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?

[vitamingirl722]

That sounds pretty competetive to me. Just like someone else said I'd be surprised if you didn't get in.

[windsurfer8, BSN, RN]

I did my ABSN in 2006. My first degree was business admin. First I would say stop worrying about what other people say. It seems reading your original post all you do is basically say what you "haven't" done or how you "only" had a 3.6. Focus on what you have accomplished and stand up tall. When you are dealing patients they respond much better with people who are positive and confident. If people tell you that this person is "nice to everyone"..well..who CARES. Worry about yourself. Get hungry and go get what you want. Apply...if you don't get it..apply again..and again...and again...

[Quendi]

You are completely right, I should concentrate more on the things I have done. I've completed a Masters degree in a challenging field, I have tons of research experience, and I'm published. I'm actually the first author for a chapter in the book Epilepsy in Women. I'm really considering taking my PhD dreams to Nursing and possibly taking a role in Nursing education as well. I taught High School Chemistry and Biology for a year, served as a discussion and lab TA during my Uni days, and I'm now a private tutor at a very well established company in my community. I suppose with all I've seen and done, I'm a truly unique candidate.