ADVICE for a pre-nursing student?

U.S.A. Maryland

Published

Hi my name is Ann, I'm 22 and a pre-nursing student trying to figure out what her next move should be. Here's my background story:

I attended Stevenson University for 3 years and Towson University for 1.5 years with no luck with the nursing program. Stevenson didn't accept me because my science GPA was low and Towson's Hagerstown campus actually accepted me... but I failed A&P I and couldn't take A&P II (my last prerequisites).

When that happened, I took a break from school and went to CCBC to become a CNA. I still wanted to pursue nursing but I wanted some time to reflect on the mistakes I made academically. Now that I'm certified, I feel more capable to go back to school and finish my prerequisites. However, this is where my dilemma is...

As much as this experience has taught me to be a better student, I don't have the opportunity to change the grades I've already earned. I've completed all of my general education and pre-nursing requirements with the exception of A&P I and A&P II. I'm retaking A&P I before I apply to CCBC's nursing program but even with an 'A' it's not enough and I know repeating more than one class doesn't look good. Even with an 'A', in A&P I, my GPA would be 3.375 in gen ed. requirements and 3.2 overall.

So my questions are: What should I do? Should I just continue and hope for the best? Should I try looking at other schools (community college or 4-year)? Which campus would be best to apply, Essex or Catonsville?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

*Choosing another major is not an option. Also, sorry for the long rant.

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That is still a solid gpa. I think that is close to mine and I was accepted. You'll need to rock the TEAS, and after a/p 1&2 I think you could.

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I got accepted to TUs program with a 3.31 cumulative GPA. My prereq was higher, my teas was a 90. I don't think there is anything stopping you, but don't underestimate the importance of the TEAS. If you aren't able to score well on that, you may need to rethink your plan.

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I was accepted in the CCBC-Essex nursing program with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology (GPA 3.03) and having to repeat A&PI and only a C in Bio 110. I had a B in A&PII and an A in Microbiology. I think you're looking pretty good. I think what got me into the program was putting my all into the TEAS V (98 percentile). So, I think you've got a really good shot. Just put all your effort into your A&Ps and Micro and then study study study for the TEAS.

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I have a similar story as nursefelly. I was just accepted into CCBCs program. I have a bachelor's in psychology, graduated with a 3.3 GPA, my pre-req GPA for CCBCs program was actually on the lower side, with a 3.2 (although my science GPA is a 3.75 so I'm sure that helped). They look at your science classes much more closely. I had a C in communication and a C in sociology and I was certain these would keep me from getting into the program. I really think my high science GPA paid off. I also scored in the 99th percentile on my TEAS exam. My suggestion to you is to do your best to get an A in A&P I and II and micro and score well on your TEAS and you'll be just fine! Best of luck!

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Thank you for all the advice! I really appreciate it :)

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I was accepted into CCBC's nursing program the first time I applied with a 3.0 GPA having failed A&P 2 the first time I took it. Don't give up. Keep going.

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I would apply to as many BSN and ADN programs as possible. Because you are in the Baltimore area, you have (in addition to Towson & Stevenson), Morgan State, Coppin State, University of Maryland (Shady Grove or Baltimore), CCBC, HCC, AACC, etc. There's even Notre Dame, near Towson. They have a new nursing program and might be less competitive in that regard.

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