GPA for California Schools

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My last fall semester I finished my last science prerequisite (intro to biochem). Now that I am researching schools I am starting to become nervous. Competitive GPA's for schools in California are at an average of 3.8 for sciences. I don't think my gap is terrible it's a 3.46 but when compared to the average I get really discouraged. I still haven't taken my teas test or have work experience. I will be doing that over summer.

I guess my question is has any one here gotten into a cal state BNS program with a similar GPA.

I am also considering applying to out of state schools. I keep hearing from other pre nursing students that it is much easier to get into programs in other states. Does anyone know of any good programs in other states.

Maybe Hawaii state university or Oregon state?

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Specializes in Infusion.

For Oregon, OHSU runs BSN programs all over the state and they are extremely competitive. The private colleges are going to be a little less competitive but very expensive. In Hawaii, I think you'll need to establish your residency before getting into the program at the university.

Look at the "region" tab above to see what kind of grades and other requirements you'll need to satisfy.

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3.46 is a good GPA, but it is not as close to a 3.8 as you think. That being said, 3.8 is the average, not the minimium and each and every semester is different. You really need to get going on vol exp and studying for the TEAS if you hope to have a shot at any state school. No matter what state the school is in, 4 year public programs are packed (and out of state tuition is pretty hefty (and getting instate status is not easily earned, I am considered instate for my CC, but even with paying taxes, getting a DL, and voting I am not considered a resident for the school I am transferring to)).

Make yourself marketable. GPA is one piece of the puzzle, and theres not much you can do to change that now, but you can bolster your package with hospital vol work and Killer Teas scores.

I wish you luck.

PS From what I hear ati has great TEAS study aids. However, I used McGraw-Hill myself and was able to pull down a highly competitive score with only 3ish hours of prep.

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Thanks for the responds. In regards to out of state schools, If i transfer out of state then I am going to try to transfer with WUE Schools ( Western Undergraduate Exchange Program) That support nursing program. From what i saw it is only 4: Sacramento, Colorado, Alaska, west oregon.

For my GPA, if I retake a chemistry class i will be pushed up to a 3.61. I hope thats good enough. Has anyone gotten into a cal state with a similar GPA?

For TEAS im going to get the ATI study guide and study all of spring since Ill be taking the exam in summer.

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Thanks for the responds. In regards to out of state schools, If i transfer out of state then I am going to try to transfer with WUE Schools ( Western Undergraduate Exchange Program) That support nursing program. From what i saw it is only 4: Sacramento, Colorado, Alaska, west oregon.

For my GPA, if I retake a chemistry class i will be pushed up to a 3.61. I hope thats good enough. Has anyone gotten into a cal state with a similar GPA?

For TEAS im going to get the ATI study guide and study all of spring since Ill be taking the exam in summer.

Be careful about Western Oregon U. They accept WUE, but OHSU runs the nursing program there and I don't think that OHSU accepts WUE.

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Specializes in PICU, Type I Diabetes.

I was in a similar situation, not necessarily with GPA but with the lottery system used at many community colleges in CA, and I wanted a BSN anyway and even the state schools for nursing are expensive, and reallly, really, really competitive. Anyway, I went to New Mexico State University, which does participate in the Western Undergraduate exchange program, so you get instate tuition (currently, about $2500 per semester or so). I love the school, and although the location is in NM, it's a neat place with plenty to do. Plus, you'd only be here 2 years (I'm assuming you did your prerequisites) and then you can endorse back over to CA once you get your NM or TX RN license (you get to choose either here). Plus, the acceptance rate is high, it was not unusual to see people with entering GPAs as low as 3.0 (which I believe is the minimum, but I could be wrong). Please consider schools outside of the west coast, you'll save a bunch of money with tuition and with the cost of living being so low (I have a 3 bedroom HOUSE for $1000 a month, try to find that in LA). Think about it...

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Specializes in Med-Surg/DOU/Ortho/Onc/Rehab/ER/.

What california schools are you researching?

I am here and my top choice is CSULB, which as an average science GPA of 3.8 as well...

Try your best and if out of state is it then it is what it is.

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i live in california also, los angeles area. My preferred schools are SDSU and CSULB.

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Specializes in Med-Surg/DOU/Ortho/Onc/Rehab/ER/.

Good luck. Good thing with CSULB is that, as far as GPA, they only look at certain courses, GE GPA, and your science GPA

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