A lot of them look for GPA's of at least 3.0 and a decent to above average NCLEX score. Not only that, clinics and offices are the most prized positions for nurses. They're less work, less stress and can be high paying. Also, some of the better paying nursing positions are usually the most competivie. Neonatal units, surgical, and ER's are where a lot of the students I know want to go.
The least liked areas are geriatrics and hospital wards.
Also, there are waiting lists for nursing schools these days because they don't have enough qualified instructors.
I don't know who you know or what your experiences are, but everyone I've ever worked with in the medical field care deeply about their patients. As much as people want to do it for the money, you're no good to anyone if you don't care about the patients your there to take care of. That's a necessary attribute.
I spent many years in the medical field as an aide, medic and ER tech. I start nursing school tomorrow actually. 
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