Anyone trying for a 2nd degree?

Published

Hi all! I recently decided to pursue a nursing degree, after completing a Sociology degree in 2002. The problem is, I didn't do all that well in college the first time (spent too much time in clubs, organizations and other social events) So I ended up with an overall GPA of 2.64.

I'm wondering if I have a chance at a 2nd degree program or if I should just try to see if schools would accept me as a transfer student. Most of the 2nd degree accelerated programs require a pretty high college GPA. 3.0 and above. If I do really well in my prerequisites (A+P, chem. micro ,etc.) will my chances improve? Do I have a chance at getting into ANY type of BSN program?:uhoh21:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am in the same boat as you I am in the middle of my Assoicates degree for health administration and as soon as I graduate in 12/08/08 I will be applying for nursing school hopefully. I am taking online classes through the University of Phoenix and while I am taking online classes I will also be attending Antelope Valley College to complete my pre-reqs so that I can apply to nursing school sooner if I can. If you want to find out how the BSN programs work in school try the internet and type in BSn programs and that should pull up lots of BSN programs their requirements and the were they are located and some BSN programs are offered online like the one through my school-the University of Phoenix, best wishes and good luck

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I just got accepted to an accelerated second degree BSN program here in Wisconsin. I graduated and got my first degree, BS Biology, in 2002 with a 2.98 GPA. Almost, right?

The GPA that my school calculated was taken from a selection of classes. A few of these classes I took more recently at a local community college because a lot of nursing schools have an expiration date on their pre requisites-such as 5 or 7 years. The school I ended up accepted in did not have an exp date, but at least I was refreshed on the material and had a higher GPA going into the application process.

A lot of nursing schools do look at GPA, but they also look at a ton of other things, so if you lack in one area, and excel in another, they definitely take that into consideration.

There are a bunch of different nursing programs out there and they all look at you differently. Just do your research and you will find a program that wants you!! If you want to know more about my school (I did say it was in Wisconsin, but it is a distance program and you don't have to be here to do it) I'd be happy to let you know or pass you a link.

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have a BA in Sociology from 1997. :)

The university here factors in the last 30 units you took for the cum GPA, plus any prereqs. So if you did better toward the end of your college career, you're in luck. ;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hey guys, I have a BA in Sociology too;). Same story with me, 1st degree GPA, not so hot; but, almost straight A's in my pre-reqs, and I got my GPA up high enough to get into a 2nd degree nursing program. Good luck OP!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, Flight.

holy shiznit! Im actually finishing up my BA in sociology and doing my pre-reqs for nursing at the same time..

i didnt know soc. was such a popular major for nursing students..i guess my advisor was right

Up Vote Up Vote ×

i'm in the same boat as you. didn't do so hot my undergrad years and now i'm trying to get into a 2nd degree program. there are a lot of schools out there, you just have to do some research. some of them just calculate your prereq gpa or your last 60/90 units of your undergrad gpa. they also look at letters of rec and personal statements so dont lose hope. eventually, youll get in somewhere. the only thing that frustrates is that they have a cap on how many students they can admit each semester/quarter/ year.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, Flight.
i'm in the same boat as you. didn't do so hot my undergrad years and now i'm trying to get into a 2nd degree program. there are a lot of schools out there, you just have to do some research. some of them just calculate your prereq gpa or your last 60/90 units of your undergrad gpa. they also look at letters of rec and personal statements so dont lose hope. eventually, youll get in somewhere. the only thing that frustrates is that they have a cap on how many students they can admit each semester/quarter/ year.

i think its the last 30 units that they look at which is waht im doing now & doing great :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

im working on my 2nd degree also. i recieved my ba in liberal studies in 2003. my gpa then wasnt so hot, all i thought about was passing back then, now im regreting it. but my gpa now with all my pre-reqs is a 3.0. im trying my hardest to get into a school, but you know all schools have different requirements. but im still hopeful!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in SRNA.

I would suggest looking to 2nd BSN or Accelerated BSN programs that look at a cumulative GPA, including all of your undergrad work, even post-grad pre-reqs (as opposed to your last 60/90 degree units). In my case, I've taken almost 50 units of pre-reqs and other nursing related courses (Epidemiology, Pharmacology, Pathophysiology) with a 4.0 to raise my GPA.

Acing your pre-reqs also has the added benefit of providing evidence to admissions officers that you are now motivated and on track on this new path.

There are a few schools out there that will look at your entire academic history, here in SoCal there is Mount St. Mary's College (Los Angeles).

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MICU - CCRN, IR, Vascular Surgery.

I graduated in 2002 with a Spanish degree, and now I'm looking into going back to school at the local CC for nursing cause it's cheaper there than my alma mater (still live in the same town). I also didn't do so hot my first time around because I was more worried about just getting it done while working, instead of getting better grades. I feel like I would be so much more focused now because I have a real goal instead of just a degree with no real structure of where to go afterwards. I'm hoping to start prereqs that I hadn't previously taken this fall if I can get everything in line soon enough. I am hopeful that I will do well, but reading these boards is starting to stress me out! lol

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Dept..

Same here!

I graduated in Spring '04 with a BS in Marketing. I dabbled in management and sales for about two years, until I realized that it wasn't for me. :idea:

I just started my Nursing prerequisites this past Spring at a community college. A lot of my general studies courses transferred over. (Yay!) I had to start from BIO 101 because I didn't need general biology for my business degree. I'm finishing up my prerequisites and applying to the ADN program this Fall. :nurse:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion