Am I on the right track?

[nanayang]

Hello everybody,

I am a student who is preparing to get into nursing program.

I am trying to figure out if I am on the right track.

I am currently in Los Angeles,California and taking all my classes in many different city colleges. My counselor told me that I should be okay as long as I get an A in physiology to have a GPA of 2.5 in the major science course (A&P and Microbiology).Sadly I got a C (79.5%) in microbiology and my professor decided not to hear me out and didn't curve my grade. So I'm a bit worried that it is going to affect me getting accepted to the nursing program. Also my counselor told me that I can't go straight to university for a BSN program and that I have to take a ADN program at the city college and then apply for BSN. is this true?

I was actually preparing myself to transfer to a cal state or university for their BSN program instead of the ADN route since the waiting list is pretty bad. I would like some insights and suggestions on how to achieve my degree. :)

And I know grade C cant be replaced but would they still consider it if I took it again and got an A? or would that be a waste of time.

These are the courses I took and many more general ed:

Anatomy- B

Chemistry(general,bio,organic)- A

Introduction Biology- A

Microbiology- C

Physiology- on the process

Nutrition- on the process

Sociology- B

Psych 1- B

Psych 41- B

Communication- A

English 101- C

English 102-A

Statistics- B

Overall I have mainly A's and B's. and only 2 C's in all my classes.

[ItsThatJenGirl, CNA]

A few things:

1. You don't have to have your ADN before getting your BSN. S/he might have suggested that because your GPA isn't very competitive. Though I hear in CA that both programs are very, very competitive.

2. Despite the fact that the minimum requirement is 2.5, the actual accepted GPA will be much, much higher - up to a full point higher.

3. There is no point in retaking a class unless your chosen nursing school accepts retakes (mine doesn't).

I really think you should finish up your classes and apply to a variety of different programs you're interested in. Based on that, make your decision.

[rdegc]

Hello,

It looks like you're a hard working and passionate student. I'm from CA also, and let me tell you, it's a really cut-throat environment for nursing hopefuls.

Cal state schools use a point system. This includes the following components: 1) Pre-req GPA (usually above 3.5), 2) TEAS test score, and 3) Overall GPA— although a few states do not count this. Extra points are also given to health care professionals, Spanish/Bilingual speakers, bachelor-degree students, and pre-nursing students that already attend the school— which makes it even more difficult for transfer students. The higher the amount of points, the greater the rank. Research cut-off GPAs at every CSU, as well as school stats. Eliminate the schools where you don't make the cut.

Not to discourage you, but every Cal state is impacted and only accepts 30-60 students a Semester out of typically 300 applicants. The pre-nursing students here are aware of this, and it is good to have realistic expectations. However, you are passionate, and these points are not the most effective way to truly measure if you are a viable candidate. It's just the way it is because there are so many applicants.

** California State University, Chico pre-req gpa allows you to choose 2 science grades ( out of Anatomy, Physio, Chem, Micro), and 2 foundation grades ( out of Speech, english, critical thinking, statistics). And those 4 grades make up your prereq GPA. That's the only CSU that I found that allows a customizable” process, and will be more in your favor.

I'm thinking your counselor is suggesting ADN, due to your GPA. Community colleges typically have a lottery system. In this system, all a student needs is the minimum GPA (maybe TEAS, depends). Students are randomly chosen from a pool of applicants. Also, getting an ADN first is great. It's a more cost-effective way to get your degree. Most ADN programs have a bridge to a cal state for a year and obtain their BSN.

My advise: Look at every option possible, RESEARCH, apply everywhere. In addition to CCs, apply to universities (state/private) in and out-of-state (if you are willing to spend that much money).AND do not look into For-profit schools, unless that the very very last option.

If you are looking into private schools, they have a more holistic approach when choosing candidates. Usually, personal statement, overall GPA, letter of recommendations,health care experience, etc. are all considered when choosing an applicant. So that's another option. I had a pre-req GPA similar to yours, and I was accepted to a BSN program at a private university. I did not get accepted to any Cal state schools. My pre-req GPA did not give me enough points to be a competitive candidate. However, I didn't let that discourage me, and I researched every option possible.

You are on the right track, all you need to do is do more research and get accepted! Sorry for the long essay, I didn't have a good counselor, so I wanted to give the best advice possible.

Good luck!

[AngelKissed857, BSN, RN]

Unless money isn't a concern, getting your ADN, then BSN is much less expensive. Some community colleges have arrangements with the nearest CSU for accelerated BSN program that begin the summer between first and second year of ADN program. But all nursing programs in CA seem to be very competitive. Best apply is to apply far and wide!