Competitiveness Grades etc

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I know, it's on almost everyone's mind. We want to learn, we want to learn well, but we also need those GRADES. How competitive are nursing schools in your area? Do you obsess over your GPA? I've actually had a few anxiety attacks while studying, not good. I just finally decided that I'm not gonna stress like this anymore. I will do my best and if that isn't good enough than it isn't. Im a B student in the sciences (thus far) and an A student in everything else. I heard that the top two BSN programs in this area cut off at 3.7 something or other. ONe of them doesn't do interviews or essays or anything ALL they look at is GPA.

The ADN program isn't so crazy to get into, but it's a monster to complete. That's what the grapevine says anyway. So what are things like in your area. Are you happy with your grades, do you feel confident enough that you will be able to get into the degree program of your choice? Let's chat.

Specializes in ER.
Maren, you are right, it is crazy if someone with a 3.5 can not get into a nursing program because their gpa isn't high enough. I don't think the gpa itself is the problem. As the nursing program will take anyone with a 2.5. It is that there are so few slots and so many applicants that only the top 10%, sometimes less get in. It really stinks though. Some colleges put everyone on a wait list and people can be on the list for a couple years waiting for them to get through all the students. What is really needed is more nursing instructors.

It's soooo true! If there were enough instructors, then it wouldn't be so completely cut throat just to get into a nursing program! The program at my school only REQUIRES a 50 on the NET, and a 2.5 (or maybe 3.0, can't remember) GPA, and anyone can apply, pre-reqs completed or not. Realistically, no one with less than a 3.8 GPA, an 80 or above on the NET, and ALL pre-reqs completed can even DREAM of being accepted. The really crappy part? If you DON'T get in, they put you on a waitlist (highest scoring applicants first, so if someone doesn't accept, the next highest candidate has the opportunity to take their place) for that year only. Then, if you were on the "waitlist" and no one gives up their place, the next year you have to apply with everyone else, and take the same chances. I'm terrified I won't get in... I don't know what I'll do, because I'll have all my pre-reqs done, and I am NOT retaking them - I'm counting my chickens before they're hatched I know, but so far I have a 4.0, and I intend on keeping it that way! So what do they expect us to do if we DON'T get in I wonder??? I guess if I don't get in, I'll start taking physics, chemistry organic chemistry, and microbiology - classes that I'll need when I go for my BSN and leave the option open if I decide to go to med school. I won't let that time go to waste. But still! The situation for nursing school has gotten out of hand!

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Just giving your GPA for pre-req's is not sufficient for comparison. Schools require different prerequisites. Some ADN programs may only require a few classes while others may require many. It's much easier to have a 4.0 or 3.77 when you only have to take 4 classes. (Not that I'm saying it's "easy".) Those numbers tend to go down with the more classes you have to take.

So for apples to apples sake, could you please list your pre-req's along with your GPA's so we can compare accurately?

The one program I am applying to that goes strictly by GPA requires

A&P 1

A&P 2

Microbiology

Algebra

Sociology

English 1

I'm told the last cut-off was 3.4, but that seems low to me. But that works for me!

The other program goes by a combination point/GPA system

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Good points LandShark. I'm applying to BSN programs. My programs all require 61 units of pre-reqs. They are

Anat and Phys I

Anat and Phys II

College Chemistry

Microbiology (which has a pre-req of basic biology)

English Lit

English I

English II

U.S. History I

U.S. History II

U.S. Gov't

State Gov't

General Psychology

Human Growth and Development

Nutrition

Fine Arts elective

Cross/Muliticultural elective (I chose cultural anthropology)

Mass Communications

I will also apply to the ADN program as my back-up plan and if I do, I will also have to take pharmacology.

I think I got 'em all. My GPA is 3.9, but I only have about 30credits I'm shooting for a 3.8 since that Anat and Phys I class blew my 4.0 :lol2:. I think only one person got out of that class with an A.

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Specializes in ER.

The school I'm going to requires:

High school Chemistry, Biology, and Algebra

English 111 and 112

A&P 1&2

Computer Concepts

PSY 230 (developmental psych, human lifespan development)

SOC 215 (Sociology of the family)

PHI 225 (Ethics)

Chemistry 101/102

Elementary Statistics or Calculus

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Specializes in ICU,Oncology,School,.
Heather are you applying to Purdue Calumet or Purdue North Central?

Sunnyjohn,

I'm actually applying to IU Kokomo for their BSN program. (I think... I'm having trouble making up my mind between ASN & BSN :rolleyes: )

Are you in Indiana?

Heather

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Hospice.

The school I am applying to only requires 12 hours of prereqs be taken before nursing school. However, due to the heavy course load, they do reccommend that all prereqs and co-reqs be taken before beginning the nursing program:

Freshman English Comp I and II

American History I

American Government I

Pscyhology I

Sociology I

Biology I

Physical Activity (2 hours)

Anatomy and Physiology

Microbiology

Intermediate Algebra I (or competency based on placement testing)

I will apply in late February, so the only classes affecting my GPA at that time will be the ones I am taking this semester (pscyh, bio, and sociology, and I clepped out of English Comp I to get the 12 hours of credit).

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