applying to nursing programs with low gpa

roser13, ASN, RN · Oct 25, 2016

Keep in mind that the 3.0 minimum is just that - a minimum. Most, if not all, nursing programs are so overwhelmed with 4.0 applicants that GPA is the least of the criteria.

angiedee123 · Oct 25, 2016

Thank you for your response, it gives me some hope. I messed up in my first years of college out of high school and now paying for my mistakes.

rdegc · Oct 26, 2016

Hello,

I was recently accepted to a program in NY with a 3.52 cumulative GPA. My science and pre-req GPAs were both about 3.4. I also made mistakes in my first years of college, and I received average grades. The college I was accepted to is called Nazareth College, and it is located in Rochester, NY. It's a private university, so it's expensive. If I had the choice, I would definitely choose a more cost-effective program over a private university. However, due to my personal circumstances, I chose to go to this school.

So that being said, different private schools have different standards. Some take into account strictly GPA only, and some look at the "overall student"-- meaning GPA, volunteer work, letter of recs, personal statement, etc. You just have to do a lot of research on each school you are applying to and investigate what they are looking for in a student.

Good luck!

Buyer beware, BSN · Oct 31, 2016

Keep in mind that the 3.0 minimum is just that - a minimum. Most, if not all, nursing programs are so overwhelmed with 4.0 applicants that GPA is the least of the criteria.

Yes this sounds right. Today as opposed to olden times it is challenging to find the right balance between school quality and affordability.

To give some historical perspective, in the past nursing was not necessarily the default thing to do for those who couldn't get a gig with a degree in the social sciences or the sciences for that matter. The economy back then seemed to be more heterogenious and accepting of a nuts to bolts education. Now most jobs that pay a living wage require a specialized background. And much to the surprise of the old hacks that know nursing and how to care for for people like the back of their hand, nursing is just one of those specialized fields.

So since I'm told the competition can be fierce to become the coveted RN in some circles, it is imperative to become a nurse as cheaply as possible. And even if it means getiing an AD for now, finding employment, and then if you feel like it, letting your employer pay your way to a BSN and beyond.

When I hear about people falling for the for-profit speel, I vomit to think that 80 to 100 to 120K for tuition in loans for a BSN isn't considered a 1st degree felony for those sub-standard schools that have the gaul to lead the trusting so far astray.

ChristiHamm8, CNA · Nov 2, 2016

I have a 3.17 accumulative but that is with 62 transferring credits and a dual associates in a related field. I was also a stay at home mom to two which expanded to three during the midst of all that. I don't beat myself up about it and have already talked with some advisors who are on the board and they know that I am ambitious and doing well in my current classes. I am barely putting in the effort now and still maintaining A's. Make the appeal to the people that matter that you are willing to go the extra mile and are crushing the classes that matter with ease and they may see the whole picture :) Best of luck!!!