Direct Entry Master's Programs! I have no CLUE WHAT TO DO!!

U.S.A. California

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Hi Everyone!!!

I have a couple of questions that I just need advice on because I am really lost. I am in my last semester at UC Berkeley and realized that I want to be a Nurse Practitioner instead of doctor due to volunteer experiences. I know a couple of people who are nurses that suggested that I try to go into the Direct Entry Master's Programs here in California. However, my issue lies within my GPA. I currently have a 2.87 :uhoh3: here and trying desperately this semester to bring it up to a 3.0. I am a Ethnic Studies Major but I did take sciences courses,which were Chemistry (grade of a C), Organic Chemistry (grade of a C-), Organic Chemistry Lab (A-) and Biology, which I took twice. THe first time I took Biology, I was going through a cris and ended up with a D+. I took it over in the summer, but my family had a crisis in Los Angeles, so I had to go down there and help, and it was too late to withdraw, so I ended up with a F :yawn: which they wouldn't remove unfortunately. So now I am stuck because I realize that I can take the pre-reqs at a JC and get all A's but would a direct entry program look bad upon me because of my undergraduate transcript.

My cousin is currently enrolled in a private accelerated BSN program and I am wondering if I should take route. Yet, I would really want to do the direct entry MSN . I plan to reside in the SoCal region after I graduate and have a gathered a list of MSN programs that have a direct entry program. Any advice would help on what I should do because I really have my heart set on nursing but I am just discouraged by my transcript due to so many hurdles.

ANY HELP OR ADVICE WOULD BE GREAT!!!! THANK YOU FOR READING!! HAVE A TERRIFIC DAY!!!

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Hey there golden bear!! I graduated from CAL in 2001 with a BA in American Studies. I've been working in PR/Marketing since then and am finally making the career move to nursing, hoping to start a direct-entry msn program in the fall. I too want to be a NP (neonatal) eventually. My best advice to you would be to get your GPA up, Up, UP!!! Nursing programs, from ADN to direct-entry MSN, are impacted, EVERYWHERE! It is a competitive time right now, and you will be competing for a spot with those who have As in their science prereqs. If you can, take the next year or so to retake those courses and whichever other prereqs you have outstanding at a community college, and go hard at studying, doing your best and hopefully getting As. It's not impossible, but it will take some commitment and hard work. And if it pushes you back a year or two, don't stress. You want to be a competitive candidate when they look at your application and interview, and nowadays, coming from a great school, such as Berkeley, isn't enough, especially if you don't have the grades. And when (and they will) question you about your undergrad grades, let them know what was going on in your life at that time, what you learned from that hardship, and how you overcame and continued to move forward with your educational/professional dreams by commiting to doing well in your post-bac prereqs! Turn it around in your favor and back it up by doing well in your prereqs.

Good luck!

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Thank you so much for the helpful advice my fellow Golden Bear. This has really helped to encourage my spirits and inspire me to keep going further. I really was lost throughout my career at Berkeley but I know I want to do nursing. I really wish the best for you and I know you will attending a DE program in the fall. Good luck to you in all your endeavors. And once again, thank you for the words of advice.

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Awww, my pleasure hon! Glad I can help! Believe me, I was lost at Berkeley too (I mean I majored in American Studies - that is where those who don't even have a flash light in the dark end up :p), so I know the feeling. But that is what life is about, trying to find happiness - personally and professionally. So take your time and if you are set on becoming a NP, claim it and it's already yours! Good luck - you'll be fine (not to sound snoody, but they don't just let anyone into Berkeley ;))!

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I'm not a Golden Bear, but I am an Aggie (UC Davis as you already know), so I will crash this conversation. I just wanted to give my support, because I went through the same thing. I graduated from Davis with a major in Poli Sci and a 2.8 GPA. URGH. Needless to say, I just finished taking all my pre-reqs. It took me a year, and I got a 4.0 in all of my pre-reqs. Don't worry. It hurts every time I look at my undergrad GPA, but always know that you can improve things and do better. I agree that you should focus on your classes and your pre-reqs even if it takes more time. Don't try to rush things, and keep volunteering. Good luck to you! You can do it!

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Aww thank you both so much. You both know how I am feeling and thank you for the encouragement. Yes, it does hurt to look at my transcript but I plan to ace my pre-reqs. It's just a little discouraging to see how so many DE programs are so impacted. I called Azusa about their DE program and they told me they are full for 2010 and 2011 and waitlisted for 2012 so I was in shock. But I will definitely take that year and just concentrate on my pre-reqs. I wish the best to you two because your words really motivate me that I can make it, especially with us coming from the UCs and knowing how tough it can be. THANKS AGAIN FOR EVERYTHING!!!!

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