admission to 2nd degree/acelerated BSN programs

Sart45 · Sep 27, 2010

Hard to answer but I'm in the same type situation. I've applied for an accelerated BSN program also. My prerequisite average is a 3.3 (taking Chemistry now) however, I have a BA & MA (3.9 GPA--non science degrees)

I've gone to several informational meetings on the program and have been told the prereq GPA is not the most important reason for acceptance. The essay is extremely important too. I know several people who have applied to the same school with a 4.0 GPA (prereq) and did not get in. I've been working as a CNA for the past 6 months so I'm hoping my grad school GPA, my essay and my experience help. One never knows...good luck to you.

iPink, BSN, RN · Sep 27, 2010

I don't know about the schools you are applying to, but the ABSN programs in my area will accept students with less than a 4.0. I heard the ASN programs are more competitive and you have to be around a 4.0 for their acceptance. My first degree I received a 3.2 GPA and my prerequisite GPA is around 3.5. I'm confident, I'll be fine. Any nursing/medical experience you have has absolutely no weight in your acceptance, according to one school I applied to. Your essay and recommendations should help you.

I've also applied to an accelerated ASN program in my area (which requires applicants have a non-nursing college degree as well) and I'm confident there too.

Yes, these accelerated programs are intense, but apply yourself and don't take in any negatives. Apply to as many as you can. Good luck to you.

ParkerBC,MSN,RN, PhD, RN · Sep 27, 2010

I would say a 3.3 is fine to get into nursing school. There were a few in my program who were just under a 3.0 mark and were accepted. I think most on the site overinflate the requirements for getting into nursing school. Don’t misunderstand what I am saying. I am certainly not saying you definitely have a foot in because all universities’ requirements are different. Do the schools you mentioned have statistics of incoming classes posted on their website? If not, call the nursing department and ask what the average GPA was for the previously accepted class.

I did apply to another program with a 3.8 GPA and was not accepted. However, the school I applied to is the flagship nursing program for our state. So, the competition was a little more difficult. So, I applied to six other programs and was accepted to all six programs. I think it just depends on where you apply.

So, start applying and good luck to you. I hope to read another post from you soon saying you were accepted to XYZ University.

blb5103 · Sep 29, 2010

Thanks for the replies everyone! This gives me hope!

It sounds like I'll be spending extra time on my essays! Good to hear the prerequisite GPA isn't most important (both my overall and prereq are around a 3.3 - I do need to take micro still, and possibly a psych class - I was a psych minor so I have taken a bunch of psych classes, but not developmental/life span)

I did originally email a handful of the schools asking about admissions stats/average GPA. I don't think any school told me a specific number but I got replies such as "although the minimum is a 3.0, the average tends to be much higher" and "I don't have the average GPA of previous classes available but, you seem like a very good candidate and I hope to see you application". Some schools didn't even reply to my email!

I'm sure it varies a lot by the school. Some schools asked for nothing but my transcripts and their online application form. While others wanted essays, rec letters, an autobiography - so I figure I probably have a better chance for the schools that are considering things other than transcripts.

I will get back to you once I hear from schools, hopefully with good news!

Congrats on getting in ParkerBean and Good Luck to mzchas and sart!

dahl3730 · Jan 6, 2011

Hi! I was just accepted into DeSales University for the Accelerated BSN program starting May 2011. My original BS degree is in Biology with an overall GPA of 3.0. You do not need a 4.0 to get into this program. However, I think my interview went very well and the letters of recommendation are pretty important as well as the personal essay. I have been a CNA & Med Tech since I was 18 (I'm 23 now) and I worked fulltime the entire time I was obtaining my 1st degree. I don't know if this information helps-- hope so! Good luck to everyone! )

SD

Protongirl · Jan 8, 2011

In my experience private universities are very holistic in their applicant review. They seem more likely to consider non-academic variables, such as life experience, obstacles that have been overcome, and (most importantly) the applicants understanding and passion for nursing. So, in my opinion it is very possible to compensate for a lower GPA with a concise, well-written essay. Of course, many schools have a prompt for the essay, so it can be difficult to cover everything without conveying the idea that you do not follow instructions. However, most private schools will read a short, to the point letter discussing any major blemishes.

The biggest factor that I found schools focused on was whether applicants had a realistic or a romanticized understanding of nursing. If you can convey an understanding and a realistic passion for nursing, I would think that you have a good chance at private universities. In my experience (and many of my nursing school friends), public universities tend to focus more on numbers - GPA, test scores, and/or years of medical experience.

Hope this helps - good luck!

RNMommy11 · Jan 8, 2011

I am getting ready to start my second semester in the second degree BSN program at PSU-Altoona. If it helps, I was accepted with a 3.4 gpa, and my first degree is in Health Sciences (athletic training) from Lock Haven University. I did have some experience in the medical field working as an athletic trainer at high schools and PT clinics, and when I decided to switch to nursing, I got my CNA license, and worked at a ltc facility for about a year for some experience. Like others have said, I think it is not so much about the numbers- it is more what kind of life experiences you can bring.

Good luck to you!

Shawox · Jan 12, 2011

Hey RNMommy11, are there any previously non-science majors studying with you at Altoona. I've applied there for the second degree BSN and I'm finishing up the prereqs for admission. My gpa is 3.4 currently. Given my non-science base what do you think are my chances?

Sorry to answer a question with a question!

skim83 · Jul 25, 2011

Hi! I was just accepted into DeSales University for the Accelerated BSN program starting May 2011. My original BS degree is in Biology with an overall GPA of 3.0. You do not need a 4.0 to get into this program. However, I think my interview went very well and the letters of recommendation are pretty important as well as the personal essay. I have been a CNA & Med Tech since I was 18 (I'm 23 now) and I worked fulltime the entire time I was obtaining my 1st degree. I don't know if this information helps-- hope so! Good luck to everyone! )
SD

So I am considering DeSales because it seems like it's a good choice. thanks for your information, hopefully I will get in..currently working on prereq courses

leah0427 · Jul 26, 2011

I don't thnk you will have any problems getting in anywhere.

dahl3730 · Jul 26, 2011

skim83 : good luck with your application process! :) i have 2.5 weeks left in my 1st semester.... it is extremely difficult. if you get in & decide be in this program, do not go into it thinking it will be a peice of cake-- people who have had that mentality have already failed out! :-p just a little word of wisdom! totally worth it tho... aside from all the obstacles thus far-- im loving it as much as i can :)