Florida ABSNs

[heythatsmybike]

So here is the obligatory "here are my stats, now make me feel better about being utterly and completely nervous about getting into any program" post:

Pre-Req GPA is 4.0, but overall GPA from undergrad B.S. degree in Biology/Psychology at Loyola Chicago is 3.2. I have worked as a scrub tech for 10 years, put in time in an international medical mission volunteer group and have a VERY small amount of local hospital ER volunteering experience. My last GRE was over 5 years ago, so I will suspect I'll be retaking. I hope to apply ASAP to several schools across the country as I know these programs are uber competitive. My main concern is that several of my pre-reqs were completed at a community college before/after Loyola and was wondering if that is looked down on during the admissions process. The last semester of my senior year (2009) involved me taking a break from school when my dad passed away sort of abruptly a few weeks before finals resulting in three F's. I took a year off and re-took the classes a year later with B's. Although my overall GPA Is not so bad, I feel these two will definitely count against me and am dreading writing an addendum or explanation about this in my application.

Is there anyone out there who has had similar breaks in time they went to school or overall GPA's slightly over 3.0 that were still accepted into these types of programs? Anyone with pre-req classes done at a community college (does it really matter)? I feel that my work experience, references and volunteering will help but then again I always hear that GPA is weighted more than anything. Any help or advice would be appreciated. Thanks for reading.

[HammockBound]

I just decided to take the slow route at Broward College getting my AS first 15 mon. And the bsn is only another year. Not too bad but wow I'm learning a lot and it is a lot of hands on in my program. They are starting a new asbn program in January. I would have waited if I knew. It might be worth looking at but it is a2 year program. May be easier as it is brand new. Besides that. .. In my area fiu just started a new asbn ...I believe they start jan as well. I didn't want to pay private.... so it is just taking me a little longer. I just looked at it as the sooner I started the sooner I would finish.

[LegacyJS]

When you received those F's you could have gotten them erased due to a death in the family, look into it you may be able to get it taken away you'll have to provide death certificate or something to show proof.

Orlando aread in Lake Mary they have an accelerated BSN 1 year program i think you just need a 2.75 pre-req GPA, i have heard good things about it. It is private its a lil more but you have to see what will work best for you. Apply everywhere you never know. Good luck.

[ToTheStudent]

Many schools allow you to write an addendum. Meaning you could choose to write a very short, well-crafted explanation for those bad grades. All you'd do is say this happened, and own it. Keep it short and only on those grades. If the school doesn't have an addendum section, include it in your essay in some way. Try to turn what was obviously a very bad event in your life into a better outcome, yes you did poorly in your classes at the time but... You didn't better the next semester or whatever. But keep it all very short three good sentences then move on.

[sallyMSW]

@LegacyJS

Remmington College in Lake Mary near Orlando offers the ABSN program (I think we are thinking of the same school!). I called them to get information since I am worried about my gpa as well. The seem to be very flexible with overall gpa and value the pre-req gpa much more. 2.8 was their minimum when I talked to them a couple weeks ago and they were very friendly and understanding. Definitly worth checking out!

[LegacyJS]

Yes, Remington!! I forgot to put the name sorry. I think every year they raise the requirement they started asking a 2.5 pre req GPA the year they started so its possible its 2.8 now.