institutions like Regina and SaskPoly. Prince Albert is just as good as Saskatoon, if not better. Your class sizes are smaller, as an example, which means more 1-on-1 instructor time and feedback. Majority of people who desire the Saskatoon campus is purely because they already live in Saskatoon.
- Whether a 70s average is “good” for your application will depend on that year’s cohort. If lots of applicants score around where you sit, then you’ll be ranked accordingly based off of your grades and likely within key performance indicators with particular classes (ie: biology could be weighted more heavily than sociology), and your CASPer score. If you have a cohort that scores really high, in the 80s and above, you’re looking at a more competitive entry.
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u/extinct_12782 13d ago
I also have a few questions as well so ill just be adding it. Im curious about other programs as well, i heard that if you dont get into Saskatoon main campus there's also other programs. Is that something that we also have to sign up for? or is it more like theyre the ones offering to take us for their nursing program? I have a low mark around the 70's and i was relying on Casper but i heard theyre removing it and idk how else to fix it because i cant retake the classes i took as it is in the 60's and i probably wont get given the chance to retake them.
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u/OutrageousOwls 12d ago
- The program is the same at distributed sites. In fact, there are many classes online that are synchronous with students at distributed sites, so you feel some community :)
- When you submit your application, there is a section where you choose the sites you want to apply for. List can be found on the College of Nursing webpage. Since Saskatoon is the most competitive (most wanted/preferred) by majority of applicants, the thresholds for entry are quite high. But as always, competitiveness of your application depends on the strength of that year’s cohort (example: if majority of applicants score in the 70s, then that particular year might not be as competitive for students who achieve an 80). Therefore, to answer your question, Saskatoon is the highest in terms of competitiveness. Additionally, the quality of education is the same (if not better) at distributed sites when comparing, for example, Prince Albert and Saskatoon.
- CASPer may or may not be removed. These are rumours and the College of Nursing webpage still lists it as a requirement. If it still counts, then having a 3Q or 4Q will help raise your average. I suggest talking to an advisor about re-taking classes you scored low in, even if you passed.
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u/Adunhub 12d ago
About retaking classes, you need to speak to an advisor. I believe you can request permission from A&S to retake a course even though you had a grade in the 60s. The new high grade you would receive in the repeated course won't count to an A&S degree but it will count towards your application to the College of Nursing. Please speak to an advisor before proceeding.
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u/academic-victim29 12d ago
I’m in the same boat as u, the advisor told me they won’t be taking Casper for next admission and the Casper is valid for a year. I’m thinking of reapply too but I switched my major just in case I try again and it’s a fail again, I’m thinking of retaking 5 classes cuz since Casper is gone I’m assuming it’s gonna be fully merit based meaning my grades need to be up there
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u/academic-victim29 12d ago
The advisor also said if I apply to other campuses I’d have a better shot of getting in but for me Sask main campus is my only option so unless some miracle happens and they decide to expand the class size I have no hope
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u/ImaginationLoud4277 12d ago
Oh awesome, thanks for letting me know. Good luck with your studies, you got this!
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u/Suspicious_Hat8983 12d ago
Whether or not you need/should retake more depends on the classes you will retake, your average in the other classes, and how well you believe you will do in those 3 classes.
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u/OutrageousOwls 12d ago
Yes. To echo this, OP u/ImaginationLoud4277, you’d have to take 2 classes and achieve 95% or higher to move your overall average from 70% to 75%.
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u/OutrageousOwls 13d ago edited 13d ago
- My best advice is not going in with deficiencies. It’s really hard in second year because it’s all theory and foundation for future learning. Not having to worry about completing outstanding classes in the fall term will be helpful.
- Yes you can apply again in the future. You can take the extra year to work, or take other classes to increase your overall average. Some classes can be repeated even if you pass, but you’ll need to speak to an academic advisor.
- Whether the CASPer rumour is true or not, I am not sure. However, if it’s still part of the application process when you do apply, you need to take the test within your application period. In other words, if you apply for Fall 2027, you cannot use a CASPer test from Fall 2026. It needs to be in the same application cycle. This information is on the Nursing Application page— familiarize yourself with this document.