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



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Mar 13, 2009 05:38 AM

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

by kiwi415

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!


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6 Comments
No. 1
from KL2010
Old May 08, 2009, 03:41 PM

Default Re: Low GPA, Non-nursing undergraduate student looking to get into school
I came across your post and am hoping that within the two months of your post you have found some answers.

Firstly, nursing is a very competitive school to get into. Sounds like you will test great. Mostly schools require an extrance exam such as NLN or TEAs, some NET. Although you score high, you will need to get very good grade in the pre-req's and they take some time. If nursing is what you want you will find a way to get there. There are numerous programs in California and the us. Unlike Hawaii where there are 2 and a 3 private expensive school. Having more choices in programs makes it better for you.

To do an accelerated 18 month program you may want to get that GPA up. The schools need to know that the nurses will be able to pass the NCLEX to recieve licensing in the end. GPA and exam scores are the ways that they access this. Once you get even an lpn/lvn you can climb the academic ladder online to other degrees.

Good luck. Do your research you will find that nursing students are rather serious and hardworkin. Not the doctor dropouts people used to think.
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No. 2
from Bicster
Old May 09, 2009, 08:54 AM

Default Re: Low GPA, Non-nursing undergraduate student looking to get into school
Originally Posted by KL2010 View Post
Do your research you will find that nursing students are rather serious and hardworkin. Not the doctor dropouts people used to think.
I wish we had some "doctor dropouts" in my program, I often wonder how some of these people got in.
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No. 3
from KL2010
Old May 09, 2009, 12:58 PM

Default Re: Low GPA, Non-nursing undergraduate student looking to get into school
Bicster-

Where is your program located ? I am in Honolulu where, its competitive. NLN scores need to be starting in the 130's and GPA is 3.8 or higher. I couldn't do that when my children were younger, I had a 3.0 and was very discouraged because I felt like I could never get in. Now I am back in school again with A's. I will be taking pharmacology and micro during summer and guess what, no matter what I have to get A's or I won't get into the program. My 133 on NLN is low even though I am in 93% for ALL. I am trying to just keep bettering myself.

My concern is that there are people in our program whom score really well and have perfect grades but really do not have the passion for nursing. They sometimes take up the slots because they heard that nursing pays well.

Best of luck to you.
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No. 4
from Bicster
Old May 10, 2009, 10:53 AM

Default Re: Low GPA, Non-nursing undergraduate student looking to get into school
Memphis, TN. Its just as competitive, just the quality of the applicant pool is low.
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No. 5
Old May 11, 2009, 04:52 PM

Default Re: Low GPA, Non-nursing undergraduate student looking to get into school
Give yourself some credit! You are a UCLA, student, a great university! Take the preq's you need, and get A's in them. This should boost your overall g.p.a.. Now, start evaluating all the nursing programs in the area where you want live. Some schools will only go off preq's that are needed for the nursing program, other take into account every class ever taken. Some schools admit off interviews, essays and test scores. You have many options!
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No. 6
Old Nov 06, 2009, 09:49 AM

Default Re: Low GPA, Non-nursing undergraduate student looking to get into school
I know your in Cali but there is a school in Oklahoma that accepts EVERYONE as long as they meet the requirements. Its called Oklahoma City University (http://www.okcu.edu). They have some type of agreement with the government to decrease the nursing shortage. They have BSN, ABSN, MSN, and doctoral programs. They only turn people away for the doctoral programs. Of course its pricier than community colleges but if youre really discouraged then you should give it a try. I looked at their ABSN program and its around $43,000. Im in the same boat youre in. I have a 3.37 and thats not good enough to get me into any schools in MI, so Ive been applying to schools in Ohio and Indiana instead. If I dont get accepted into any of those programs then Oklahoma will be my LAST resort. But when you want something bad enough you have to do whatever it takes to get it. If I do have to end up going there the only thing I wouldnt like is the lack of diversity I hear the state has especially since Im black and in MI we have people of all the colors of the rainbow here
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