Worried that I won't get accepted

[rlhtsvm]

Hello all, I am a new to this forum. I have a BA in Biology with a 2.5 cumulative GPA. My nursing pre-req GPA is 3.3-3.5 (depending on the requirments of the school). I have volunteered at loma linda hospital in the emergency area. Right now I am a Pharm tech becuase my first career plans was Pharmacy school then I changed to nursing. I have not taken my teas, but I plan on taking it and doing well. I volunteered at kasier for a few months in the pharmacy and nursing areas.

I want to do A-BSN but my cum is too low. What do you think? Do I have a chance?

[iPink, BSN, RN]

Hi, I can give you advice based on what I was told at the Accelerated BSN program I want to attend in Fall 2010. Now for that college, you would need a minimum of 3.0 GPA to apply. Well, the College Recruiter said they receive applicants that ignore that requirement and apply anyway with a GPA of 2.99 or less. She said once they see your GPA is under 3.0 they automatically decline the applicant. They will not look at how excellent their recommendations are or their A's in the prerequisite courses. Once that GPA, where you received your college degree, falls under that mark, it's a no go. They won't make exceptions. But, your school may have different GPA requirements.

[mfrancisco]

It depends on the school. Don't give up, and go talk to the admissions counselor for the schools that you are interested in. They will tell you if they ever accept people with a GPA of under 3.0. Don't make any assumptions.

[IHeartPeds87]

It all depends on that particular program, so really any non-specific advice anyone gives you isn't going to help.

I will tell you that all hope is NOT lost. It is very dependent on the specific program. There is an accelerated second degree BSN program in my area that doesn't care what your cumulative gpa in your first degree was at all. They just want you to have the degree plus good grades in specific prerequisite courses. If you took these courses and did badly in them, you can take them again at a local community college, do well in them, apply, and you are good to go.

At the same time, there are programs around here that won't look at your application if your cumulative gpa isn't above a 3.0...so like I said it is VERY program specific.

Most community colleges won't care about what your previous gpa was, all they (typically) care about is your gpa in their specific prerequisite classes. Some programs have an admission test (HESI or NET) and an interview, some have a waiting list, some don't.

Do not give up. There are several routes of becoming a nurse.

[Music in My Heart]

That wouldn't be competitive at many of the public schools but many of them admit by lottery or sequentially so you don't really need to worry. You'd probably do OK at some of the private schools.

I don't know if this counts as good news but I would expect the competition to soften a lot in the next couple of years as more and more new grads are unable to find regular, full-time jobs.

[mfrancisco]

Let's hope so (less competition)!

[mfrancisco]

WANT2BEANURSESOON, I couldn't have said it better myself. Any non-specific advice should be ignored! Don't give up! I'm right there with you. My undergrad GPA is below a 3.0. I will keep you posted as I am in the process of applying to entry-level master's and ABSN programs right now.

[IHeartPeds87]

good luck mfrancisco :) I'm in the process of applying too! Good luck :)

[mfrancisco]

Good luck to you, too!