Frustrated, pre-nursing student. Will my grades catch admissions attention?

Published

I've been working on pre-reqs for about a year and a half now. So far my grades are

Micro- B

Anatomy I- B

Psychology- A

English I- C

English II- A

History-A

I still have anatomy II, a few gen eds, and chemistry classes. I'm trying to get into a BSN program at two very competitive nursing schools in Chicago. I am in no way showing off my grades, in fact, I'm more frustrated with the fact that I can't seem to get higher than a B in science courses. I am striving for an A in anatomy II, and I'm also going to volunteer at a hospital over the summer so hopefully this will boost my chances of getting accepted. The schools I'm applying to also only let in 60 of 600+ people that apply. So are these grades even good enough for consideration? Should I retake one of the classes I got a B in? I completely feel that students with all A's deserve a spot more than I do. However, I am willing to retake classes if it will improve my chances of getting in because I have dedicated my whole life to these courses. but I definitely need a new approach and any recommendations from you guys. :)

-Unorganized, frustrated pre-nursing student

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

It honestly depends on the school and what they look at and how competitive the other students are. Do you have to take an entrance exam to get in? Do they go off of a cumulative GPA or do they only look at certain classes? My school goes off of a points system and looks at 4 classes and Teas scores only. Some semesters are super competitive and other aren't. Plus the A&P's are weighted more heavily than the other classes. I would talk to a nursing advisor at your school. I wouldn't necessarily waste my my time retaking a B but a C maybe. Also you need to know your school's retake policy. Some allow and some don't.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I can truly understand your frustration. Getting into nursing school can be a stressful journey. I'm applying to my school in 3 days so tension is high. Microbiology and A&P I are not easy courses with the amount of material you cover in such a short span of time. For me last summer I got a C in A&P I and I shed a few tears over it, but it encouraged me to PUSH, and when I took it in fall I got my A. I learned how to study and got an A in A&P II as well. What helped me most was researching my professor online. Just going to "Rate my professor" or your colleges site helps. Look for teachers who have clear layouts and teachers that care. The teachers who don't care usually have students who don't do as well. Does your school require an entrance exam? If so buy the study guide and blow it out of the water. Apply with the GPA you have and if it is a declined acceptance then retake after you've completed all prerequisites. Also those grades are definitely taken into consideration. They aren't bad at all. Sure others have a 4.0, but you know what they call nursing students who pass the NCLEX and had a 3.0 in school.. Nurses. So keep pushing, for A&P II I recommend chunks. One week study urinary and MASTER IT, next respiratory, and so on so forth. Then do quizzes on yourself a week after to see what you retained and then go over what you didn't. It's time consuming and can drive you crazy at some points but it's well worth it for that A. I studied almost every day a week while working 87 hours every two weeks. It's hard I know but welllllll worth it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks so much for all of your encouragement! :) and gl with your application!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Its based off of GPA and cumulative science GPA (micro, A&P I-II, Chemistry I, Organic chem)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice, Palliative Care.

Good day, mozer92:

Aside from the one C, your grades are reasonably good; plus you did bring it up for the harder English. So hopefully that would show you are a good student especially given your other grades.

Take care.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Good lord, a BSN program that requires organic chemistry? It's really not necessary.. Now regular chem is but do you have other schools with a BSN program in your area? If so, try applying at other schools. Honestly if it's about where your degree comes from it doesn't matter as long as it's an accredited school..with the correct accreditations. Hospitals/ facilities want experience over where you received your degree. So maybe look into a less competitive school.

Are you planning to become a NP? If not you don't need organic.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I would try to see why you are getting a B in science classes. If you do understand the concepts, maybe you just need to modify your studying habits or test taking skills a little to get the A that you want. I would recommend you pre-read the concepts in each chapter before the lectures if you haven't already done that. Concept maps also help too. Lectures never made sense to me unless I was at least familiar with the terms being mentioned.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If the schools only accept 10% of the students, they can afford to be very picky. Out of 600+ students, there's a good chance that 60 students have better grades than you.

However, that's not guaranteed, especially if there are other factors in acceptance like experience in the health-care field or an admission essay.

Knock out the rest of your pre-reqs and apply. If you fail to get in, and the schools accept retakes, go ahead and start working on getting your grades up.

Be patient and don't become discouraged. Nursing school isn't a degree, it's a career.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Your grades are pretty good. I don't know how competitive your school is but I don't think one C will kill it. I would talk to a school nursing advisor for any concerns and better study tips for the other science classes. I'm sure you'll do great. Don't give up!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion