Do I stand a chance?

[BrAiNLeSs]

Hi All,

I am working on my way to apply for the Direct Entry Program (Fall '07). After reading the posts here, i am very worried about my chances of getting into my top choices of program. I have a GPA of 3.0 (have 20 more units waiting to be finished) and GRE 780m, 510v, 4.5awa. Due to family issues, i had to flight out of country serveral times one year ago...and that kinda screwed up my grades (with Ds and Fs showing on my transcript). Are the schools going to look at my application even??

I have been working (per diem) in a hospital as a PT aide for 4 years, and in an outpatient clinic for 1 year. I also volunteer at different organizations. Also, I do research on campus. Although it seems like I have been doing a lot...I am still afraid that my GPA will hurt me when i apply...

Besides, will the schools value my PT aide expereinces? Do I need to look for more nursing-related experiences before I apply? I have heard that visiting the program/campus may not always be the best thing to do....maybe i will give the people bad impression...is it true?

PLEASE give me advices....i am really really worried:crying2:

[bruinlaura]

I have never heard of visiting a campus hurting anyone. Expressing a serious interest in the program may even help.

I think you have a chance of getting into a program. You seem to be strong in all areas except your transcript (work experience, volunteer, research, GRE).

I got into Columbia's ETP program with a 3.15 and I think I had a D, a C- and 3-4 withdrawals on my transcript (and I even turned my app in late). I made sure to address them in my essay. I also retook the D and C- classes and got Bs the second time and I got A's in my pre-reqs. It will also help if you are attending a school that is known to be academically rigorous. I am fairly confident that is why my lower GPA was acceptable.

Your experience as a PT aide, researcher and volunteer will look very good. I don't know how you would get nursing experience without becoming a nurse. They mainly want to see that you know what you are getting yourself into (they'll look at the essay for that too).

I think getting stellar references will help you too. Make sure they know you well and have great things to say about you. With your volunteer and work experience this shouldn't be too much of a challenge. Make sure to get one from a prof or TA attesting to your academic ability. That might help with

Also they will look at how well you performed in the prereq classes. If you can retake any of those D and F classes I would do it.

And make sure your essay is congruent with the goals for the program. Address the reason you chose nursing instead of medical school. Don't ignore that "elephant in the room" or they'll think you are just settling for nursing because that's all you qualify for. They want people who desire to be in the field.

It might be worth it to call the admissions officer and ask them about it too.

That's all I can think of. Hope it helps.

[LAROSILIERE7]

Try to apply to the private schools.The Public ones are a waste of time for those who have less than a 3.78 GPA.( that't what I think).

[babbz]

Yes, I agree. I think private school is a better bet than public school when your GPA is less than 3.5.