Getting into Accelerated BSN Program with Low (2.95) GPA

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Hello!

Here is my situation:

I am a student at the University of Maryland finishing up my undergraduate in Psychology and Pre-Nursing, who is looking for accelerated BSN programs on the east coast. For my first three years I studied Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, which was extremely challenging and is now reflected in my low GPA, a 2.95. In the basic Nursing prerequisite courses I have at least a 3.5 GPA, and in my last year and a half I have a 3.3 GPA, but my previous science courses has made my cumulative less than appealing.

I have about two years of volunteer experience in a hospital, I'm certified and practicing as a CNA, and previously worked at a very intense unit at Johns Hopkins. I feel confident in my resume EXCEPT for the GPA which I feel is going to haunt me through all my nursing applications.

And my questions:

- How many nursing schools should I apply to?

- How strongly do accel. BSN programs weigh experience?

- What programs would you suggest I apply to? (Preferably on the east coast)

- What can I do to make myself a more appealing candidate?

- Do you have any success stories that might be helpful? How (and where) did you get in with a similar GPA?

Extra information:

I would really prefer a BSN program, instead of the RN-BSN route, because I would eventually like to pursue an MSN.

Thank you!

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Sorry, I don't know the answers to your questions but why does pusuit of MSN mean a BSN instead of an RN-BSN route?

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Sorry, I don't know the answers to your questions but why does pusuit of MSN mean a BSN instead of an RN-BSN route?

Since the OP already has a Bachelor's degree, the direct, accelerated BSN route will be much quicker than RN-BSN most likely. That's why I ended up selecting an accelerated BSN program- it was a whole year faster to take the NCLEX and there was no extra time to get a BSN on top of it.

And my questions:

- How many nursing schools should I apply to?

- How strongly do accel. BSN programs weigh experience?

- What programs would you suggest I apply to? (Preferably on the east coast)

- What can I do to make myself a more appealing candidate?

- Do you have any success stories that might be helpful? How (and where) did you get in with a similar GPA?

Extra information:

I would really prefer a BSN program, instead of the RN-BSN route, because I would eventually like to pursue an MSN.

Thank you!

1. Applications are expensive- I wouldn't apply to too many but investigate how the school looks at GPA first. Some schools look at the last 60 credits, some the last 2 years, prerequisites, etc and some will look at your cumulative.

2. Same as the first question- it depends. The school I went to looked only at GPA but weighed prerequisites and more recent classes more heavily. Some schools will look very highly upon your experience.

3. There are some great programs in Philly. The job market here sucks right now, but seems to be recovering slightly but if you were planning to relocate post graduation. I applied, was accepted and am almost done with Drexel (this is a VERY challenging program) and also was in the process to apply to Jefferson. I had a 2.97 undergrad GPA but took all of my science prerequisites post-graduation and did really well with them. I think there are many other threads about this topic that might discuss school options, so you could try a board search too.

4. Can you retake any of the classes you did poorly on? Take extra classes to try to bring your GPA up a little more? Are you going to have more prerequisites to take? I would try to nudge your GPA above a 3.0 if possible or at least add another semester's layer of great grades.

5. I was convinced I would get in *nowhere* and was accepted to both programs I completed an application for. I think the key for me was to distance my new grades as much as possible from my old, horrible GPA.

Community college programs are often very competitive, so I think you actually might do better to look at a direct entry BSN anyway. Good luck!

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Thanks, hiddencat.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

Here in Jersey, all the ABSN programs require a minimum of 3.0 from your first degree. I can only speak of the ABSN in my area and healthcare experience has absolutely no weight in you getting in.

The application fee cost me $50, much less than the Accelerated Associates program I also applied for, which was $100! I should be hearing back from the ABSN program I applied to by end of this month. I would apply to a miniumum of 2 programs. Also look into Accelerated ASN programs at CC's too.

You may want to look here to see what ABSN programs interests you: Accelerated BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) Programs

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Thank you so much for your reply! It really was helpful!

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Specializes in ER/ICU.

Don't be discouraged by GPA!

I had exact same GPA(2.95) in my undergraduate and recently I got accepted my top choice ABSN program. (My graduate GPA was higher than undergraduate, but not supper high..also both are from outside U.S)

However, I did very well in last 60 credits including all pre-requisites. I assume that the school see my progress positively.

Also at least for my school, essay, interview, extracurricular experiences weigh greatly on admission.

Good luck! =)

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If you are worried about getting in, I would apply to about 3 schools. It is annoying to keep paying application fees, but that is all part of the process. I think 3 is a good number.

Most schools will say in the admissions section of their website what type of GPA the use when considering admission, i.e. overall, last 60 credits, or pre req GPA. If it is not clear, call and ask.

You said your pre req GPA is a 3.5 and that is good, there are many programs you can get into with that.

Some schools only consider your GPA and test scores in the admission process. They don't want to know anything else, except for maybe an interview.

While other schools have what I call a more "hollistic" approach. Meaning they consider all aspects of a candidate before deciding. This would include letters of recommendation, resume or CV, essays, any volunteer experience, etc.

Decide which category you look better in, or which is easier to strengthen and apply to those type schools.

I'm sure there is a school, if not schools, out there for you. You just have to finesse your way in.

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Don't be discouraged by GPA!

I had exact same GPA(2.95) in my undergraduate and recently I got accepted my top choice ABSN program. (My graduate GPA was higher than undergraduate, but not supper high..also both are from outside U.S)

However, I did very well in last 60 credits including all pre-requisites. I assume that the school see my progress positively.

Also at least for my school, essay, interview, extracurricular experiences weigh greatly on admission.

Good luck! =)

Do mind if I ask what school please~? Thank you in advance.:)

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