3.03 gpa & applying to undergraduate programs for the first time! Can I do it ?

direw0lf, BSN · Jan 28, 2016

Even if you are denied in the nursing program, can't you still go to the school and take gen eds/pre-reqs to raise your GPA, or are you all done with those? I started off with liberal arts major after high school and took my classes until I made good grades and applied to the nursing program I wanted.

honeyforasalteyfish · Jan 29, 2016

Hey!
So im 21 and had bumps in the road since my freshmen year in college. While all my friends are graduated with their bachelors, I am applying to nursing programs to get my bachelors degree! I'm a horrible test taker since I was little, I have a 3.03 gpa and I have failed 2 prereqs for nursing but retook them and did very well! I'm very discouraged. My first time taking the TEAS is in 2 days and for two schools I want to attend . I'm scared that I actually have 0 chance because so many applicants have higher gpas! Anyone have any advice? Do I have a chance? I was denied from my first choice school.

I have heard of people with your GPA getting into nursing programs. Mine is not spectacular either so don't give up.

I got a 72 on the teas first try, and I am finally eligible to begin applying to some nursing programs. As far as the teas go, a large percentage of those who take it do not get the score required for their target nursing program.

If you don't like your teas score in two days, take it again most schools give you two shots unless I have been mislead.

Get tutoring specifically in the areas you struggled in, and just as importantly the section most important to your target school.

smarie0708 · Jan 29, 2016

I am also in your same situation, I am 23 and in the process of applying to schools. When I first went back to community college after dropping out my GPA was horrible (1.5 yikes) I have since then repeated classes and completed all of my pre-requisites and was able to bring up my GPA to a 3.3 so it is possible to turn it around.

I took the teas twice (since i am a horrible standardized test taker) and recieved a 63% the first time and 62% the second. While these are not that high but they seem to be the average. I have A's in all of the nursing pre-reqs so I'm hoping that outweighs the not so high test scores.

Your best bet is to email someone from admissions about their procedures. The schools I am applying to factor in multiple things besides GPA and test scores such as references, background checkst etc so admission is not weighed just on overall GPA (most only factor nursing GPA).

Good luck!

windsurfer8, BSN, RN · Feb 1, 2016

Well if you are a "horrible test taker" you better figure that one out ASAP. They will not allow you to graduate unless you do well in nursing school. If you do not graduate you will not be eligible to take the NCLEX. Thus you cannot be a nurse unless you do well in school. If you REALLY want to be a nurse you are going to have to put in intense hard non stop work. By saying you are a "horrible test taker" you are already setting yourself up for failure. Stop..look at WHY you are doing poorly on tests. More than likely you are not studying enough. Tests are simply a tool to quantify your studying and retention. If you simply are unable to earn the grades required to be a nurse than you may need to choose another career.

smarie0708 · Feb 1, 2016

clearly you didn't read the whole line. it says STANDARIDIZED test taker.. I do well on my regular tests just fine thank you.

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · Feb 1, 2016

clearly you didn't read the whole line. it says STANDARIDIZED test taker.. I do well on my regular tests just fine thank you.

The post was addressed to the OP, not you. No need to get all huffy.

smarie0708 · Feb 1, 2016

whomever it was directed to.. to tell someone to chose another career because they're not a good test taker? how about giving positive advice instead of discouraging people

bongey · Feb 1, 2016

Don't let something stop you from accomplishing your dreams!! Take Einstein for instance he did not speak until he was four and did not read until he was seven, causing his teachers and parents to think he was mentally handicapped, slow and anti-social. He was even expelled from school. My point is he never gave up!! It wasn't till later in life he found himself and became successful. You are a young person and if you really want it you will be surprised at what you are capable of accomplishing if you put your mind to it...

You will succeed if it's what you really want don't let anyone's or anything discourage you from your dreams!!

Good luck!:)

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · Feb 1, 2016

whomever it was directed to.. to tell someone to chose another career because they're not a good test taker? how about giving positive advice instead of discouraging people

It's the reality of nursing school. The NCLEX-style questions all require strategy and higher-level thinking. As a "horrible test taker", it will be more of challenge.

Should the responses be more along the lines of, "Don't worry about it. You'll be fine"?

ETA: OP, test taking skills are important in nursing school. Perhaps finding some resources online to help you become a better test taker could be helpful.