Accelerated programs - worried about GPA in previous BA degree!

bigmona · Nov 11, 2005

I got accepted into two accelerated programs (the only 2 I applied for) with the same exact GPAs you have. 3.01 overall from first degree (my first two years were awful, then I picked things up the last two years) and I had a 4.0 in my pre-reqs. I also had volunteer experience, very strong letters of recommendation and tried to write an application essay that reflected how motivated I was to become a nurse.

I think the schools I applied to focused on my more recent pre-req grades and the fact that I had really turned things around for myself during my last two years of school. You definitely have a shot at getting accepted with your grades and experience!

ICRN2008, BSN, RN · Nov 11, 2005

At my school they don't factor in the gpa from the BA/BS, only the one from the prerequisites. This year the cutoff GPA was 3.612 to start, but it went down a little as people were accepted off the wait list. If your school is anything like mine you will be in good shape :)

Good luck!

Angeljoy · Nov 11, 2005

Hi,

I was worried about that too, but i dont know why you are. It sounds like you have great grades. I had a gpa of 2.7 for my BS but did really good in my sciences. (i had a really tough time in college) I dont know if bsn programs are harder to get in to, but in my accelerated adn program, they had to turn people away. I am half way done and have a good B average.

-Amy

Ment2B · Nov 12, 2005

Thanks everyone for your input! I guess I'm just stressing out over every little thing, the whole application process (most especially the wait) is getting to me. Just out of curiosity what programs did you guys apply for (or are in) and how do you like them? Also, what advice would you give for writing the application essay? I've had 2 counselors look over my essay, with one saying that it was one of the strongest/clearest she's read and the other saying that it was weak and "lacked oomph". Any advice on that?

GrnHonu99, RN · Nov 12, 2005

I'm applying for a few accelerated programs but I'm worried that my GPA in my previous degree won't be high enough for acceptance. Most schools require a GPA of 3.00 for the previous BA/BS, and I have a 3.01. However, I have a 4.0 in my prereqs and have taken several supplementary and/or optional courses all with a 4.0 GPA. I also have pretty extensive volunteer experience, but I'm worried that my lack of determination and ambition towards my first degree will overshadow the determination and desire I have towards what I feel is my true calling! Any suggestions?

Also to those of you in or graduated from an accelerated program, how much weight did your previous BA/BS GPA have? How important was it in getting into your BSN program? Did it have more weight than more recent prerequisite courses taken?

My previous GPA was lower than yours and I was accepted into an accelerated masters program. I had a very strong interview and wrote an excellent essay. I also took the GRE. My program director said that they are seeing quite a few individuals coming out of undergrad with GPA's that arent necc. reflective of their true academic ability. She was very understanding. I explained to her that I was young and did not value my education.

So, I would say, apply! Go for it!

So far i'm about to end my second of four semesters (1/2 way done) and my GPA is 3.8!

Good luck, you can do anything you set your mind to.