ABSN hopeful having doubts...

[Quendi]

I am currently a pre-nursing student hoping to apply for a summer 2014 ABSN program. I have both a BS and MS degree in Biology, with some doctoral work in Cell and Molecular Biology. Unfortunately, my undergrad cummulative GPA is only a 3.6. However, it includes advanced courses such as Organic Chem, Biochem, Advanced Cell Phys, etc. My GPA for both my masters and doctoral work are both 4.0s.

My big concern is that I have heard that the program I am planning to apply to apparently likes to play a numbers game. I'm just worried that some of my grades during my undergraduate work may hinder my competitiveness. I just took the TEAS last week and received a 96% total adjusted score, putting me in the 99th percentile nationally (the program requires a minimum 70 percentile rank). I thought this would boost my chances, but now I'm hearing that most of the applicants who are accepted have similar scores. How can I possibly set myself apart when I'm competing against people who have Bachelors degrees whose curricula were much less demanding, and thus have better GPAs? Will my graduate work set me apart?

[Aaic]

I think you have nothing to worry about. You have a great background and awesome teas scores. Maybe letters of recommendation could help but I think you got this! Good luck!

[bcstsp_mg]

I would advise you to go and speak with someone directly in admitting and ask them what you can do to stand out, my GPS requirment meets the ABSN program I am hoping to enter's standards, I met with admissions because I was worried my GPA is a little lower than I would have liked and she said because of the undergraduate courses I took (upper level biology and psychology courses) my grades are fine! Don't think that just because someone was a _____ major and took less demanding classes and have a higher GPA they will be picked over you.You've already shown you can handle the amount of work that a ABSN program requires and THAT is their biggest concern when choosing applicants to accept. They don't want to let in 40 people who got 4.0's but can't handle taking 5 science classes at once. Or atleast that is what I was told from my (hopefully) program.

[Quendi]

I did go speak with two people from the program. One was completely unhelpful (basically just told me I was signed up for the proper prereqs), the other was very positive. However, I've been told that she is always very positive with everyone who meets with her, so I sort of took her advice but didnt get my hopes up too much. I appreciate your vote of confidence though, it makes me feel a little more at ease. I spoke with a girl who was accepted into the program last year, but she had her Bachelors in Communications (not even close to similar). Our application cycle begins October 1st, and I'm basically ready to submit as soon as it opens. Then it's a waiting game I suppose. :)

[BostonFNP, APRN]

I review applications for DE MSN programs which have similar requirements. I can say that as long as you meet the minimum GPA then the rigor of your prior academic program is considered in conjunction with your GPA.

[Quendi]

Thanks Boston! Phew, that's a big relief. I guess I'll find out in a few months. :)

[BostonFNP, APRN]

Thanks Boston! Phew that's a big relief. I guess I'll find out in a few months. :)[/quote']

I feel compelled to say one other thing!

You sound like a strong applicant, but don't apply to just one program! I often see promising students apply to a single program and then waste a year because for some reason they don't get accepted. Apply around so you can choose.

[Quendi]

My issue is that I'm kind of stuck here. I own a house, my family is here, and most of the other programs near me have different prereq requirements. I'm planning to apply to Florida Atlantic University, which is supposed to have a good program. The only other program I considered is USF.

[Jannie92]

Honestly, I would be surprised if you DIDN'T get into an ABSN progam!

[Quendi]

Thanks for the vote of confidence. :)

[adjappleton]

There is an online option for you to consider - University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh. They set-up your clinical work in your home state/town. The only thing is they require you to have a CNA and CNA experience, which you didn't specify if you have or not.

[Quendi]

Unfortunately, I don't have any CNA experience.