Getting the "Back to School Itch"

Nurses New Nurse

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So I just graduated in Dec 08 with my BSN, but am already starting to get the itch to go to back for my Masters. I struggled in school and often felt like I never was going to see the light at the end of the tunnel and my GPA wasn't so great. I graduated with a 2.95. ALL of the grad programs I have looked into so far online have wanted a 3.0. So am I just out of luck? Anyone have any ideas on how to "beef up" an application to make it look more appealing? Or is it possible to take extra classes that may be needed (or not... if it bumps up the GPA!) to get a 3.0.

Sorry that was a lot of questions! I just never thought I would go to grad school, but now I am really scared I might not be able to. I wrote my advisor for my undergrad but she is notorious for not answering! Any info would be great! Has anyone else dealt with this??

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Specializes in Adolescent & Adult Psychiatry.

Hi There!

I think it's totally doable for you to get into a Grad School. Granted, you may have to work a little harder than most to sell yourself to said school, but if you're passionate about about getting even more education then I think you should show that by doing well on your GRE, your interview, and your letter if there is one required. Trust me, there are ways of "sneaking into" an educational system if you don't meet their first requirement. Let them know how passionate you are as well as how dedicated you will be. I know of several friends who got into the masters program at my school, but had no where near the 3.5 GPA mark. It's all about giving it all you got!

I will say this however, know your limitations! I wouldn't advocate for you applying to John Hopkins or Stanford! Don't put all your work into something you already know is selective. Not saying you're not smart (cuz you are!), I'm just saying to think smart about where you'll get the best education for an application process you can work with.

Good Luck to you and I wish you the best on your search!!!

NurseThis21, BSN, RN :nurse:

UIC Alumna

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Thank you so much! The school I was looking at close to where I live doesn't require a GRE score. I wondered that maybe if I took it and scored high it might look better? Really hoping to hear from my advisor on advice but thank you so much!

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I got into the masters program at Temple with a similar GPA because I had good scores on my verbal GRE.

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:twocents: As long as you can "beef" (I think someone else in this posting used this word) SOMETHING up, then you are golden. Certain schools will not automatically discard your application because of your GPA. I recommend volunteering somewhere for the good ol' resume .... and also really hit it home with your personal essay. :twocents:
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Specializes in Surgical ICU.

i would take some extra courses and excel at them to get that GPA up,.. also it'll be a test to yourself because if you're still doing not so good in these extra courses your gonna wanna re-evaluate either how you're studying or if you still wanna go to graduate school before you drop 40,000+ dollars. I would also take the GRE even if they didn't want it. You can have it sent to them afterwards if it was good enough to help you.

Also,.. have you been working. I think you would really make yourself a competitive applicant if you can prove that you can operate well in the real nursing world.

GOOD LUCK!

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