the good ol' GPA question - what is competitive?

Nursing Students Post Graduate

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I am constantly going back and forth on this. Now, I know that GPA is not only what is looked at in Masters programs and I know it can mean very little when it comes to being a good nurse, but what is considered having a competitive GPA?

Specializes in Mental Health.

I think 3.0 is minimum, but that should be supplemented with good letters, personal statement, GRE, etc. Personally I think 3.3-3.4 is competitive, with As in the important science/health classes. An upward trend is also ideal since most recent classes will be looked at moreso than those taken 4+ years ago, etc

I think 3.0 is minimum, but that should be supplemented with good letters, personal statement, GRE, etc. Personally I think 3.3-3.4 is competitive, with As in the important science/health classes. An upward trend is also ideal since most recent classes will be looked at moreso than those taken 4+ years ago, etc

Hmmm. That worries me :unsure: I have a 3.2 cum with a 3.4-3.6 prereq GPA so I am really worried this will hold me back, even with a great essay and great letters. I started college when I was 17 and definitely did not know what I was getting into :) but I went from getting 2.9s to 3.9s and 4.0s during my last two years of college so I hope that is noted. Thanks for your input!

Specializes in Mental Health.
Hmmm. That worries me :unsure: I have a 3.2 cum with a 3.4-3.6 prereq GPA so I am really worried this will hold me back, even with a great essay and great letters. I started college when I was 17 and definitely did not know what I was getting into :) but I went from getting 2.9s to 3.9s and 4.0s during my last two years of college so I hope that is noted. Thanks for your input!

I am in a similar situation. I have really bad grades from my first two years (Cs, Ds, even a couple Fs), but then I took time off, changed my focus, and did very well. I think my cumulative GPA is 3.3 now, and like you have pretty much 4.0 during last two years. I am not worried at all about this, and you shouldn't either. I've heard from professors that your most recent classes are weighed more heavily, and a low-ish GPA can be offset by high GRE, exceptional letters of rec, and an outstanding personal statement. 3.2 cum isn't low though. You'll be fine. What schools are you applying to? Do they require GRE?

BTW I applied to fully funded clinical psychology PhD programs last year. They are extremely competitive (5% acceptance rates usually),and I received 3 acceptances. I got cold feet and realized psych NP is my perfect career choice. I was pretty nervous about the GPA too when I was applying, but clearly an upward trend in GPA is looked favorably upon since I received multiple acceptances. I actually had a 3.2 GPA last year when I applied. Now it's a little higher since taking nursing pre-reqs.

That is very good to hear! Phew! I also have a high GPA in my major (Community Health). It was just all those general university requirements and chemistry courses that really messed my GPA up.

Most of my schools require the GRE. I plan on taking it in April and I am going to start studying in September after I graduate. I got your PM btw, thank you so much! I will keep those tips in mind :)

Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I got into my BSN to DNP program with a GPA of 3.0. I had a great interview and good references. Go for it!

okay i have right now at 3.87 total and i was wondering is it total gpa or gpa during nursing school.. im a little confuse please explain. thanks

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