Admission Chances in nursng with a F?

DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP · Dec 2, 2009

The 'F' will certainly put a dent in your overall GPA, and nursing schools definitely look at that. Unfortunately, I think they will regardless that is a tough class and not one of your pre-reqs.

Any chance on retaking it to get a passing grade?

SilentMind · Dec 2, 2009

Every school as different admission criteria. Most schools go off a point system.

This can be a combination of test scores, gpa, previous medical experience, etc....GPA is usually the biggest factor. There are some schools that look at your overall GPA, while many more only consider your GPA in the prerequisites for that program. Do some research.

DannyA · Dec 2, 2009

Well, I'm transfering colleges so my GPA starts out all new. I'm acutally going to start taking my pre-reqs during the spring. I was hoping that nursing schools could make an exception considering it wasn't needed and my pre-req gpa is pretty good.

allstarnurse2b · Dec 2, 2009

I got into nursing school with an F. I got my act together and made mostly A's and a few B's after that, so I know that it is possible. Good luck with your pre-reqs and try hard!

SilentMind · Dec 2, 2009

Well, I'm transfering colleges so my GPA starts out all new. I'm acutally going to start taking my pre-reqs during the spring. I was hoping that nursing schools could make an exception considering it wasn't needed and my pre-req gpa is pretty good.

If you choose not to transfer any credits, I don't think they'll be any the wiser. You'll start fresh and it won't be an issue.

They won't make an exception by any means. Either they look at the total GPA, or they look at the pre-req GPA. They cant just ignore certain classes. At the worst, you could always retake the math class. But if you're starting from scratch, it won't be an issue.

DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP · Dec 2, 2009

Well, I'm transfering colleges so my GPA starts out all new. I'm acutally going to start taking my pre-reqs during the spring. I was hoping that nursing schools could make an exception considering it wasn't needed and my pre-req gpa is pretty good.

Good deal, wishing you all the best!!

SnoopysAunt · Dec 2, 2009

I'm a second degree student and I got in to nursing school with an F in Film Analysis and a C/D in my first year of college in Biology I/II almost twelve years ago. Film anaylsis was a horrible, waste of money class and I just plain stopped going. Not proud of it, but it happened. At the time I had poor study skills, and I wasn't prepared for college level work.

Anyway, I still graduated from college cum laude AND I had an A in every major prereq that counted- A&P, Chem, O-Chem, Micro, etc and a 3.7 overall in the prerequs (the first bio grade and nutrition from my first degree brought that gpa down).

I think the admissions committee was willing to overlook my grades because I had an upward trend of good grades AND I proved I could handle the nursing course work!

Good luck to you! As long as you have an upward trend in grades, I think you'll be fine!

LinzyRN · Dec 2, 2009

I got into nursing school with a F in aerobics. Never asked about it and it was never used against my nursing pre req GPA. I also taught pre school and was required to take TECA classes totally seperate from nursing courses which weren't counted at all, even tho i got a's.

Meredith09 · Dec 2, 2009

If you choose not to transfer any credits, I don't think they'll be any the wiser. You'll start fresh and it won't be an issue.
They won't make an exception by any means. Either they look at the total GPA, or they look at the pre-req GPA. They cant just ignore certain classes. At the worst, you could always retake the math class. But if you're starting from scratch, it won't be an issue.

I must respectfully disagree. I'm in the process of applying to a bunch of schools right now for both direct entry MSN and second degree BSN programs, and every single school requires transcripts from each institution attended. I think your best bet is to withdraw at this point (if you can this late in the semester), or take your licks and retake the class, or some other math class and do better to show that you can perform and are interested in doing better. I also wouldn't avoid that issue when it comes time to apply to nursing schools--be proactive, and give an explanation for the low grade if given the opportunity.

Good luck to you.

nanagose · Dec 2, 2009

Chiming in to say that I also got into nursing school with an F on my transcript, in organic chemistry. The school didn't say anything about it and neither did I.

An F never looks good, but having on in your very first semester of school right before a transfer isn't too bad. Lots of people have a rocky transition into college. I'd second Meredith in saying that you should take another math class at your new school and make *sure* you do well. That leaves plenty of room for admissions to assume that you had a bad first semester and bounced back once you transferred to a better fit.

PadawanLearner · Dec 2, 2009

First I think you need to find out how they calculate scores for entrance into nursing school.

Some programs (like where I'm at), only care about the courses required for the nursing program. No other classes get factored into their GPA calculator, so an F in Calculus or Underwater Basket Weaving won't even count.

Before you get stressed out, get some real answers from where you intend to apply.