Chances of entering MSN/FNP program

Nursing Students NP Students

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Hi everyone!!!

I was hoping someone who is in the process of completing a MSN program would help me...

I am planning on applying to grad school (FNP programs) but I feel my chances of being accepted are slim. Here's my situation: my undergraduate GPA is 2.9- with nursing being 3.45 - and am currently completing a BSN from Thomas Edison State College. Three of the classes are master level and I've gotten A's on these classes. I've actually done well on all nursing classes (mostly As with one B). I worked in a subacute unit for one year and have been on a medical-surgical/oncology unit for two and half years. However, I had to withdraw from classes at TESC twice due to family reasons/health issues. I am afraid that once my application is reviewed I won't be seen as a desirable candidate. However, I resumed classes this past July and have gotten very good grades. I am one class away from completing the BSN. I also plan on obtaining the chemo certification, the OCN and med-surg certification, ACLS and take the GRE to improve my chances of being accepted to grad school. I will be doing it this coming year.

What chances do I have of being accepted into a program and what else could I do to improve my chances?

Thank you very much for your reply and sorry for the lengthy post!!

There are plenty of FNP programs available and many of them look at more than just your GPA. They look at work experience along with volunteer activities as well. Some even allow you to provide an optional statement to explain any lapses in school or less than stellar grades. I believe that taking the GRE will help. The Masters level courses that you have already taken will help to show that you are very capable of doing Grad school level courses. Ask the schools do they look at cumulative or science/nursing based GPA. That may help you identify or eliminate schools that will work for you. Best of Luck!!

I'm right there with you beachbabeglam. But my cumulative GPA is only 2.32..:nailbiting: And that is all from my first trip to college right after high school almost 25 years ago!! In 2009 I went back to nursing school and graduated in the top 5% of my ADN class. I am currently in my last semester of a BSN program and I have a 4.0..My recommendations are outstanding and my statement of purpose was pretty damn good if I do say so myself and after reading all these comments on here, I doubt seriously if I have a chance in hell of getting accepted anywhere. I'm just applying to multiple FNP programs and we'll see what happens.

Good luck to you!!

Specializes in Pediatrics, High-Risk L&D, Antepartum, L.
I'm right there with you beachbabeglam. But my cumulative GPA is only 2.32..:nailbiting: And that is all from my first trip to college right after high school almost 25 years ago!! In 2009 I went back to nursing school and graduated in the top 5% of my ADN class. I am currently in my last semester of a BSN program and I have a 4.0..My recommendations are outstanding and my statement of purpose was pretty damn good if I do say so myself and after reading all these comments on here I doubt seriously if I have a chance in hell of getting accepted anywhere. I'm just applying to multiple FNP programs and we'll see what happens. Good luck to you!![/quote']

The problem you will have is that many will first look at gpa...and toss anything under 3.0. Now that being said....there are also many programs that only look at the last so many credits. For example last 60 credits...and that might be what saves you. If they look at last 60 credits....I'm guessing your "overall" gpa will be much higher. Right? So you have hope. I know some schools list that they look at last x number of credits....so you will know there is hope with them.

It isn't a lost cause.

I hope you are right IrishIzRn. To clarify, I have a 4.0 on all of my nursing classes (ADN & BSN), which include the last 60 hours on my transcripts. My not so stellar grades that are bringing my GPA down are all from 1990-1994 in business classes. I have addressed this in my Statement of Purpose, but I just have to hope my applications get that far. I am just applying to multiple online programs and I guess I will take the first one that offers me a chance.

Specializes in Pediatrics, High-Risk L&D, Antepartum, L.
I hope you are right IrishIzRn. To clarify I have a 4.0 on all of my nursing classes (ADN & BSN), which include the last 60 hours on my transcripts. My not so stellar grades that are bringing my GPA down are all from 1990-1994 in business classes. I have addressed this in my Statement of Purpose, but I just have to hope my applications get that far. I am just applying to multiple online programs and I guess I will take the first one that offers me a chance.[/quote']

Look at drexel...I think they state right on their requirements they look at last 60 credits. Some schools will look at everything...but not all. You have hope...keep trying!

Specializes in Pediatrics, High-Risk L&D, Antepartum, L.
I hope you are right IrishIzRn. To clarify I have a 4.0 on all of my nursing classes (ADN & BSN), which include the last 60 hours on my transcripts. My not so stellar grades that are bringing my GPA down are all from 1990-1994 in business classes. I have addressed this in my Statement of Purpose, but I just have to hope my applications get that far. I am just applying to multiple online programs and I guess I will take the first one that offers me a chance.[/quote']

Here ya go...this is FNP from drexel...

A baccalaureate degree with a major in nursing from a National League of Nursing–accredited program. A GPA of 3.0 or above on all previous coursework or 3.25 or above on the last 60 credits of the B.S.N. is required. Applications from RNs who hold non-nursing baccalaureate degrees are considered on an individual basis.

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