a 4.0 GPA does not help

mac léinn · Jan 13, 2012

A Quick question.

Do they even take GPA into consideration??

Or can someone with a 2.75 be put into the lottery?

Or do they take all the 4.0 GPA students and then put those people into the lottery??

If they take all GPA's into one bucket then I am not sure I would want to say I went to that school since that makes it look like your academic knowledge does not matter.

In any event, I must agree with everyone else and say APPLY to other nursing programs!!! You have a SUPER GPA and it will definately get you into a Great Nursing Program!!!!

OMG3kids · Jan 13, 2012

I have several friends dealing with this right now. Fortunately, there are many programs nearby that are switching to merit-based selection systems. Do your research and find one! Good luck!

adriano · Jan 13, 2012

Thanks for your reply. I am applying to other schools but Evergreen was the closest one....in the Bay Area all the schools select by lottery. The only requirement is to complete the pre-req and have a 2.5 GPA. Everyone goes to a poll and the ones that are picked up get into the program. I thought I would have more chances and the computer would select better scores but obviously not... a so-so student has the same chances than a good student.

momandmore0120 · Jan 13, 2012

The only reason that you and other qualified applications do not get into Nursing Programs is that there is, and always has been, a shortage of willing and qualified instructors. Plain and simple. Do not get discouraged. Keep looking and keep trying.

caliotter3 · Jan 13, 2012

Oh, and just to be inclusive of the other end of the scale, I have read of programs that turned away people with 4.0 GPAs because they had too many applicants with superior qualifications. How could you be so disappointed in such a situation when you know there are only so many seats to be filled? Be patient and steadfast and you will reach your goal.

ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP · Jan 13, 2012

Believe or not, grades are not the only thing many nursing schools look at, and I'm glad they aren't the only determining factor. My school places emphasis on both grades and work experience (custom service AND hosptial/healthcare experience). They also place emphasis on writing and critical reading skills (they give you two-three essays to write), and they take into account volunteer experience.

I'd rather see the student with a 3.0 but AMAZING and extensive work experience with lots of healthcare related work and volunteer service get in than the 4.0 wiz kid who doesn't have anything else going for him.

And no, don't bring up the fact that you are male. There are plenty of men in my class, and if anything, they are FAVORED over any other minority group.

GitanoRN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jan 13, 2012

first of all congratulations!!! on your accomplishment on keeping a 4.0. needless to say, this rejection does occur every now & then with some colleges. therefore, don't let this stomped your goals in becoming a nurse, on the contrary make it your quest to obtain your dream. in addition, there are many institutions that would be glad to offer you an education with the 4.0 that you have obtained. lastly, prove to yourself that you're worth the time & effort when one doesn't take "no" for an answer... wishing you the very best on all of your future endeavors... ciao~

p.s. keep us up to date.

FNP-2-BE · Jan 13, 2012

I would apply to a university with a higher caliber of appreciation for your high grades. They will appreciate your hard work.

KatieMI, BSN, MSN, RN · Jan 13, 2012

Oh, and just to be inclusive of the other end of the scale, I have read of programs that turned away people with 4.0 GPAs because they had too many applicants with superior qualifications. How could you be so disappointed in such a situation when you know there are only so many seats to be filled? Be patient and steadfast and you will reach your goal.

"We just have too many qualified applicants (all of them having GPA 4.0:rolleyes:)" is a common lie invented in order to cover reality of selecting process. More typically, every place has its own "student profile", and everybody who tend not to be within these frames, is weeded out as early as possible. If a place has median GPA of 3.0, they may just want to avoid trouble with "superstudents".

It is difficult to find out information about each college. Try to ask students who're already there.

mac léinn · Jan 13, 2012

I'd rather see the student with a 3.0 but AMAZING and extensive work experience with lots of healthcare related work and volunteer service get in than the 4.0 wiz kid who doesn't have anything else going for him.
.

As a 45+ student with many years experience (business & computers) OTHER than the medical field, but with a 4.0 GPA, I myself do not have "healthcare related work & volunteer service" and are VERY THANKFUL that Schools do take ACADEMICS as a PRIORITY.

I guess you need to shop for a Nursing School that will fit your specific Needs and Qualifications. There are MANY, MANY great nursing schools out there. Find one that fits you!!

rocketberger · Jan 13, 2012

I just got answer from Evergreen Community College in San Jose with the bad news that I didn't make it into the program. After working very hard in my pre-requisites, driving 3 hours twice a week for classes for 3 semesters I achieved straight A's in all my pre-requisite classes. I thought that this would help to get me into the program, but I guess that it didn't matter because is a random lottery... I remember classmates that didn't show up for classes and struggled with the material and barely passed but they might be the lucky ones that got into the program. I just can say I am heartbroken....maybe because I'm a guy I'm not supposed to become a nurse. I feel terrible....

hi adriano, im sorry to hear what you have gone through, but may i ask do you have a patient care experience?? is having an experience beforehand affect your possibilities in getting to nursing schools?? well im just really wondering, But you have done a very good job Kudos to you my friend, maybe that nursing school isnt for you, but one thing is for sure you cant expect everything to go your way everytime, that is called life just deal with it, move on and push harder!! good luck to you and your future endeavors! :)

Jo Array · Jan 13, 2012

ThePrincessBride: having experience does not make you neither better nurse student nor better nurse. He is looking for support and you call him "wiz kid who doesn't have anything else going for him" putting down his hard work. I can see what kind of nurse you will be...