I know these are annoying.... but advice needed!

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Hello! First post on allnurses, but have been a lurker for a while. I've tried talking to family, friends, and boyfriend about this stuff, but they just dont get it.... but nursing school apps are about to give me an ulcer! Sorry for the wall of text! Which I know, I know... annoying, haha, but thanks if you get through it!

So... background!: B.S. in Biology from UC Irvine, 3.3 overall GPA..... my first year and fourth year I had a 4.0, but my second/third year was full of multiple things that caused my GPA to plummet.... parent's divorce, working to help support myself, was pre-med so I threw myself into research for 30 hours a week, on top of five classes per quarter and a hospital internship. Well after third year, I was pretty much burnt out and getting sick frequently... (had shingles at 20 years old due to stress!) Anyway, realized something needed to change, coupled with financial issues, caused me to take a year off. After my internship and research I realized becoming an NP was such a better fit for me, and began working towards that.

After the year off, I committed fully back to school, because I KNOW I am smarter than what was shown during my 2nd/3rd year... To complete pre-reqs in time to apply for next fall, I ended up taking 32 units of classes/quarter (UCI plus multiple CCs) and getting a 4.0. So it's not that I can't handle the work load, or that I'm unintelligent, I just wish schools could look past the numbers...

So here I am now...applying to direct entry MSN programs (California). As I'm sure most of you know, getting into these programs is INSANE, and I'm just afraid I'm wasting my time.... I just finished up getting my CNA, and have been applying to all sorts of tech jobs, but it's not going to be substantial experience by the time apps are due (Oct-Feb).

I know a lot of schools just look at the last 60, which unfortunately my 4th year is offset by the horrible third, and is about the same as my overall, ~3.35. Almost all of my pre-reqs are all A's (A/P, Micro, Chem, Nut, Soc, etc.), but I feel I'm just so held back from my low GPA. Only one of the schools requires any testing, which I know I can excel at, but the rest I'm just stuck with my GPA.

So I guess my question is, does anyone with experience with direct entry programs, or hell, even if not, I just am wondering if I should even apply this round of applications, or wait a year, gain more experience as a CNA, and work on improving my applications (more volunteering, trying to retake classes, but that's hard because most are upper div and cant be retaken at CCs..)

So I'm going crazy..... I just know I'm going to be crushed if I apply this round and don't get in anywhere... let alone all the money/energy that goes into applying to 8 ultra competitive programs.

And thanks to those who made it through! ;)

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Specializes in Emergency.

Have you considered applying to a BSN program? I'm not saying instead of the direct entry programs, but in addition. Then if you get into the BSN program and not the direct entry, you can do the BSN degree, and apply to a BSN-DNP or BSN-MSN degree after that. It would give you a fallback position.

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Which schools are you looking at that only require the last 60 units to calculate GPA? I know Samuel Merritt...where else?

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Western U (according to their website) looks at both overall and last 60. So does CSUDH and CSULA. They say they like to see upward trajectories in your last 60, but unfortunately I had a horrible third year.

I have thought about BSN programs, and I will probably apply to some as well. It just seems like the long way around, when most BSN programs are 2 years in length (the same as most MSN programs), as equally as hard to get into.

I guess the GPA averages they post are just that, averages. Half of students are below, so I guess just apply EVERYWHERE and hope for the best!

Thanks for the advice :)

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I've heard that SMU isn't that bad to get into if you're qualified. Have you taken the TEAS? It's hard with masters programs too, because you need to be confident in the specialty you apply for. Do you really want to do primary care? Do you want to work in a hospital? Every program isn't a good fit for every person, you need to make sure you'll be in an environment and on a path you see meshes well with you!

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Hello, I just graduated from UC Davis and am applying as well.. Have you looked into AUsa Pacific ? They look at overall GPA and entrance is based on a point system so you will get credit for all the volunteer work you have done as well as the CNA course which I did the same thing as you and completed it. I have no paid experience as a CNA yet. I can tell you my undergrad GPA

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Was a 3.59 and to me a 3.35 isn't that bad. I haven't gotten accepted anywhere but I have applied to Azusa Pacific and received. Phone interview and still waiting on Samuel Merritt for the summer 2014

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Also I would suggest applying to accelerated BSN programs they are usually a year or just a little over a year long :)

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I graduated from undergrad in 2010 and just graduated from my FNP program last week. I had a 3.28 undergrad GPA and some volunteer stints, never had any paid healthcare experience. GPA isn't everything. Interview is very important. Really emphasize commitment to the underserved, nursing schools love that.

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First, CONGRATS! :) And second, that is so relieving to hear!! Thank you for your input!

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