Low GPA, Non-nursing undergraduate student looking to get into school

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I'm a third-year undergraduate student at UCLA majoring in a life science with an overall 2.8 gpa with about a 2.6-2.7 science GPA. I still have some time to pull it up but I don't think it's ever going to be that high :( I struggled with taking too many hard classes at once and 2 years of depression but I've been feeling better and trying to put my life (and schooling) back on track.

I've been looking into volunteering and clinical internships. I've been working in healthcare type jobs every summer since my sophmore year in high school (e.g. chiropractic office, optometry, lab technician, etc.). I did really well on my SATs so I expect to do well on the GREs as long as I put some studying in.

I would love to get into a direct entry masters of nursing program. I'm aware that this is probably not possible with my current GPA :( and would also consider going to a accelerated BSN program but, again, worried I won't get in. I was thinking of taking a year off to finish up some pre-reqs that weren't covered by my major- like microbio- and maybe interning abroad to improve my language skills for a few months. I'd say I'm comfortable conversation in German (which probably isn't that helpful in CA, where I'd like to stay, but I guess better than nothing, right :) ? )

Please help me! I'd love any advice about nursing school, what I should be doing now, or any tips! Do I have a chance to get in anywhere? I'm totally lost right now. Thanks so much!

I am a current student at okcu and I will tell you this. I would never in a million years would refer anyone to this school. I have to say that some of our professors here are incompetent and are unable to answer any of the questions that are asked. There was a meeting held by the dean last semester based on two professors the class was having a problem with.

This is exactly what one of the dean said to all of us verbatim " You learn outside of class 90% ( meaning self study) and what you learn in class is only 10%." Outrageous

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Where are there 18 month accelerated programs???

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I'm going to be honest with those hoping to get into a school in California - it's RIDICULOUSLY competitive. I have a friend who was accepted into Sac State's nursing program and he said the average GPA for his cohort was a 3.89 or something outrageous like that. I mean these are med-school type GPAs. It's no joke. Especially if you're looking at public schools in California then expect to be part of a lottery or compete against people with VERY HIGH GPAs. So for those of us with less than ideal GPAs (myself included) you need to look into private and out-of-state schools. I'm not saying all of this to discourage you all but it's a fact.

However, please don't lose hope because I was in the same exact boat as you all and I was just accepted into University of New Hampshire's masters-entry program. I graduated from UC Davis with a 3.01 GPA (yeah I was hanging by a thread) and then finished up a few pre-reqs to bring my gpa up to 3.11. In fact, during my interview with UNH, my interviewer complimented me on my grades. I mean who would compliment a 3.11 GPA???? But I suppose my grades showed improvement from year to year and I did attend a UC so perhaps she cut me some slack for the difficulty. Also, I spoke to one of the admissions counselor down in Western University (Pomona) and he told me that a 3.1 GPA is competitive if you have some type of health care experience, so don't lose hope. I was really hoping to get into Western - so I wouldn't have to leave my precious California - but I was accepted to UNH. UNH's program is shorter (only 2 years), starts earlier, and is actually cheaper even with out-of-state tuition.

For those who want to apply to masters-entry type programs, you need to have at least a 3.00 GPA no matter what and supplement that with experience in the health care field and you'll be fine. If you're willing to go out-of-state I suggest you guys look into the New England region because there's a huge shortage of health care providers up there so it may be "easier" to get into. I've compiled a list of all the masters-entry programs and their requirements so if anyone is interested just leave me a message or something and I'll be more than happy to share it with you. Good luck everyone! :)

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I've compiled a list of all the masters-entry programs and their requirements so if anyone is interested just leave me a message or something and I'll be more than happy to share it with you.

Awesome! I'd be very appreciative if I could view that list. :)

Also, what was your major? Was it something science-related?

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Sure thing. Can I please have your email? Or you can message your email to me if you like but I'm new to this so I'm not sure how it works.

I was a biological sciences major and a history minor. As a result, I had to take a lot of science classes in order to graduate. The only classes I had left to take after graduation were: anatomy, research psych, speech, and sociology. What I think helped me get into UNH was the fact I was involved in a lot of community activities. I was part of a pre-health club, student-run clinic for the Vietnamese population, and went on a medical mission to VN. If you wants to get into a FNP program then involvement with the underserved or uninsured population in your community is a BIG PLUS.

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Can I have the list too? It won't let me send a private message yet.

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Hey!

Congrats on your acceptance! Can you pretty please send me the list as well? I am working on apps as we speak :D

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Sure thing. Can I please have your email? Or you can message your email to me if you like but I'm new to this so I'm not sure how it works.

I was a biological sciences major and a history minor. As a result, I had to take a lot of science classes in order to graduate. The only classes I had left to take after graduation were: anatomy, research psych, speech, and sociology. What I think helped me get into UNH was the fact I was involved in a lot of community activities. I was part of a pre-health club, student-run clinic for the Vietnamese population, and went on a medical mission to VN. If you wants to get into a FNP program then involvement with the underserved or uninsured population in your community is a BIG PLUS.

Hey!

Congrats on your acceptance! Can you pretty please send me the list as well? I am working on apps as we speak

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Hello my name is Taylor can you send me that list as well!

[email protected]

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Would I also Be able to get the list? my email is [email protected]

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would I be able to get the list from you, Please? I am also a UCD alumni!

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