Failure of non-required classes 5 years ago?

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Apr 30, 2010

All programs vary so you will have to find out the exact requirements for the program you plan on attending, my school only went of the GPA of the Pre Req courses.

CBsMommy · Apr 30, 2010

I agree with Mi Vida Loca. It is just going to depend on the school and what they consider in their overall GPA. My school also went by the grades of my pre-req classes.

I would also ask your school if there is a "fresh start" program where they might consider removing the "F's" out of your GPA. While this doesn't usually transfer, it might help a little bit.

Good luck to you!!!

Warrior504th · Apr 30, 2010

Thank you both for your input! Sounds like I'm going to have to call and/or speak with a counselor asap. And a program to erase the fails would be beyond relieving. I'll be printing your answers as a reference and to calm my nerves along the way :)

allnurses Guide · Apr 30, 2010

I had 4 Fs and 3 Ws on my transcript from 1988 (first time around, more interested in partying than studying. Idiot.). I got in just fine. My school only looks at those classes necessary to the nursing degree. Hope yours is the same.

RNTutor, BSN, RN · Apr 30, 2010

Definitely check for a 'fresh start' policy with the school that has the failures/withdrawals on your transcript.

In the event you can't get it cleared off before applying to nursing school, I think it's always best to address the issue up front before anybody reviewing your application even have a chance to ask questions. So if you have to submit a transcript with the old bad grades, I would also consider including a short, 1-page cover letter addressing the grades, explaining what happened, and why things are different now. I think a lot of people are understanding about the dumb things we did when we were younger, they just want to make sure they won't be repeated in nursing school! :)

peytonsmom · Apr 30, 2010

I had a few issues on my transcript from my first go round in college when I was also dealing w/ some tough personal issues. When I applied to nursing school 5 years later, I had to write a letter explaining the grades and situation and it went to a review committee before I could be formally accepted. They had no problem accepting me and were very understanding.

Warrior504th · Apr 30, 2010

Thank you all for your continued support in this matter!

If I had to write an essay that would be reviewed, I can be fairly sure the grades would not be a problem. After FINALLY getting through to the nursing program line to the college today, the lady who answered believed that only prerequisites were considered in GPA. However, she gave me the email address to the director of the program. I emailed him and am awaiting a response. I will let you all know what I hear!

On a side note, did any of you attempt a hospital-internship while in college in exchange for the college assisting with school expenses? If so, did this enter you into some sort of work agreement upon graduating?

RNTutor, BSN, RN · Apr 30, 2010

I didn't do it anything like that, but several of my classmates did. The deal was they were given a $5000-$10000 scholarship in exchange for promising to work 1-2 years (depending on how much money they accepted) for that hospital. It did not guarantee them a job, they still had to apply to different depts in the hospital system and find one that hired them, but they were committed to working somewhere in that hospital's system after graduation, or had to pay back the money.

Warrior504th · Apr 30, 2010

I didn't do it anything like that, but several of my classmates did. The deal was they were given a $5000-$10000 scholarship in exchange for promising to work 1-2 years (depending on how much money they accepted) for that hospital. It did not guarantee them a job, they still had to apply to different depts in the hospital system and find one that hired them, but they were committed to working somewhere in that hospital's system after graduation, or had to pay back the money.

Wow. This sounds rough to pass up considering it can almost be seen as a "sign-on bonus" of sorts. I will see what the local hospitals have to say on this. Considering their enormous demand for nurses, I would say it shouldn't be exceedingly difficult (not to say it would be easy).

I will be funding this entirely myself one way or another, and because of parent's income I will likely qualify for no aid. Should be huge for me.

RNTutor, BSN, RN · Apr 30, 2010

Yeah, the only reason I passed it up is because my hubby is military, so no guarantees we were going to be in the area that long! Plus, if we were staying, I kind of wanted to work at one of the few hospitals that wasn't in that particular system.

And as it turned out, we did end up staying in the area, but I did end up going to work at one of the other hospitals. So I never ended up kicking myself or missing out. But it really is a pretty great deal.

wahwahgerman · May 1, 2010

Thank you all for your continued support in this matter!
If I had to write an essay that would be reviewed, I can be fairly sure the grades would not be a problem. After FINALLY getting through to the nursing program line to the college today, the lady who answered believed that only prerequisites were considered in GPA. However, she gave me the email address to the director of the program. I emailed him and am awaiting a response. I will let you all know what I hear!
On a side note, did any of you attempt a hospital-internship while in college in exchange for the college assisting with school expenses? If so, did this enter you into some sort of work agreement upon graduating?

People at my school had similar problems in their past education experience. It would be wise to file a formal petition (through the counseling office) just to be sure those grades are not factored into the total GPA.