C's in Pre Reqs? Am I doomed before I start?

[lunacarellz]

Hi everyone! I'm excited to join this forum as a pre-nursing "prospect" in NY. I graduated with my Bachelors in Psychology and Political Science in 2011 from Hunter College. I didn't do TOO badly in undergrad, but there were some hiccups here and there, along with a baby, a wedding, and some hard financial times. In the end, I got 3.245 cumulative GPA.

I wanted to chase my midwifery dream and go to nursing school. I am ineligible for Hunter's program because of minimum GPA req of 3.25. I was looking into SUNY Downstate and Columbia, but I'm worried because I do have some Cs in my prereqs. In undergrad because of my majors I managed to knockout all of the english, humanities and social sciences pre reqs. At this point I need to take Bio (A&P I,II) and Microbio, Chemistry and Nutrition. I have a C in Statistics, C in Intro to Sociology, B- in my Intro Psych and Developmental Psych Classes, and As in all my remaining pre-reqs (English Comp, Literature, and any applicable humanities and social sciences). I'm really sweating those Cs in Stat in Soc 101. Do you guys think that if I aim for As (high Bs at minimum) AND study my tail off for the GRE and TEAS V that I am still in the running for Columbia and Downstate? I'm really looking towards Columbia because of their ETP program. I really hope my less than stellar grades in undergrad don't haunt me forever! I look forward to hearing about your experiences with the application process. Thanks!!

[BrooklynJulie]

Congrats on pursuing your dream. I would say that because your prerequs are part of your undergraduate degree it isn't as bad as if you took them on top of your degree and got a C. If you can get As and A-s in your sciences it will go a long way to backing up your personal statement regarding the undergraduate obstacles you overcame and how bad you want to be a nurse or midwife.

Also, I think Downstate really just looks at numbers and GPAs so you will have a better chance with Columbia or NYU (where I am attending and I know for a fact take GPAs lower than 3.25) if it comes with strong science grades and a personal statement. Best of luck.

[lunacarellz]

Thank you BrooklynJulie, I really appreciate your feedback. I understand that the CUNY programs and Downstate are more competitive because of their extreme affordability and reputation. Columbia is attractive to me because they claim to have a good financial aid package. NYU is in the stratosphere for me as far as tuition. I plan on applying to NYU and Columbia and just cross my fingers for a strong financial aid package for either. I am really going focus on getting As in those important science classes to boost my chances, as well as doing well on the GRE. This new venture is exciting and terrifying at the same time. BUT, in 5 years, I could be a nurse!