FIU Nursing program

hodgieRN · Mar 12, 2013

I don't personally know of these programs, but I live in Florida. I would think FIU would be the most difficult to get in. It is the main university in miami (other than UM), but I know someone who went there. It's pretty competitive.

If your instructor told you not to get more than 3 withdraws, then you are ok. From looking at your GPA, sounds like you used the withdraws wisely. It's a good strategic move for potential failure grades.

I've seen students post that doing volunteer work looks good on an application. Check with the school and see if volunteering will give you a leg up on the other applicants.

iwillnotwasteit, BSN, RN · Apr 22, 2013

Hi! I just applied to FIU's nursing program and am now waiting to hear if I got in :) I heard that the average GPA for last year's class was 3.70 with the overall science GPA being 3.742. But one of my friends told me that a 3.3 got in (I think). Volunteer hours definitely help, so if it is at all possible for you to get a volunteering position at a hospital, do it! Also, I know that being in the Honors College at FIU helps, along with taking your prerequisites at FIU. Anyways, I know that this may sound daunting, but I would definitely apply if you can, it doesn't hurt and it is a great school :) And go talk to an advisor! They are great and really helpful :)

I hope this helps!

lovebuggy · Apr 27, 2013

Hello!!! :cat: I applied to FIU's program and am waiting a response as well. It is true, FIU is a competitive school with the average GPA being a 3.70 and average science GPA being a bit higher. I've been a student there for the past 3 years so I am extremely familiar with the program, lol. As far as I know we don't have a withdrawal/drop policy. However, they do not accept applicants who have obtained a C- or lower in the required science courses even if you retake it and get an A. They are very strict on that, unfortunately. :dead:

The requirements for the program are similar to other nursing programs with the exception that you need a minimum overall 3.25 GPA to apply, get at least an 80% on the HESI math and reading portion and film a 3 minute video essay where you answer your application cycle's essay questions.

The admissions are based on nine categories all equaling a maximum of 28 points. Yes, a point system is used to make the decisions and here's how it works:

1. Overall GPA -8 points

2. Science GPA -8 points

3. Having attended a research university -1 point

4. Being in Honors College -1 point

5. Military Service -1 point

6. Having a Bachelor's degree -1 point

7. Video Essay - 3 points

8. Community service -3 points

9. Hesi Score of 80% on math and reading -2 points

So from these categories you can obtain a maximum of 28 points, although as far I heard it's rare someone has gotten the maximum. Basically, everyone gets a certain amount of points from each category and the 100 highest ranking people are the ones that get accepted to the program.

The overall and science GPA's make up the majority of the points. THEY ARE VERY IMPORTANT! LOL, and that explains why the average GPA of last years cycle is so high. You can get a maximum of 8 points from each GPA based on how high it is. Since the minimum GPA is a 3.25, only people with GPA's of 3.3 and higher are awarded points. It works like this: a 3.3 GPA would get 1 point, 3.4= 2 points, 3.5= 3 points, ect. Hypothetically, with your overall 3.4 GPA you would have 2 points and let's say you also have a 3.4 science GPA that's 2 more points giving you a total of 4.

The video essay and Hesi are required and the points work a little differently. The video essay is worth a maximum of 3 points and is based on content, communication and presentation of the video. As for the Hesi, that's worth 2 points. You need to get a minimum of 80% on the math and reading and if you do so successfully on your first try you get 2 points. If it takes you more than 1 try, then you just get 1 point.

Now the other categories are just extras to boost up your ranking. I highly recommend doing as much community service as you can since the maximum for this category is 3 points and that can really help out your GPA if it's not that high. Every 150 hours is equal to 1 point. 150 hours=1 point, 300 hours=2 pts, 450 hours=3 points.

The other categories each are worth one point and not everyone gets points for them so don't worry if you don't meet them. Just focus on having as high of a GPA as you can, getting the 80 on the HESI, doing an amazing video essay and doing tons of community service.

I was only familiar with FIU's program, sorry. Hope this helps!

iwillnotwasteit, BSN, RN · May 4, 2013

Hi LoveBuggy!!!! Ohmigosh, I know that this is totally unrelated to the thread, lol, but I am SO happy to hear from someone else who applied!!!! Do you know when we will find out if we got in?!?! :nailbiting:

So excited!!!!!

lovebuggy · May 4, 2013

Hi LoveBuggy!!!! Ohmigosh, I know that this is totally unrelated to the thread, lol, but I am SO happy to hear from someone else who applied!!!! Do you know when we will find out if we got in?!?!
So excited!!!!!

HIII!!!!!!! :specs: Supposedly, at the end of this month or the first week of june, the latest. Have you applied to other schools?