How to correct gpa problem?

Nursing Students Post Graduate

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Specializes in ER/Trauma.

Hi everyone, looking for some advice from those who have dealt with this problem.

Way back in the 80's I was a fresh HS grad, entering college with no idea what to do with my life. My first attempt at a college education ended poorly, through no ones fault by my own. I did not know how to apply myself and quickly drowned in academics. I left college at the end of my freshman year with barely a 2.0 gpa.

Fast forward to 2008. I decided to return to the above school to attend an RN to BSN program. In between time I had grown up, obtained my LPN, then ASN with a 4.0. Worked full time through both programs, honors, Phi Theta Kappa and all. I voiced concern with my counsellor over my prior (1980's) grades. I was told there was nothing I could do about them, and all scholarships, honors, etc were based on my current performance in the BSN program. I graduated that program with highest distinction, Sigma Theta Tau, and BSN student of the year honors. My nursing gpa again was 4.0, with an ending overall gpa of 3.2.

I have been applying to MSN programs. So far, I have been turned down at all of them. When I called to ask what the issue was, I was told my gpa was a 3.2, which is not considered competitive enough.

I really hate this. I feel like I am still punished for poor judgement at 18, when I am now 43 and my life experience shows differently. Anyone faced this situation, and if so what did you do? I am almost considering going back for another round of classes, but not sure I can since I have already earned the BSN.

One thing I have learned, bad grades will follow you FOREVER! Heck, even bankruptcy is forgiven after a set number of years!!

Thanks in advance!

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I know what you mean. My first college experience was not my best and has definitely brought down my cumulative GPA. If you apply to schools that use the cumulative GPA as a criterion, you will have the trouble you are. Also whether or not they require the GRE will make a diffference in how much emphasis they place on your GPA. After being turned down for some MSN programs myself, I called and asked why. I learned it was due to the cumulative GPA and also because they had 25 places and 50 applicants. They sd they had to get more selective. I then applied to those schools that want the BSN GPA to be above 3.0 rather than the cumulative. You have a 3.2, so am not sure why you had a problem. Most ask for at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA (all college courses ever taken since high school!! and mine are older than yours!!). My problem is that I need to transfer to an online program and finish my MSN, but it may be a red flag to schools since I have taken so much. I may never get to finish. Barinbass.

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Specializes in Gerontology, nursing education.

Please keep trying, both of you! You both sound like motivated students who would be assets to the graduate program who accepts you.

You might be able to find a program that will accept you provisionally---allow you to take courses like theory, health care policy and finance, or pathophysiology as a non-degree student before you're admitted to a track.

You should not be penalized for your earlier low GPAs. You've certainly proven that you are capable of success in a nursing program. I wish you luck in this!

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You might want to contact the college that you attended originally (at age 18) and ask them about retaking the courses that are dragging your GPA down. Some colleges replace old grades with new ones if you retake the exact same course, though I don't know that all of them do that.

It's at least worth a phone call. I know another semester or two probably isn't what you had in mind, but it might fix the situation.

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