Overcoming low GPA for accelerated BSN program?

[twois]

Alright... so. Here's my situation. I'm looking for some general thoughts, advice, etc.

I have my BA, in a liberal arts field (classical literature - ancient Greek and Latin). However, I'm looking towards getting a second degree BSN, hopefully with one of the accelerated programs out there. My main problem is that most of them require a 3.0 GPA, and quite frankly, mine is 2.71. However, the low grades were exclusively in my first few years of school, a situation which I can easily explain (and is actually quite relevant to my desire to enter the nursing field - will explain in a second)... my GPA at my degree-granting university is a 3.3 and my pre-req GPA is a 4.0 (and I intend to keep it that way). Not to mention, I'm busting my ass with my pre-reqs... taking basically every class that I've seen any program require. Seriously... by the time I'm applying I'll have taken chem 1/2, A&P 1/2, nutrition, ethics, genetics, dev psych, microbio, and likely organic 1 and abnormal psych. And if I can come up with anything else relevant to take, I probably will. (Any suggestions?)

Basically, the reason for the low early GPA is health problems. I had reeeeally severe dysmenorrhea for which I was put on a horrifying array of hormonal "treatments" that left me severely clinically depressed and unable to function very well. (It was not a fun 3-4 years.) But, thanks to my very very supportive and encouraging parents, I enrolled semester after semester only to fail out or close to it. However, after a few weeks in a psych ward after a particularly bad reaction to Depo-Provera (why is that stuff even on the market?) and finally finding a GOOD doc, I had a hysterectomy at age 21, went off anti-depressants entirely, and for the first time in my life could function. Seriously, if you look at my transcript, it's horrible grades for a few years - out of school entirely for a while - then all A's and B's.

Just last year, as well, I had a laparoscopy for adhesions from the hysterectomy, which led to major surgery for an ovarian abscess that left me hospitalized for 3 weeks, and reconstructive surgery after that one... it was really the nurses who have helped keep me sane through all of this over the years that thrust the idea of going into nursing into the forefront of my mind.

SO! That's a long story and probably more info than I strictly needed to tell y'all (but we're all trying to be nurses, right?), but back to my original query. On paper, my GPA is awful. On paper, the programs require a 3.0 for admission. However, I really genuinely do feel that my GPA does not reflect me as a student now, as an intellectual, as a caring, passionate person with a keen interest in healthcare. Is there ANY chance that admissions committees will look past a GPA problem like mine and see the potential, not the past?

[chiromed0]

You should be fine in finding a program somewher b/c they will pay more attention to your last 60 hours than your first. Your story is not unlike many (including my party happy wife) freshmen that went on to grad school. They will look at what you're potential is...you need to speak to people directly and get a conditional (probational) acceptance. Meaning they get your money and you got to keep your grades up for the first semester or so. Go straight to the horses mouth on this one and don't just go by the websites.

[j772]

I can relate to you and have a 2.8 in undergrad, although I have a 3.6 in my major and got A's & B's in grad school. I got A's in my pre-reqs and just did apply to an accelerated program. It is SO STRESSFUL, but there is nothing you can do to change your past. If it is any consolation, all of the info sessions I went to said they were more concerned with your prereq grades since most of us took finished undergrad 5-10 yrs ago. Life/work experience is also considered in most programs & from what you wrote, you will be fine. Hang in there & good luck!

[AnonEmus]

i have read that some schools really only look at grades in the prerequisite courses if the degree was from some years ago. this is what i received from creighton when i asked if the 3.0 minimum is inflexible:

thanks so much for your interest, when we look at the gpa we do look at all factors, however, the 3.0 is pretty much on target. because you have been out for quite some time it is possible they would evaluate your file a bit differently, but if you are significantly below a 3.0 then the chances of being admitted are less.

and this from university of washington:

the 3.0 gpa requirement is firm. if you think that you have extenuating circumstances, feel free to contact us with the details but this is often unproductive.

some schools state a higher minimum, such as 3.25. most schools say 3.0, but the real question is what do admitted students actually have. at one school, the average gpa of accepted students was above 3.5, which makes the 3.0 minimum kind of empty.

[Calixan]

In my opinion, I think you should contact the school and ask. I only say this because some schools, (like mine) will allow you to write a petition letter if your GPA is lower than required. If your letter rcplains everything in detail and you can show them you are willing to improve and can be a good student, I think they would consider. Call and ask or e-mail. Good Luck with everything!

[Texas247365]

I hate depo as well, that stuff is pure poison. I really think you have a chance getting into a program as all the A's you plan on getting will surely boost your GPA above a 3.0 and then you will be able to explain your situation. Do yourself a favor and attend every nursing function your school of choice has, so that they know you from just a sheet of paper. You are going to have to fight, but it seems like you know how to do that already.

Best of luck ( and if it means anything, you are the first person with less then a 3.0 initially that I thought had a chance).