Can I get accepted into an Accelerated Nursing Program with a 3.25 GPA?

[swimmingfever00]

Hey everyone! I'm graduating next week with a Bachelor's of Science in Neuroscience. I am interested into applying to accelerated nursing programs for the winter and second degree nursing programs. I have taken most of the pre-reqs since they were required for my major. Here are the pre-reqs I've taken so far:

A and P 1: B+

A and P 1 lab: B

A and P 2: B

A and P 2 lab: C+

General Chemistry: B

General Chemistry lab: B+

Developmental Psychology: A

My overall GPA is about 3.25 My pre-req GPA is about 3.20. I have yet to take Microbiology or Nutrition and I plan on taking both courses in the fall at a community college. I originally wanted to go to Physician Assistant school, but my grades are not good enough to get in. I feel that nursing is a great alternative profession and I would still be able to care for patients. Being a male might help me out too hopefully.

I've also taken, 2 semesters of organic chemistry, 2 semesters of physics, and a semester of biochemistry, so I have a strong science background. I also have 2 semesters of research experience and 3 years working with the Special Olympics. Do you all think I am competitive enough for Accelerated Nursing Programs? My top choices are Stony Brook University, NYU, and Misericordia University (second degree program). Thanks in advance for your help!!

[RunBabyRN]

Gender won't help you or hurt you (nor should it). I'm not sure why you think that getting into an aBSN program will be easier than a PA program.

You'd have to look at the history with those schools to get a sense of what will get you admitted, but in general, I haven't seen that kind of GPA accepted for any kind of BSN program, but I live in a highly competitive area.

What about working hard to get As in the courses you have remaining, and continuing to try for PA? You could take more classes to boost your GPA.

[alexpeegee]

In all honesty, I feel you're on track. I'm a male with a BS in biology with a 3.0 and managed to get into the ABSN program I wanted (starts this summer). I believe your science background will definitely be a pro. It seems more and more schools are going to a grade/ point system and are cutting out the interview, so if you are a good interviewer, try to look for the schools that offer interviews and make sure you ace it. Just my two cents.

[windsurfer8, BSN, RN]

I agree that your gender will not matter. It is grades and what you have done in your free time. What helped me get into the ABSN program was decent grades and I am a veteran. The first degree did not matter however this was 2006. The entire point of the ABSN is a change in career. We had people with every background you could find. My first degree was business. We had many business degrees, philosophy...really everything. I would say don't worry about it and just apply.

[PacoUSA, BSN, RN]

With respect to Stony Brook, the likelihood that you will get in with a 4.0 in prereqs is the same as if you present a C in micro. The accelerated class is made up of individuals that have varied academic backgrounds. No one profile guarantees your acceptance. I have seen summa cum laudes get rejected and those with 3.0 bachelor GPAs get in (and of course the opposite being true as well). What matters most to them is the whole package and basically how you present yourself in your essay is quite important. I understand they do interviews now, that started last year so not sure how that also plays into the decisions.

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[windsurfer8, BSN, RN]

I was one of two males in my ABSN class. They specifically told me being male had NOTHING to do with my admission. So don't bank on that. No one here can tell you if you will get in. There are variables. First do you meet the minimum they require for GPA on your first bachelors. Second how many apps do they get? Some schools get thousands more than others. You just have to apply and if you don't get it you apply again.