3.0 GPA/Accelerated BSN - Is it worth applying for?

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I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology with a 3.0 GPA about 4 years ago and after working for some time, I have decided to go back to school to be an RN. I enrolled into a community college for the upcoming spring to begin my nursing pre-reqs with the tentative goal of applying to an accelerated second-degree BSN program.

After learning about how competitive it is to even get into an ABSN these days (and that it is still very competitive even if your GPA meets the min. requirement), I sense I might be wasting my time with shooting for a ABSN. I'm under the impression that even if I end up with 3.8-4.0 gpa in my pre-req courses, my chances of getting in are still thin. Should I just apply instead for traditional BSN programs, an LPN, or Associate's Degree so as to not waste time?

Nearly all the ABSN programs I am interested in state they require a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or 3.0 for all undergrad coursework completed. I am in New York City and I have realized what these colleges here state on their website does not mirror the actual GPA cut off of applications they accept.

I'm aware these programs also weigh other components of your application, but to what extent is unclear. I recently started working at a community health center as a receptionist, am volunteering at a hospital, and am working on public health articles/essays I intend on publishing. If my pre-reqs GPA is really good, entrance exam scores are good, and I also include these extra-cur. activities in my application, am I still wasting my time applying for an ABSN?

Would love any feedback anyone can offer - PLEASE - thank you so much in advance!

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I am from NYC and can help you quite a bit. 1) Your undergrad GPA is fine, and will not be an issue. 2) Schools only look at your pre-req's GPA. 3) Do apply to generic BSN programs as well. 4) Public schools like CUNY do not really care for extra stuff, like volunteering. However, if you do not care about the price tag, private schools like Columbia and NYU do consider the fluff.

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Hey, I was in the same boat last year with ABSN programs but my g.p.a was lower than yours. I have a 2.3 g.p.a from my under grad but mostly A's in all my pre reqs. I spent a lot of money applying to ABSN programs in NY and i was rejected from all. I think your 3.0 g.p.a can have you in the game since my gpa was so low...most schools just automatically dropped me. Similar to you, I was a medical secretary for years and I have great references from doctors and nurses I worked around but it still didn't work out for me. I've heard through research from students that essays are extremely important..it can make or break you. good luck : ) you will be fine!!

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forgot to add.. there is not financial help for second degree students. So depending on your finances the associate way may be a great way to go.

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