3.01 Applying

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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So far, my hopes are so low. I'm not sure what to do. My overall GPA is a 3.01, and likely won't rise past a 3.11-3.13 by the end of this semester, assuming straight A's. I've taken all by 2 pre-Reqs, taking TEAS in a month, and am getting ready for the Fall 2014 application periods for both BSN and ADN programs.

I know I'll be riding on my TEAS scores to an acceptance. Hopefully I'll do good, I tested well on SAT/ACT and what not. I have my CNA, and a bit of nursing home experience, and plan on killing the essay, but... I just don't really have high hopes.

What do I do if I don't get in? Go back to school and get a B.S. and spend a stupid amount of money for a second degree I won't use, then go back to nursing? Or just keep trying until an infinite point in time?

I mean, I don't even meet the minimum 3.2 to apply to USF. That's heartbreaking. I failed a class my first semester (calculus) and it's messed me up ever since. I also got a C in A&P 1 and nutrition, and that pulled my pre-req GPA to a 3.0 too.

Any suggestions? Stories? Back up plans?

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If you don't get in this time and have another year to wait to re-apply, you could go back and take those classes that you had the low grades in again (Calc, A&P I, Nutrition). If you could bring those up to an A or a B, it would bring up your overall GPA.

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Specializes in ICU.

Yes, I agree to go back and retake A&P I and nutrition. If the mininum is a 3.2 and you don't have that, I would say do what you can to meet the mininum or your not getting in. Nursing school is very competitive. I would also look into a LPN program or another program so you have a back up.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Trauma.

I agree. You could definitely retake any classes that you didn't do so well in. If you do better your GPA will be raised. I also know that some schools offer minors that include most of your nursing pre-reqs plus a few other classes that you could finish up in the semester that you're reapplying to programs.

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I know that it may seem like a step down to go from a university to a community college, but Community colleges, in general, tend to look at your prerequisite grades rather than your cummulative GPA. Keeping this in mind, you will likely still need to retake A&P and Nutrition, but Calculus isn't usually a prerequisite for nursing. Another poster also suggested going to an LPN program. This might be an excellent way to get your foot in the nursing door. Many schools offer LPN-RN bridges that might not be competitive with the rest of new nursing students. You can do this! Being a nurse is a dream we all share, and we've all had to work extremely hard to get there :)

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Specializes in Emergency.

Do you have volunteer experience? They can overlook a low GPA if you have experience. And yes, calculus is NOT a prerequisite!!

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Thanks everyone! I will be applying to community ADN programs and a private BSN program in hopes of raising my chances. After this, if I don't get in, I will retake those three classes.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

Even the private universities in the area rarely accept people with that GPA, honestly. A community college program is your best bet, since pretty much every one in CA is based on a lottery system, so as long as you qualify, you have the same chance of getting in as someone with a 4.0 and a 99% TEAS score.

When I didn't get in the first time (well, I did get into 2 programs, but there's a long story; ultimately, I had to put it off for a year), I took a year off from school (I had everything I needed done), and worked two jobs.

DON'T retake classes if you can avoid it. Many schools won't accept courses repeated for grade improvement, especially if you passed them the first time.

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