How do I get accepted and where

RhodyGirl, RN · Jun 27, 2008

What state are you in and what is your GPA? What prerequisites have you completed??

WayneStateKatie · Jun 27, 2008

Retake the prerequisite courses. Many community colleges around me only use your grades in pre-reqs to determine GPA for admission. It might take more time, but you really need at the minimum a 2.75 overall in those prereqs to be considered for admission. Some community colleges if you meet the minimum requirements will place you on a wait list. You will get in the program but it may take a year or two. This is a good option for those with less than stellar GPAs.

Community colleges and universities that admit based on merit/ GPA (most programs around me use this actually) are competitive and a 3.6 in the prereqs is usually the lowest GPA admitted (many you need a 3.8+).

Nursing school is exceedingly difficult. Many more people want to be nurses than schools have slots, so schools want to be sure that candidates have a proven record of success in difficult academic course work. They only want the best students to ensure their NCLEX pass rate is high and that students won't drop out halfway through and "waste" a seat that could have been used for another student.

Write a letter that explains your poor grades in the past. Attach it to your transcript that shows your new and improved grades in pre-req courses and tell them that you are capable of completing the program. Work or volunteer in a hospital too-- that shows your commitment and that you are capable of success in a health care setting.

It might not be what you want to hear, but you are going to have to bring your GPA up if you want to be considered. You're confident you can do it-- now show the schools that you can.:loveya:

JettaDP · Jun 28, 2008

Can you share some more information? Like what your current GPA is?

At my school, you have to have a minimum of a 2.5 to be considered but since it is competive based, you realistically won't be accepted with less than a 3.6 GPA. If your GPA is low, all you can do is retake the courses. Or you'll have to go to a school that isn't competive but goes off of a wait list. But the problem there is that you could be on a wait list for 2-3 years. In Maricopa County, AZ (Phoenix area), as long as you get a C in every pre-req you can be put on a wait list. But if you go that route, just be prepared to wait.

coolpeach · Jun 28, 2008

As the above posters suggested you will just have to build yourself up. Start with your lowest grades, retake the class, and make an A. I applied to a community college ADN program with a 3.8, and was rejected. I then retook a Chemistry class that I had a B in and turned into an A, and got accepted. That was one B!!!! There is a ton of competition, and it's hard to get in. Our program accepts 40 students a semester and between 250 to 300 people apply, and 4.0's are a dime a dozen.

I know you don't want to hear it, but retaking the classes is really your only choice. I have heard that there are a few private schools which will accept lower GPA's, but they charge a lot more. I think our program is around $6000.00, and a private school in our area charges over $20,000. The private school also has a bad rap in the area hospitals so it might be harder to land a job after graduation.

Just slow down, and start from the beginning and if you want it bad enough you will make it happen.

Austo4 · Jun 30, 2008

Okay, I will definitely retake the pre-reqs. I can get A's and I am willing to wait because in the meantime I will work to get my masters soon after January in Health scence. I appreciate the help because, in the end, I will get into a program. Also, I would like to know where should apply. I would like to live in seattle, Austin, Sedona, or Boston. Obviously am willing to relocate for this career. I thank you for all of your help and will thread some more if I have anymore questions.

JettaDP · Jun 30, 2008

Okay, I will definitely retake the pre-reqs. I can get A's and I am willing to wait because in the meantime I will work to get my masters soon after January in Health scence. I appreciate the help because, in the end, I will get into a program. Also, I would like to know where should apply. I would like to live in seattle, Austin, Sedona, or Boston. Obviously am willing to relocate for this career. I thank you for all of your help and will thread some more if I have anymore questions.

I can't tell you anything about Austin, Seattle, or Boston but I can tell you that Sedona does not have a nursing school. And Sedona is a retirement community. Which means that it is very expensive to live there.

Truly, you're the only one who can determine where to apply. You just need to hit the internet and look up schools in those areas. They will all have different stipulations so you just have to do the research. Also, try posting the same question in the Washington, Texas, Mass., and Arizona forums. You'll get better answers there probably.

Danny'sGirl84 · Jul 1, 2008

Have you tried Maric College? You can do their Medical Assitant program and that gives you the prerequisites to become a nurse.