[undergradnurse]

I am currently a junior in college. The nursing program is "very competitive" This was explained to me by the recruiter. I had a 2.8 Gpa at the time i applied. I did not get in either.
I reapply this year, and the recruiter asked me a bunch of questions as is if were an interview. I have a 2.57 now for a Gpa. (was in a car accident and finished my last semester with a couple C's,i have failed a math class too, but i am retaking it now.) Anyways i am trying desperatly to hang on. i am supposed to graduate in 2007! I have not even taken one nursing class. I think the first time i applied to the nursing program, the recrutier gave me a run around. Besides getting better grades what do you all propose I should do? The Gpa required is a 2.5 (hopefully they take in the account that I was ill when i finished my semester)

[Templar1961]

Get better grades. No, get fantastic grades. I know that's blunt and completely inconsiderate of your personal circumstances, and that you want some other tips besides that, but that's really all I can think of. And just because the required GPA is 2.5 doesn't mean that attaining that will get you in. I know it sucks! I'm right there with you!

[smilin_gp]

Same advice as above with the grades. With the current competition for nursing programs, required GPA's don't mean much, unless you have an incredible amount of related healthcare experience and your school takes that into consideration. Many people graduate in nursing school later than age 21-22. Sounds like a good idea to retake the C classes and study your tail off. Also, if you haven't already done this, it might be a good idea to get some volunteer or other type of volunteer experience. Good luck!

[Tanzanite]

Originally Posted by undergradnurse

Besides getting better grades what do you all propose I should do?

A little prayer wouldn't hurt (I wouldn't be where I'm at right now without it!)

[chiqadee1]

hi, I share a similar fate with you. I've recently decided to change careers at the age of 29 and return to school for nursing. I know it's highly competitive and I'm actually aiming for an accelerated BSN program since I already hold a B.A. However, my cumulative GPA from undergrad (6-7 years ago) is below a 2.5. I'm trying desperately not to get my hopes down but is cumulative GPA that happened 6 years ago a huge factor in these schools?

I'm currently taking my pre-req classes that i didn't take during my undergrad and I'm kicking ass in them. Would this help me in the end?

Also, are alll schools requiring the ACT exam? I heard if you already have a B.A, you don't need to take the ACT exam is this true?

Is anyone in the same boat as me? Any adivce?

[marilynmom]

It really depends on the school. My GPA from over 12 years ago still counts (and that means 3 F's), my cum. GPA isn't good (3.1) but at the school I am at now they offer academic forgiveness and they "erased" my bad semester and my GPA is now a 3.4 and my science GPA is a 3.8.

Unfortunatly most schools could care less why you have a low GPA (even a car wreck, health problems, etc) they look strickly at the numbers. I don't know of a single school where I live that accepts anyone with just the minimum GPA (which for most is a 2.5) because they have enough people applying with much higher GPA's.

I know that may sound harsh, and I know because I have BTDT with a low GPA. And it is *very* hard and takes a *very* long time to bring up a low GPA--that is just the reality of it. If I were you I would be looking at a school that offers academic forgiveness and apply there using your retention (vs cum.) GPA. For me it made a HUGE difference. Or look at private schools that have a nursing program, they ususually are not as competitive and some are not competitive at all because of the high tuition prices (which I have heard you can get a lot of financial aid with).

Good luck and don't give up!!

[jones21498]

I know at Ivy Tech here in IN, they use the scores from the TEAS test to determine who gets into the program and not GPAs at all, or at least the Ivy Tech I attend. I wish you the best of luck... you may want to research and perhaps change schools or apply to multiple schools depending on their requirements, with GPA being less important.