explaining a low GPA to potential grad programs

[jayxcub, BSN]

hey y'all!

tl;dr

has anyone been able to talk their way out of a low GPA and into an MSN program using a late ADHD diagnosis?

i'm looking for anyone's experience with a low GPA and apply to grad school. i'm just over half way done with my ABSN program and JUST (like two days ago) got diagnosed with ADHD. i went in for testing due to my low exam grades to try to figure out what was going on and what i could do to get the grades up, and luckily it seems like i'll be able to get medication to make concentrating and studying a little easier and more successful. that being said, i don't have that many credits left, so i don't have a huge amount of time to get my GPA up to most MSN programs' minimum requirements unless i get a 4.0 from here on out.

so my question for y'all is, does anyone have experience using a late diagnosis as a reason for possibly not making the minimum GPA requirement for grad school? i figure if i can show a drastic increase in my GPA post-diagnosis i have pretty solid proof that my low GPA was in fact the result of not being medicated, but i'm not sure if that is actually a thing that schools do and i haven't been able to find any information with google searches.

thanks so much in advance!

[verene, MSN]

Most programs do allow additional documentation to be uploaded to explain poor grades. I think a medical diagnosis and a change in grades prior/after would definitely be considered.

[msuRNcc, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

I had a terrible GPA in my 1st bachelors degree, but >3.6 in my ADN and BSN. I had ADHD/depression issues, plus my own immaturity and lack of true effort. I'm in a DNP program now, and was accepted into other programs as well. My advice would be to focus on getting the best grades possible from now on, and work on other things to round out your application. Do things to show you can handle stress and a busy schedule, for example volunteer occasionally, etc. Many programs understand that people have rough patches and will either look at trends or just your most recent 60 credits. However, I would avoid going into details regarding excuses unless the program specifically asks for it, partly because it could potentially be used against you and it often just looks like an excuse (regardless of how valid it may be). I just owned it, said I had some health issues and immaturity that resulted in a bad GPA, but I learned from it/grew up/found motivation/etc and learned from my mistake. The key is to keep doing better, if you constantly fluctuate in GPA then regardless of the reason, you look like a risky candidate. Also, if needed you can always take extra classes to boost your GPA. Good luck!