Do I have any shot?

crr277 · Dec 1, 2009

From what I understand, many nursing programs are more concerned with your science/pre-req classes than other classes. The programs that I applied to only calculated the gpa using science/pre-req classes. They didn't even look at my classes that didn't transfer credit.

hoser1911 · Dec 1, 2009

Getting Started...

I have had this same problem. My Bachelors was in Computer Science and my GPA is a 2.4 from that program. I have had to take a lot of sciences (A&P, Micro, Psych, Sociology) in order to get my foot in the door at some programs. However some programs require a 3.0 or higher in your previous GPA just to apply. So those doors are closed for now. This seems to be especially true in the PA schools.

It is not impossible to get your GPA up, and you can explain your "youthful indiscretions" at an interview, or in an essay. If they don't do either of those?? Then you're stuck. I know it sucks... But what other choice do you have ?

You should be able to get in a community college nursing program, or a program like Watts which heavily weights your testing scores (I think). Some BSN programs may also look at your science GPA, which another poster mentioned.

As for PA school.... Most schools require a minimum amount of hands on experience, good science grades and other "check boxes" to be filled. I'm in the same boat as you, I would love to go to PA school. But I've gotta get that GPA above a 3.0. Only way to do that ? Take & Retake classes...

Best of luck. There is a school out there that you could probably get in by Fall 2010. It may not be Duke or UNC, but at the end of it you will be a RN. From there the rest is up to you right :)

sacstate2010 · Dec 1, 2009

Hey, Getting Started, sorry for your GPA, it is bad, but it all depends how quick you want to get there. Since you previous degree is not related then you would need to take all of the prereqs, right? In my school in CA they won't even consider you if your GPA less than 3.8, however they only check your prereq. classes (about 8 total), so if you do good on them, then you have all the chances of getting where you want. I wish you to get there one day. Good luck.:loveya:

raymonsgal · Jan 16, 2010

At a mininimim Craven CC only requires a minimim GPA of 2.5, dev. english, Math 070 or higher, and a Chemistry from high school OR college. Then there are some co-requisites but as long as the grades are passing or you can take them while in the program...

I'm applying to their LMP program in the Fall, the dealine is Mid-Feb...check out their website. Hope this helps :)

elkpark · Jan 16, 2010

At a mininimim Craven CC only requires a minimim GPA of 2.5, dev. english, Math 070 or higher, and a Chemistry from high school OR college. Then there are some co-requisites but as long as the grades are passing or you can take them while in the program...
I'm applying to their LMP program in the Fall, the dealine is Mid-Feb...check out their website. Hope this helps :)

Be careful about the difference between published "minimum" GPAs to be qualified and who actually gets in to the programs. There are so many applicants for most nursing programs these days that the schools are forced to be quite selective and many people with the published acceptable minimum GPA never come close to be considered. I last taught in a BSN program that stated in the handbook that the minimum GPA to apply was (only) 2.0 -- but the reality was that there were so many well-qualified applicants each semester that no one with less than a 3.6 GPA actually got accepted.

For many nursing programs, you are required to complete the prerequisite courses before applying and being accepted into the nursing program itself, anyway -- that's one way to boost a less-than-dazzling GPA, sign up at a school and work on getting great grades in the prereq courses.

Best wishes! :balloons: