Do I need to submit all Transcripts...

elkpark · Apr 11, 2011

If the schools are specifically asking for all your previous transcripts and you do not submit them all, that is basically academic dishonesty. If a school finds out (which they v. well may), that may be considered an adequate reason to drop you from consideration. It doesn't matter whether or not the courses you took before apply to the current program; they're interested in your overall academic ability and performance.

I didn't take college v. seriously my first time around, long ago, and ended up with a v. mediocre GPA and some v. poor individual grades. However, I have always submitted that transcript when applying to academic programs since then, and have had no difficulty getting into nursing school, a BSN completion program, and my first choice grad school. I did have to answer some tough questions in interviews :), but I got into all the nursing schools of my choice.

Honesty is always the best policy in nursing. Best wishes for your journey!

Ellis02136 · Apr 11, 2011

If the schools are specifically asking for all your previous transcripts and you do not submit them all, that is basically academic dishonesty. If a school finds out (which they v. well may), that may be considered an adequate reason to drop you from consideration. It doesn't matter whether or not the courses you took before apply to the current program; they're interested in your overall academic ability and performance.
I didn't take college v. seriously my first time around, long ago, and ended up with a v. mediocre GPA and some v. poor individual grades. However, I have always submitted that transcript when applying to academic programs since then, and have had no difficulty getting into nursing school, a BSN completion program, and my first choice grad school. I did have to answer some tough questions in interviews :), but I got into all the nursing schools of my choice.
Honesty is always the best policy in nursing. Best wishes for your journey!

You're right! I won't apply to this program cause I am sure I can't get it if I submit everything.

FLhusker · Apr 11, 2011

You'd better submit all of them. If you didn't and you got in, you'll always be afraid. Plus, even though you are a different person now, you still might be taking away a spot from someone else who wants it just as bad. Better to be honest. Your chance will come.

BTW, same problem with me, only it was almost 20 years ago, my first bachelor's degree...I was not a good student. The more pre-reqs you take, the more it will inch up, however slowly it will go. Hang in there.

Just think, nursing is a lot about integrity, you don't want to compromise yours before you even get into the program!

UVA Grad Nursing · Apr 11, 2011

Submit them all.

At my school, only applications that have all of the required elements (all recommendations, transcripts, etc) are sent to the admissions committee for review. Files that are still incomplete 1 month after an application deadline receive denials for lacking required materials.

bhanson · Apr 11, 2011

What's worse, is if they found out about your academic dishonesty *after* you complete the program I believe that's grounds for taking your degree away.

LeO13 · Apr 13, 2011

True story, a girl I knew was kicked out of the program 3 months before her graduation due to academic dishonesty.

laurah4k · Apr 13, 2011

I agree with the above! I got decent grades in HS but really did poorly my first 2 semesters of college (totally unrelated to nursing). The school I applied to suggested that any low grades could be explained in your personal statement. I explained that my first year of college was a highly unstable period of my life and explained why with full honesty. I then pointed out how that it was only 2 semesters and all other semesters college my grades have been much better and I feel that this period of work best represents my true ability.

Good Luck!

llg, PhD, RN · Apr 13, 2011

I would ask the school before making a decision. It is unlikely you would have to go into details. Just ask if they all academic transcripts -- even from courses from many years ago that are not pre-requisites -- or if they just want the recent ones that include your pre-req's.

Let them tell you what they want. Get it in writing or have a witness if possible. Then do what they say to the letter. It doesn't hurt to ask -- and you might get lucky.

I've gotten lucky many times in my life -- and you can't catch a break if you don't bother to try.

juliaann · Apr 13, 2011

Don't worry about your high school GPA...most schools ask for your high school transcript merely for proof of your diploma (and maybe proof of AP/IB classes if you took any high school classes and received college credit for them). High school GPA is not factored into college GPA...one ends then the other begins.

Now your previous COLLEGE coursework does factor in (many schools compile all your grades to get an overall cumulative GPA), and for that reason a school does want to see all of your college transcripts. Some schools give a lot of weight to your cumulative GPA, some only weight heavily your science GPA and/or pre-req GPA. Maybe ask to see/talk about how applications are scored, and how many "points" or whatever is given to GPA?

If you apply, include all the transcripts. You might regret it if you don't - it's very easy for people to find out where you attended college in the past - especially if you accepted any federal financial aid for that coursework. It can come back to bite you if you're asked for all transcripts and don't provide them.

Now something worth looking in to is academic forgiveness...some schools offer this where if it's been a certain number of years since the classes you did poorly in, you can "start over" witha clean slate GPA-wise. It's worth talking to an advisor and seeing if your school offers this or something like it!

TiffanyC.UCSN · Apr 13, 2011

You're right! I won't apply to this program cause I am sure I can't get it if I submit everything.

I would still apply!!! You never know the outcome unless you put yourself out there. I was so worried that I would not get into nursing school because I didn't think my GPA was high enough. Turns out, all the rumors about having to maintain at least a 3.7 to get in weren't true :lol2: ! I got in, and am finishing my junior year! What would it hurt if you apply? If you don't get in, that's okay....just retake some of your classes for a grade replacement, and try again next year! Good luck with everything :)

Ellis02136 · Apr 13, 2011

Thanks everyone for the advice. I've decided not to apply because I don't meet the GPA requirement. If I don't get into another school I'll just retake some classes to up my GPA.