CA post-grad nursing schools and grades

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Hey all,

I know this question is really irritating, and has been asked a million times. It probably has a really wide array of different answers too. However, I was wondering exactly how much weight is really put on grades for california nursing programs (particularly post-graduate ones, such as EL-BSN, EL-MSN, accelerated BSN programs). I understand many schools run by the "points" system. However, how effective is it to make up for the GPA points you lack through your interview, essay, etc?

I am looking to apply to schools all over southern California such as CSUF, CSULB, MSM, and various community colleges in the LA/OC area, and I'm really worried about my low undergrad GPA, and the fact that I'm getting B's in Anatomy and Physiology (which appear to be the most important pre-reqs, in my opinion). What is everyone's take on this? Is there anyone out there in my position who thought their grades were sub-par, yet made it into these schools based on other things? Anyone who can share personal experiences on the subject would be greatly appreciated.:specs:

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If it makes it any better for you. I did my undergrad at UCLA (Psych/Gerontology minor) and received a 3.1 ish GPA. My overall prerequisite GPA was 3.7 (B- Anatomy, A in Physiology; mostly As and B+ in everything else). I got into all nursing schools I applied: SFSU (generic MSN), Western University (ELMSN), Mount St Mary's (Acc BSN). I eventually decided on SFSU and moved to the Bay area. So either I happen to be lucky or yes, it is possible to get accepted to a nursing program with subpar grades. I think what affected my acceptance was volunteer experience (eg. hospice, meals on wheels, Unicamp counselor, patient escort) and experience as a lab tech at UCLA; letter of recommendation by a nursing professor (a class I took open for non-nursing majors) and personal statement.

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Thank you for sharing your experience! I have around the same gpa (except I went to UCI). I'm definitely going to try to get some volunteer work or clinical experience in. I think my grades are a lost cause :cry:

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Specializes in ICU.

My undergrad grades were pretty crappy and it didn't stop me from getting into these "competitive" nursing schools. I was not wait-listed either. In fact, for Western U, I was one of those "20 early accepted," who didn't require an interview. Maybe they realize it is harder to get good grades at a UC than elsewhere (?). I recall most of the 20 early accepted were undergrads from UCs. I did manage, however, a 4.0 GPA from Santa Monica college. I was in your position 3 years ago, constantly stressing about getting accepted. But to my advantage, the programs looked at my application in a broader light. There are just so many qualified applicants, anybody with higher stats than me may have been declined so I really believe it was luck. I'd be happy to answer any other concerns.

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Thanks for sharing your experience! I was hoping for a 4.0 over at my local community college, but I don't think it will turn out that way after this semester.:cry:

In terms of pre-reqs, do you think schools look at Anatomy and Physio moreso than the other classes (Chem, Micro, etc)? It's kinda ironic that I stress so much about this because when I was an undergrad, I had that whole "C's for those Degrees" mentality. Now I stress about even earning solid B's in my classes. :o.

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Specializes in ICU.

Since I don't work for admission, I can't objectively answer your question. But I would think chemistry and micro (science) classes are equally important as anatomy/physio. All the science classes are probably looked at more than just the basic non-science pre-reqs. It is stressful and you will get through this hurdle. Good luck! Don't know how far you are along the way to applying, but I believe they look at other experiences: volunteer/community activities, motivation, personal experiences, etc.

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