Accelerated programs - worried about GPA in previous BA degree!

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Nov 11, 2005

You sound like you will have no problem, however, most people who wish to increase their GPA re-take a course to improve their grade.

Best wishes to you.

smile123 · Nov 12, 2005

I'm applying for a few accelerated programs but I'm worried that my GPA in my previous degree won't be high enough for acceptance. Most schools require a GPA of 3.00 for the previous BA/BS, and I have a 3.01. However, I have a 4.0 in my prereqs and have taken several supplementary and/or optional courses all with a 4.0 GPA. I also have pretty extensive volunteer experience, but I'm worried that my lack of determination and ambition towards my first degree will overshadow the determination and desire I have towards what I feel is my true calling! Any suggestions?

Also to those of you in or graduated from an accelerated program, how much weight did your previous BA/BS GPA have? How important was it in getting into your BSN program? Did it have more weight than more recent prerequisite courses taken?

They do look at the entire picture. You do have a 3.01, so that's good. Normally, some schools will not even look at yoiur application unless you have a 3.0 undergrad GPA. They do look heavily at the pre-reqs, especially the science classes to see if you can withstand the rigors of an accelerated program. I would not worry about your bachelor's degree; you cannot do anything about it now. However, I would make sure I got very strong recommendations and spent time on the essay. If you can show you understand the nursing, what traits or qualifications it will take to become a good one, and how you see yourself fitting in to the health care field, the better. The fact you have extensive volunteering in health care counts a lot at certain schools. You need to look at the specific schools to determine what they look for. Good luck.

Smile123

1000Julys · Dec 15, 2005

Hi! I came across this thread while I was googling accelerated BSN programs. I graduated with a BS in Biology but my GPA is no where near what it needs to be. I really took my education for granted and now I'm paying for it in the real world working dead end lab jobs!! I HATE it and want to do something I would love and I KNOW nursing is for me. This whole GPA thing has me really upset and because my husband is in the Army there's really no way I can go back to raise it (my school doesn't accept outside grades, just class credits). Anyways, I don't know much about nursing programs and I was wondering if any of you all knew a different path I could take that may take longer but lead me to where I want to be. Please help!

Annabelle57 · Dec 17, 2005

they do look at overall gpa, yes... but it's not the only factor. my gpa was a 3.2, and in fact, my lone science grade from "chemistry for life" (craphead stupid doo-doo professor, grrr...) was a d. talk about a bad example! but my prerequisites have been 4.0, too.

there are a lot of successful second-degree students/nurses who slacked off or didn't perform well academically during the first degree - i know that at 18, my mind was definitely not on my studies - and then kicked a$$ on the prerequisites (like you are). i think your obvious motivation, dedication, application to your studies and passion for your new career will stand out a whole lot more than your previous degree's gpa. admission committees were once college students themselves!

good luck!

lmacks4 · Dec 17, 2005

Hey dont worry about ur ba/bs gpa. i know they look at it but they are more concerned with how u do in ur sciene or pre req classes... I had a not so good gpa from my bs but in all my pre reqs i got a's. Had no prob getting into any schools at all . in fact I got into all i applied!!!!Anyway just keep up the good work. It shows u are willing to try hard...good luck..