Low GPA Help!!!!

shadow720 · Apr 26, 2012

I think if you did well in the pre-reqs especially the science courses it would go a long way in helping you get in. Bio, chem and microbiology in my opinion are the classes that might carry the most weight with adcom. The previous clinical experience is a def bonus. If you need to take an admissions test, make sure you rock it so it doesn't leave any questions regarding your ability.

I had a 2.7 undergrad gpa. I spent time in ems, got A's on my pre-reqs and took the admissions test for nursing and scored in the 95% percentile. I ended up with ASN and BSN.

I had a guidance counselor tell me I wouldn't get into a nursing program and should give up. I'm telling you, don't give up. Passed NCLEX on the first attempt at 75 questions and never looked back.

Devon Rex, ADN, BSN · Apr 26, 2012

Hello!

If you are serious about going into nursing school, there are plenty to choose from, but unfortunately, many of those you should avoid. The first thing I look for is their accreditation. Schools are either regionally accredited or nationally accredited. You can find jobs with either one, but there are two main differences that stand out for me.

1) The regionally accredited school degrees do not qualify you to work in a government hospital, such a veteran's hospital or a county hospital (some states have county hospitals).

2) The regionally accredited schools also limit you of future choices should you want to complete a bachelor's in nursing.

Nationally accredited school programs gives you the most flexibility when it comes to furthering your education. How do you know if a school is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission??? I'm so glad you asked! Just go to: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission - NLNAC Homepage to find a list of schools in the region/s of your preference.

Private schools will obviously be the most expensive ones. Usually around $600 to $700 per credit hour. State universities and community colleges are much cheaper (and still great programs), but many of them have waiting lists. Valencia Community College is one of them with a waiting list... I believe it's about a year's wait, but you'll need to confirm that.

Most private schools will offer accelerated programs. They are NOT for everyone. It demands a lot and you really should not have a job while enrolled in one of those programs. They are grueling! Google and read student reviews for the places of your choice. If you can, pay a visit to the campus and ask students how they like the place and the program. Then make your decision.

Good luck !!

Squirmy McCoy · Apr 30, 2012

My GPA was positively rotten when I started going back to school. I got in to FSCJ's program with a 2.35. Their entrance is based upon a point scale that includes the NAT exam and the prerequisite grades rather than your overal GPA.

dgoins08 · Apr 30, 2012

My GPA was positively rotten when I started going back to school. I got in to FSCJ's program with a 2.35. Their entrance is based upon a point scale that includes the NAT exam and the prerequisite grades rather than your overal GPA.

Thanks! One question is FSCJ's program a BSN and do you already have to have a LPN license or RN license to get in?

FLmomof5 · May 1, 2012

I had a measley 2.2 from my first bachelors. I nailed the pre-reqs and NAT and went to FSCJ. FSCJ is for ASN. They do have a BSN program, but you have to have 1000 hrs as a working RN to apply. The problem with FSCJ for you is that they accept almost ALL of their students based on the county of residence. If you are outside one of those counties, I wouldn't bother applying.

BTW, as a veteran, I would look at Chamberlain. DD is going there for her BSN. It is more expensive but with the college fund, you should do fine. Chamberlain is not only accredited, their courses DO transfer to other degree schools - unlike most of the "private" nursing schools.

Chanrie · May 3, 2012

I'm in the same boat a low gpa of 2.9 and I live in south Florida and my choices are limited for schools cuz I have my son and moving around seems quite unlikely. What schools are you thinking of south florida, or north. Cuz I know down here we have nova, Barry, and south university for entry level bsn. But nova seems to be the best yet the hardest to get in because all I see is students struggling to get in with 3.5-3.7 gpa's.

Protas · May 3, 2012

Hey!

I was actually in a nearly identical situation; one strikingly similar to the one you currently find yourself in. I graduated with a B.S. in Molecular and Microbiology from UCF a couple of years ago and with a similar GPA as well. I was just accepted into UCF/SSC's concurrent track BSN program. I had a great pre-req. GPA and TEAS score, but a very mediocre overall GPA.

I applied to two programs: UCF's accelerated BSN and the aforementioned concurrent program between SSC & UCF. I was put on the upper half of the accelerated programs wait list and was accepted into the concurrent right off the bat. While I felt very confident in my ability to succeed in a nursing program given my rigorous science laden degree; I wasn't confident about my chances of getting into a nursing program due to my overall GPA (many programs choose applicants based heavily on that criterion). For instance, UCF states that they choose applicants based on three criteria: overall GPA, pre-req. GPA, and TEAS score. However, I feel that my major and my EMT training may have helped in my consideration as a candidate though...

A 3.0 GPA is the cut off for quite a few BSN programs I looked at. I would recommend bumping your 2.9 GPA to a 3.0 so you can apply to them. Also, check to see whether the program that you're interested in allows you to re-take pre-req courses. If they do, try retaking a few of those courses you got "B"s in (especially Anatomy/Physiology/Micro). Aim for a TEAS score around 90.

I was in a nearly identical situation and I was a able to get in! Stay positive!

dgoins08 · Jul 14, 2012

Which program did you get into?

Tragically Hip · Jul 15, 2012

Miami Dade College has a cutoff of 2.5 overall, I think, but none of that matters if you got your bachelor's degree elsewhere. You will still be able to get out of distribution courses (e.g., English and communications). As long as your overall average from courses taken there plus specific requirements (which would be A&P 1&2 + labs, chemistry + labs, microbiology, and an algebra course or equivalent), only the pre-reqs and your TEAS V score count in your admissions. With A's and B's, if you did reasonably well on the TEAS V, you'd get into one of the ADN tracks.

By the was, for in-state residents, their tuition is pretty reasonable, they're fully accredited, and they offer an RN-to-BSN bridge program.