Is a 3.52 GPA too low!?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Over the past week or so I have become very discouraged. I graduated with what I though was a good GPA, and have been looking at schools like JHU, UVA, and Duke for accelerated programs (UVA's direct entry).

I'm reading stories on here of people with GPA's higher than mine getting rejected at community colleges (I am not disparaging CC's).

Is my GPA too low for schools like JHU's accelerated program? I know that schools look at candidates holistically, bit I'm just looking to know how I should feel about my GPA with my focus on top 15 schools.

Ya'll are awesome btw. This is such a great community and resource.

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I don't really have anything to add to help you out. I just wanted to say good luck to you! I am applying to a bunch of programs right now. I've received one rejection so far and am waiting to hear from the rest of the schools so I've been doubting my qualifications the whole time. I know how it feels!

EVERY person I've talked to from an admissions office says rocking your essay will definitely help so at least you have control over that :)

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

I keep hearing that 3.5 is too low...however, I had a 3.0 and got into a part time accelerated program in my area.

I suggest you research and interview perspective schools, go to their information sessions. Students who enter nursing school have NO IDEA what factors are being considered at other schools. My point is, if your school or area has that requirement, that DOESN'T mean everywhere else is like that...I don't mean to be ranty, but it does bother me when posters are giving out this information, and I feel compelled to clarify, because I had NO WAY a 3.5...and there are programs who still accept you at 3.0 in sciences ONLY and are BSN programs. I attended one...and that is still their current requirement, and they meet you where you are in terms of your academic history. Also, keep in mind that most schools pull and place your prerequisites within their formula, as well as placement tests, essays, interviews, etc. My interview allowed me to nail them for helping me to get into the program. They drew up

an academic plan, followed it, passed the NLN exam with a 92, and they accepted me in the program. I succeeded despite my own personal challenges and test anxiety, and passed with a 2.8 and 1st NCLEX passer.

Unless a poster is an advisor who chooses who gets into their program, they STILL don't know other school's processes. Long-story-short, do your own research and ask how they come to their selection process, and see where you will meet them. In some instances, transferring into a university may be harder, sometimes it's smoother. It just depends on the school. Reach out to the schools and begin from there. It wouldn't hurt. Good Luck!!

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Yes, an A average is high enough!

Cautionary Tale: I went for one of those "US News Top 10", and I will die with student loan debt. A nursing degree is a nursing degree.

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It depends on the school. For the public universities around here a 3.5 is on the low side. For the private programs you'll get in, but it'll cost you over 60,000.

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

Why are you focusing on a top 15 school for a bachelor's? Those ratings are for the top US master's/phd programs. Seems to be a common misconception, and it really does not make a difference for your RN.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, OB/GYN, Informatics, Simulation.

I agree with the other posters you shouldn't look at top 15 schools. Look at schools in your area that are excellent nursing schools, just because it doesn't make the cut doesn't mean it's a terrible program. Often they'll be cheaper and more willing to work with you financially since they don't have the prestige of a top school. Also yes GPA is important but your essay will really sell you so take time and really put in the effort on it!

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It all depends on the school, I know of schools that can't fill ABSN seats.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Depends. 3.5 cumulative gpa, but what about your science classes? If it is lower, who knows? Nursing schools can be selective, especially top notch universities. Honestly though, I'd hit the local cc or cheap public universities, because school name recognition doesn't carry much weight for nurses in the way it does for doctors or lawyers.

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Honestly though, I'd hit the local cc or cheap public universities, because school name recognition doesn't carry much weight for nurses in the way it does for doctors or lawyers.

Good point, but some of the "top notch" universities are public schools. Paying out of state tuition, &/or doing a direct entry grad program (Grad school costs more!) will make the bill a doozie too.

I really feel like you have a good GPA that will not hurt you, but I'm not in admissions @ any of those schools!

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Specializes in Urology, ENT.

Bah, I had a 2.9 something before getting my bachelor's program. I'm in a city with some of the best nursing schools, and who compete with each other for who has the most graduates with jobs. I would've KILLED for a 3.52 GPA.

What everyone said about looking in your area because yes, at the end of the day, it means nothing unless you pass boards. See what schools around you have high NCLEX pass rates (admittedly those stats can be misleading) and who can retain their students for the entirety of their programs. That information can be found on a state's BON website. I'd also look at how those programs are run. If you fail a class, is it possible for you to catch up, will you be stuck a year, etc (some nursing schools go in yearly cycles rather than biannual).

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Im currently lost. I went to college for 2years doing a certificate program in Accounting while i was living in Jamaica. Now im living in the US, where Nursing is in high demand. In HS i mostly get C in both Math and Science as well as English. I love helping people, as well as i have great customer service skills, i also love being in an office. But Nursing has great job security than any other jobs. Please any advice. I greatly appreciate it.

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