Anyone trying for a 2nd degree?

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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:

I'm in the same boat as everyone here! Graduating cum laude with my BS in Criminal Justice this coming May and applying to nursing schools for Fall 08/09. I goofed off my first year and now I'm paying for it...for the most part, the only GPA they look at here is your prereq courses (i.e. the classes I goofed off in :uhoh3:). Taking the rest of the classes I need this spring & summer and then am hopefully going to be a nursing student soon! I have always wanted to be a nurse...and I don't particularly want to be a cop...so this seems like my best course of action! :idea:

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I am applying to one accelerated program - it only looks at your prerequisite grades in calculating GPA. The other school in town looks at "all course work" with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Do well in you pre requisites, applications are competitive (at least in my area). Good luck!

PNG - Would you mind telling me what school has an accelerated program that only looks at prereq grades? I'm also in the Portland area, and I haven't heard of one that doesn't look at cumulative GPA.

TIA!

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I'll jump in the boat too! I totally goofed off just about my whole first undergrad, managed a 2.8 :o. That was in 2001, and my prereq GPA now so far is a 3.8. I'm hoping the Accelerated BSN programs I'm applying to are not going to look at that first degree, I'm a lot more serious this time around. They don't have anything on the application or website that would indicate that they are going to look at the previous degree.

Eek, I'm so freaked out. I just want to get into a school!!

Nice to know I'm not alone now.

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Specializes in ICU.
PNG - Would you mind telling me what school has an accelerated program that only looks at prereq grades? I'm also in the Portland area, and I haven't heard of one that doesn't look at cumulative GPA.

TIA!

Linfield College - Portland Campus. I reviewed all of my materials and I am fairly sure it is pre-requisite GPA only.

With that said, I have emailed the school to confirm.

From Linfield's information sheet: (Note if you have a previous BS, you are considered a transfer student.)

How will your credits transfer? A credit evaluation will be completed for all applicants that meet the application deadline. The evaluation includes only those courses that meet the requirements for the nursing major. Only credits from regionally accredited two year or four year colleges or universities will be considered. A grade of C or higher is required for a course to transfer to Linfield. A grade of C- is not acceptable.

Everything I have heard is that people are coming in with very high GPAs - a given - so your application essay is what really sets you apart.

I'll post here again once I have heard from the College.

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Specializes in Family Practice, Primary Care.

Wow! So many sociology people here.

I got my BA in sociology in May 2006, and will be starting an ABSN program this May. I'm so excited!

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I'm in this boat too. I have a BGS with focus in Biology, Psych, and Kines. (I wanted to be a PT). My undergrade GPA is bleh 2.9ish, mediocre grades in upper-level biology and chemistry classes have screwed me. My last 60 hours = 3.8. Prereq Gpa 3.6. I ended up taking most of the same Prereqs for PT school and ironically I at least interviewed and was wait-listed for a DPT program. Through volunteering and soul-searching I've decided to become a nurse and apply...so far no luck with nursing schools, especially Accelerated BSN's. Well no word at all actually :sniff:. I'm also applying to a few traditional BSN programs and ASN for the Fall 08.

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Specializes in ICU.

For everyone who a been turned down, keep trying! When I didn't get in the first round it really made me search deep and see if this is really what I wanted, it has made me even more determined to become a nurse and - trying!

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I graduated in 1995 with a B.S. in Biology and a PreMed focus. I was definitely not a serious student my first go around in college. I've almost completed my prerequisites at a local community college with nearly a 4.0 point. The programs I am applying to only look at your prerequisite classes in calculating your application GPA. Because of this I was able to cherry pick my grades and I now have a 3.928 application GPA. These are Associate programs with the option of continuing to a BSN. I also retook the minimum math course requirement (earning an A) in order to replace the C I got in Integral Calculus.

For me the Associate program is a good choice because it will get me back into the working world ASAP. With the ability to later take night classes for the RN to BSN course. I think the major concern for most 2nd Degree students is how "long will I be out of the working world and not getting a regular income" - A lot of us work and go to school for pre-reqs, so working as an RN while getting our BSN shouldn't be a problem....

Just thoutght you should know an Accelerated BSN will get you into the working world quicker than an ASN. Most ASN programs=2years. Most ABSN programs=12-18 months.

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Specializes in ICU.
Just thoutght you should know an accelerated BSN will get you into the working world quicker than an ASN. Most ASN programs=2years. Most ABSN programs=12-18 months.

Yup, knew that... thanks though... https://allnurses.com/forums/2569617-post87.html

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Yep, I'm finishing up my BA in Psychology (cum 3.4) this spring and applying to two local ADN programs. I have 3.5 in prereqs (some are kinda old....so hopefully I get in at OWC in Ft Walton. Working in respite care right now, maybe that could earn a few points in my favor? If not I could retake a few, since of my courses were about 3-4 years ago.

I do kinda wish there were some ABSN programs closer (mobile has one but its not for 2nd degree students).

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Specializes in ICU.

Confirmed. Linfield College - Portland Campus only looks at prerequisite GPA when applying.

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argh! I'm in the same boat here. I have a B.A in Anthropology from a hippy dippy school in NorCal that only gave narrative evaluations - I don't even have a GPA as I never even received grades! I've looked into Accelerated BSN and MSN programs, but they are SO COMPETITIVE - really, with having no previous GPA I don't stand a chance, even if I have a 4.0 for my pre-reqs. For me, it seems like the only option is to do an ASN and then do a direct RN-MSN. Does anyone know what classes I will need to take to go the RN-MSN path? Can I start taking some of them now to get going already?

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