Getting the truth about the "real" gpa required

[whattodo4]

So today I had the pleasure to talk to a young women who last year transfered into the Nursing program I am aiming to transfer into next year (will find out in June). Asked some standard questions, what classes are you taking etc... but the one of real importance was, "What was your gpa when you got in?"

Now if you go to the school's website it states 3.0 for transfer students, if you go in person to the nursing department and pick up the paper copy it states 3.3. I ask her and she tells me that her gpa was 3.7

As one can tell 3.7 is quite different from a 3.0 and a 3.3 . I find out now that yea the school may "officially" say that a 3.0 or 3.3 is considered but in actuality if you are not hitting 3.7 or higher then you are not getting in...

A bit of a downer because there is no way I will be pulling a 3.7 this semester, however at the same time I am grateful to hear the truth, the nursing counselor, the advisor will say one thing but to hear it from an actual student is the real deal.

I am urging all pre nursing students now, talk to students who are in, who have applied in the past, they will give you the real gpa required instead of the "fluff gpa" the websites tell you

[AG33]

To be honest, that's how the majority of nursing schools work. The minimal GPA (such as the 3.0 that you stated) is usually never an accurate measure of your chances to get into the program. Depending on the reputation / difficulty of the program they'll usually post a minimal 3.0 GPA and a recommended 3.3, or a minimal GPA of 3.3 with a recommended of 3.5-3.7.

It sucks because it seems a bit deceiving, but if you notice they usually always put "meeting this criteria doesn't necessarily guarantee acceptance into this program" or something along those lines. The only advice that I would give you is to apply to 5-7 nursing schools that are a good fit with you and within a reasonable commute. This gives you an option if you get into more than 1 school and gives you more room for error if you were dead-set on 3 schools & didn't get into any.

[whattodo4]

amen to that brother,never trust the sticker price- sort of like buying a car. Though just for kicks I think it would be fun/interesting if a school did actually post what gpa they admit. The way I figure it why build up some student's hope, just be honest and upfront with them

[BostonFNP, APRN]

GPA is one piece of the admission puzzle for most schools, and there is always a soft floor to the academic performance they are looking for (i.e. a 3.0 or 3.3 GPA).

You might get in with a 3.3 if you have great references and life experience or work history. You might no get in with a 3.6 if you have nothing else to offer.

If you can't get you GPA to a 3.7, start thinking about what else you can offer them that someone with a 3.7 can't....

[pixiestudent2]

I would still apply. As long as you meet the minimum requirements your app will still be considered just like everyone elses. But for the most part your right your GPA should be higher than the minimum, they have to have a cutoff somewhere.

[NellieOlsen]

See, my school doesn't say "You need at least a 3.0 to be accepted". It's "You need at least a 3.0 to APPLY." There is a difference!

If they have 50 spots and hundreds of applications, chances are those with the GPA's closer to the 3.0 range will not get in. But like someone else mentioned, there are usually many other factors that are considered. For my school, your TEAS score is weighed pretty heavily.

[peachshan, BSN, RN]

I have learned alot from being on this site because I don't know any nursing students and I would have gone off what the nursing websites said. However, one of the schools I am considering put up their stats each year of the incoming students on their website and at another school, the nursing admission specialist gave us the stats of last admitted students. So sometimes, they will be straightforward with you on a rare occasion.

[whattodo4]

Oh my application is already in, I know I won't hit the "real gpa" but I am not withdrawing, the worse they can do is "Sorry try again next year". Though like I said I wish they would be a little more upfront to begin with. Hmm as to the nursing school putting up stats as to the students they admit, I like that. I will have to search the websites more diligently for that info.

[rubato, ASN, RN]

See, my school doesn't say "You need at least a 3.0 to be accepted". It's "You need at least a 3.0 to APPLY." There is a difference!

If they have 50 spots and hundreds of applications, chances are those with the GPA's closer to the 3.0 range will not get in. But like someone else mentioned, there are usually many other factors that are considered. For my school, your TEAS score is weighed pretty heavily.

Exactly, my school has a minimum GPA and ACT in order to "apply". The GPA at my school is actually only 2.5. However, I had a friend not get in with a 3.75, so I knew what to expect going in. The only bonus is that I have a 4.0, so now I just have to worry about all the other requirements.

[caliotter3]

The website states the minimum to be considered, that does not mean they do not get enough applications with superior GPAs to choose from. I've read before where many people with a perfect 4.0 GPA were turned away from a particular program due to the overwhelming number of people who applied with outstanding qualifications.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Usually when a school lists a minimum GPA, it's only to be considered as a candidate for admission. It in no way guarantees you admission should you meet or exceed the minimum GPA required.

As far as who gets in, that's another matter: there's a lot of factors involved there, and here is where you could have some influence through admission essays, interviews, experience, TEAS or other test scores, pre-reqs completed, etc. As others have said, schools have turned away 4.0 students...and I highly doubt that every single applicant to those programs had a 4.0.

So IMO, apply anyway as you have nothing to lose.

Good luck!

[umbdude, MSN, APRN]

well...you only talked to 1 nursing student, which doesn't necessarily represent the entire class of nursing students. When talking to admissions I always ask the average GPA (or test scores) of the entering class. They're almost always open about answering those questions. That give you an idea of what you need in order to be competitive.