Should I try applying to traditional schools if I dont have the grades?

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Hello everyone!

I have been reading different posts for a while now, and i finally built up the courage to get some insight from people that have been through my situation.

I have been taking classes at a CC and this will be my last semester so i can get my associates. I want to eventually get my bsn, BUT unfortunately my gpa is 2.8 and i have repeated chem, anat and micro. Chem i took over and got a C, anat i got a D the first time then retook it and got a B. And my worst is micro, i got a W the first time, second time was a few points short of a C and now I'm taking it again and it looks like i may end up with a C. Science course have been so difficult for me,i do not want to give up bc I know I can be a good nurse. I have had my cna license for 4 years now and i know i want to do this, i just want to get in already and get my career started. I recently went to wcu and it seems like that would be the only way i could ever become a nurse. I live in Los Angeles and I would really appreciate if someone could honestly tell me if in fact, west coast is the only way for me to become a nurse. Because if i dont even have a chance at traditional schools, i dont want to waste another another half a year before i can get started when i can begin by June. If anyone could give me some honest advice i would really appreciate it. Specially about whether or not i should even try to apply if i dont have the grades. Thanks in advance.

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Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.

Remember that getting in is only the first step, no matter where you go.

2nd step is successful completion of the program.

3rd step is actually passing the NCLEX

Any traditional college will be willing to talk to you about their program and can give you feedback regarding your desire to attends, and your potential for successful. Ask to speak with an admissions counselor.

Thats the only way you'll find out.

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Specializes in PACU.

The best way to find out it to apply. There have been people on these boards that have gotten in to some nursing school with your GPA. Not an overwhelming majority, mind you.

I don't want to discourage you, but nursing school is competitive. You will essentially be battling with people who have GPAs that are much higher. Nursing schools require good grades in the sciences for a good reason, and you do have to understand that nursing school and the nursing field are not for everyone. At times, you may have to realize that you may never be a nurse because of this. But, on the other hand, you could.

It's difficult to say. For as many success stories out there there are just as many (or more) unsuccessful ones. Just keep a good head on your shoulders, apply to the schools, and understand the reality that you may not get into any (but on the other hand, you might). The best way to find this out is to apply ;-)

Best of luck in your endeavors!

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Im in the same boat as you. A "W" doesn't count towards an attepmt, atleast at my cc. So for micro you may wanna re-take again if you can. They make these classes SO hard. Yes I get its to weed out people, but in my opinion just cause you are smart doesn't mean you possess all the characteristics a nurse should have, such as patience and compassion. Those are two of the biggest I see a lack in on a daily basis. Im a CNA and PCT. I know I have all the skills and the personality to become a nurse. As well as good organizational skills and critical thinking... But these science classes KILL me. My prof said first day out of 50 maybe 8 get A's...REALLY..

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Im in the same boat as you. A "W" doesn't count towards an attepmt, atleast at my cc. So for micro you may wanna re-take again if you can. They make these classes SO hard. Yes I get its to weed out people, but in my opinion just cause you are smart doesn't mean you possess all the characteristics a nurse should have, such as patience and compassion. Those are two of the biggest I see a lack in on a daily basis. Im a CNA and PCT. I know I have all the skills and the personality to become a nurse. As well as good organizational skills and critical thinking... But these science classes KILL me. My prof said first day out of 50 maybe 8 get A's...REALLY..

Thank u for ur input, i actually forgot to mention i am taking micro again now, its so hard and i may be able to get a C this is my 3rd attempt at it. Believe me i know i can be a good nurse, i know that i posses a lot of the qualities that make a good nurse but like u said, these science courses are the death of me. Im still looking into other private schools that may be cheaper than west coast, bc at this point, that may be my only options :( looking into shepherd university.. I am in LA btw and w's count as a

Repeat everywhere :(

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I'm in the same shoes as you. Last semester I dropped chem and bio because I was getting a D and I couldn't deal with that. I'm taking them again, and I'm also getting a D :( I have been studying so hard! Once I go to the test I feel good, but once I'm taking it Its like I get confused and forget everything. Now I'm thinking to drop it AGAIN and transfer to chamberlain college of nursing, which my gpa is fine, and work in the summer in better ways to study. And I agree with jesslogan, no because WE don't get the grades doesn't mean we are not gonna be able to do it or are not going to be a good nurse. Nursing is about practice, and most of the things you learn while u are doing rotations. I'm not gonna let a grade determine if I will become a nurse or not. I know what I want, and it will be hard, but I will do it. So can you!

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