Getting into Graduate School with a LOW GPA

[karensushi]

Hi everyone! I'm a RN/BSN and I plan on going to a good and decent graduate school. The problem is, I really have bad grades back in college (did not take it seriously at first) as a result my GPA is 2.2. I was an honor student back in high school but screwed a bit after college (I keep getting absences during exams so I kept on having removals since I did not take a single quiz/exam on several subjects... once you take a removal exam, the highest grade you can get is a D). Now, I am totally regretting it.

After a few years I became a splendid nurse and far more knowledgeable now. But I've heard that most good graduate schools require a 3.0 GPA or better. I was wondering what should I do?

I'm thinking of going back to college and take up some credits and make sure that this time my grades would be high. What do you guys think? Any better suggestions?

If ever I do have to go back and take up some subjects, what subjects should I take that would be credited in graduate school?

I'm planning on taking an MSN degree program majoring in Critical Care. Any other advice? Do I even have a chance? BTW, I graduated from a foreign college.

Thank you so much!

[cdoesc]

I am in the same boat, regretting classes I took more than 10 years ago. My BSN gpa is 2.84. There has to be a solution for us. not everyone makes 4.0 straight through college without a few bumps in the road, experience has to come into play somewhere.

Good Luck to you!

[rainkissedleaves]

is there a post-bacc program? I am not too sure if there is post bacc for nurses but i know pharmacy, dental and obviously med students can do post bacc.

[jenj90]

I had a similar situation, family life and lots of working got in the way of perfect grades through my ADN degree and even though My BSN grades were good, they weren't all A's, so my GPA ended up being a 2.95 and I wasn't accepted into the original MSN program I wanted for this fall. I was able to write an appeal letter after I found out my GPA was below the required grade and explain my circumstances and was allowed into the other MSN program, to which I applied. The advisors will help you, call them. Just make sure to submit the appeal letter with your application or to the advisor, don't wait until you get wait listed, like I did. Good luck!!