Please share your GPAs??

CowboyMedic, DNP, APRN, CRNA · Jul 3, 2013

I have a 2.25 from my pervious college 10 years ago. But since then I've obtained my Paramedic certificate from a tech school. So I'm starting from scratch. This is my first semester of prerequisites and so far I have A's in both classes. The school I'm apply to just does GPA with a minimum of 2.5 on the prerequisites. But I know I won't get accepted with less than a 3.5.

Mandy0728 · Jul 3, 2013

A 3.7 is an amazing gpa! Hats off to you! I have a 3.48 overall and based on acceptance stats from the past 3 years, I should be able to get into the BSN program here. I'm praying

CDEWannaBe · Jul 4, 2013

You're competing against the other applicants for open spots. Every program is different and every group of applicants is different...

Contact the nursing program and ask to meet with an advisor to have your transcripts evaluated and see what you can do to increase your odds. Do this frequently (once or twice a year when doing your prereqs) so they get to know you and see you are dedicated. Even if your application doesn't require it, include a cover letter with a compelling explanation about why you'd be a great addition to their program and what you plan to do with your degree.

Get great references, especially from the medical community or from the teachers who taught your toughest science prereqs, and include them with your application. Though this stuff may not be requested, it will be noticed and it can't hurt.

ant2cory · Jul 4, 2013

I currently have a 4.0. I only take 9-10 credit hours a semester and also work full time (plus single mom of 2). Have you thougt about cutting back your class load and going slower. That way you could focus on getting A's. I know noboy wants it to take longer but if it will increase your chances it may be worth it.

LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN · Jul 4, 2013

You're competing against the other applicants for open spots. Every program is different and every group of applicants is different...
Contact the nursing program and ask to meet with an advisor to have your transcripts evaluated and see what you can do to increase your odds. Do this frequently (once or twice a year when doing your prereqs) so they get to know you and see you are dedicated. Even if your application doesn't require it, include a cover letter with a compelling explanation about why you'd be a great addition to their program and what you plan to do with your degree.
Get great references, especially from the medical community or from the teachers who taught your toughest science prereqs, and include them with your application. Though this stuff may not be requested, it will be noticed and it can't hurt.

I second this advice. I did this on my application and with a so so GPA and a 99 TEAS I got in my program. I got a letter from a well respected MD in my school in whose class I had a near perfect score (I had gotten an A in her A and P 2 class the previous semester and had this near perfect score in her Nutrition course at the time of my application.) If you are a good student, they have no problem giving you a reference. I also volunteered for five years prior, and I also included a very brief cover letter on my application package. None of this was requested, but I think it is what set me apart from the other applicants.

meeep, BSN, RN · Jul 4, 2013

There are plenty of other schools in the area. Clayton State, Mercer, Emory, as well as loads of ADN programs worst case scenario. My advice would be to apply to as many schools as you can, you'll get in somewhere! Oh, and KSU puts a lot of weight on the interview. If someone with that high of scores got denied, they most likely did poorly as there are many girls who got in with TEAS in the 80s, and even one girl in the 70s with only a 3.3 GPA. Stay positive!

sixela21 · Jul 4, 2013

I second this advice. I did this on my application and with a so so GPA and a 99 TEAS I got in my program. I got a letter from a well respected MD in my school in whose class I had a near perfect score (I had gotten an A in her A and P 2 class the previous semester and had this near perfect score in her Nutrition course at the time of my application.) If you are a good student, they have no problem giving you a reference. I also volunteered for five years prior, and I also included a very brief cover letter on my application package. None of this was requested, but I think it is what set me apart from the other applicants.

Thank you guys so much for your advice! I am scheduling to meet with an advisor on Monday between classes, as I have only spoken with them on the phone this semester, they are so hard to make appointments with. You have no idea how much I appreciate you sharing your experiences. It is my plan to score highly on the TEAS to make-up for my "lower" GPA, as my advisor has already recommended. I want to take it after I am comfortable with Chemistry. I took A&P I and Microbiology with the same professor, and in her A&P class, I got the second highest grade in the class out of 50 students. She was a former professor at Emory university (she offered to write a recommendation letter for me after I hinted I might be needing one for Emory and other nursing programs. She wrote an awesome letter!). I definitely need one more solid reference--my essay writing skills are awesome (not to brag, but it is the one strength I can definitely claim, as I have been told my many a teacher and professor in my day.), so I am not worried about the essay or short answer questions required. In addition to those factors, long term experience in the field looks really good, as well as fluency or comprehension in a second language. GSU asks a series of short answer questions to find out who is cut out for the program and uses these things to "measure" well-roundedness rather than just high scores. I have three back-up schools outside of GSU, so I am keeping my fingers crossed.

meeep, BSN, RN · Jul 4, 2013

Good luck, you'd think GSU would give preference to its undergrad. A friend of mine had to transfer cause they denied her with a 3.75. She got into Emory with very little expense to herself and graduated this year! You can do it!

DadStudentPerhaps · Jul 4, 2013

I'm feeling dumb at this point. I have a cumulative 3.2 GPA, with a 4.0 in The Science and Math classes required for the Nursing program. I've completed one degree already and have 103 hours under my belt. If I had anything close to a 3.7 Cumulative GPA, I would be stoked. I don't know how competitive the OP's school is, but where I live, a 3.7 can get you into most programs. At any rate, before I retook any classes, I would meet with my advisor to discuss the likely hood of being accepted. I would also look at any other programs in the area. Good Luck, I honestly think you will do fine :-)

CourtM092 · Jul 4, 2013

Currently, since I am serious about school (I learned the hard way in the beginning) I have a 3.2 GPA. My first year of college I had like a 2.4 GPA because I didn't take any of my classes seriously and I went to frat parties all the time. I think you have a pretty good GPA in my book. In my college you have to have at least a 2.5 GPA to apply, but most likely won't get accepted. We have to be in the 3.0 range to have a better chance of getting accepted.

sha17 · Jul 5, 2013

Wow I'm reading this and getting really panicked. I have a 2.9 GPA but amazing work experience as a medical assistant to a chief neurologist at a top NYC hospital and also years of working as a PT aide plus a ton of volunteer experience and a kick ass personal statement. Do I have a chance??? Or is it all based on GPA?? I'm applying to like 12 different schools in and out of NYC all BSN programs