a 4.0 GPA does not help

angelxeternity · Jan 16, 2012

My bad, just checked SJSU website, and for those w/ a BA/BS already, their BSN is 6 semesters, meaning tuition alone is $6828 x 3 = $20,484 for CA residents (min GPA for Sp '11 class was 3.60--SJSU is a impacted Uni and Nursing is an impacted major). I'll skip SJSU for the near future.

Actually, for the CSU system if you already have a BA/BS you CANNOT apply for the BSN program. The reason for this is because the school system no longer allows for/accepts post-bachelor's students for 2nd bachelor's degrees. OP, your only option for the CSU system is to go for an MSN.

Also, I do understand the lower cost of attending a CC for an ASN/ADN compared to CSU for a BSN/MSN and also the competitive job market out there for new hires. However, you also have to keep in mind that potential employers prefer BSN and MSN candidates. So that cost saving of cc might actually put you at a disadvantage. There are plenty of threads on AN that talk about ADN vs BSN. Hope this helps with program selection :)

2mint · Jan 16, 2012

Actually, for the CSU system if you already have a BA/BS you CANNOT apply for the BSN program. The reason for this is because the school system no longer allows for/accepts post-bachelor's students for 2nd bachelor's degrees. :)

I checked (only SJSU) and their BSN (called pre-nursing) is the only major accepting those w/ postbach/2nd bach.

(sidenote: due to budget cuts, an est. 3k students will be turned away from (each of?) the 23 CSUs).

Jo Array · Jan 16, 2012

I'm just saying that grades aren't the only deciding factor, and I'm glad they aren't. You can have straight A's and be a terrible nurse, or have C's and do really well.

well, now we know how "great" you're doing in the program...

PacoUSA, BSN, RN · Jan 16, 2012

4.0 ummmm why the hell are you bothering with everest? Go to a bsn>masters program and skip the bull

The OP was applying to Evergreen Community College, not Everest. Though I must agree with you that going to Everest would be a total waste of time and money! Please go to a school that cares more about educating you than it does taking your money.

angelxeternity · Jan 16, 2012

I checked (only SJSU) and their BSN (called pre-nursing) is the only major accepting those w/ postbach/2nd bach.
(sidenote: due to budget cuts, an est. 3k students will be turned away from (each of?) the 23 CSUs).

ahh ok. I just know that SFSU isn't taking any post/2nd bach students...not even for the nursing program. Thanks for the clarification :)

RN In FL · Jan 19, 2012

I have noticed on this site, many get soooooo hung up on GPA, GPA, GPA...blah blah blah.... It can be very intimidating. Its like does eveybody on this forum/blog have a 3.8-4.0 GPA??? The thing of it is....once you get into a program.....everyone starts out at SQUARE 1. The 4.0's and the ones that skated in on 2.8's yesssssss those get in too. The "super students" usually are the ones to freak out first, get weeded OUT.....DUE TO CLINICALS!!!!! Why??? 'Cause they are too busy trying to maintain the 4.0 in lecture!!! Saying all that to say this. Goes to Show you just apply to many different programs and relax.

2mint · Jan 19, 2012

...they are too busy trying to maintain the 4.0 in lecture!!! Goes to Show you just apply to many different programs and relax.

If you're not in the "3.8-4.0 GPA" grp, then you don't understand the psyche of these students.

I for e.g. was so glad to finally able to "relax" a bit after acing all my pre-reqs, but then, after checking out some BSN programs (the one I prev. mentioned about having 3.60 min gpa), even if I got into an ASN program, I'd still have to maintain an A-avg simply bc I will be aiming for a BSN shortly afterward.

However, I agree w/ you that going for 4.0's is only worth it when you can also simultaneously learn the materials.

AZMOMO2 · Jan 19, 2012

With a GPA like that I recommend applying to the 4 year program instead. They are not lottery and do take based on GPA.

leenak · Jan 19, 2012

If you're not in the "3.8-4.0 GPA" grp, then you don't understand the psyche of these students.

My first time in undergrad, my GPA was 2.8/2.9. I had a lot going on and honestly grades weren't a priority. Now though, it is different and I'm definitely shooting for a 4.0. It is a totally different mentality. The school I'm applying to, the incoming class has an average GPA of around 3.6/3.7 and the minimum is 3.0. Luckily, I've had a lot of As since I graduated from college so hoping that outweighs my poor GPA in undergrad.

holli_80_73 · Jan 19, 2012

You have to keep trying. I know you read it before but you have to put your faith in it and know this time around wasn't for you and there could be a good reason why...perhaps there is another school you can excel at! Look at it positively even though I know how hard that is to do. When I was first accepted..financial aid stopped me dead in my tracks as sad as that is because I already had a degree and they wouldn't loan me money..then several years later I found the means to go and I had a good career in that time that gave me an edge.

They have to be competitive and you want them to be competitive...you are a first defense in the field. I know one day when I am sick I want my nurse to be on his/her game and I also want them to WANT to be a nurse and like caring for people. As far as a lottery...I am surprised at that! I have never heard of that but anyhow there are alot of schools to go to if you are willing to move. I applied to 10 across 2 different states to give me some options the second go round! so that might help

Don't give up...:)

willowita, ADN, RN · Jan 20, 2012

IMO, a GPA removed of the circumstances and context doesn't tell the whole story. Some students with a lower GPA could have bad grades from decades ago that drag down the overall. But maybe they've been pulling As in the prereqs and are better students in the present. Self improvement should count for something, but you don't see that in an overall GPA. I think the lottery system gives people like that a chance to become a nurse and opens the profession to a range of personalities, ages, experiences, and strengths. Plus, and correct me if I'm wrong, but I've only seen lotteries for ADNs, not BSNs or MSNs. Community colleges have a different mission and they serve a different population than universities do. I mean no offense by that. I, myself, am applying to 8 ADN programs (all lottery based).

Like others have said, the original poster should look into schools that are merit based and apply to as many as possible. But even then, you still run the risk of not getting into a program if there are more 4.0 students than seats. I say keep trying, apply every chance you get, and something will eventually turn up for you.

BeachsideNic · Jan 20, 2012

Actually, for the CSU system if you already have a BA/BS you CANNOT apply for the BSN program. The reason for this is because the school system no longer allows for/accepts post-bachelor's students for 2nd bachelor's degrees. OP, your only option for the CSU system is to go for an MSN.
Also, I do understand the lower cost of attending a CC for an ASN/ADN compared to CSU for a BSN/MSN and also the competitive job market out there for new hires. However, you also have to keep in mind that potential employers prefer BSN and MSN candidates. So that cost saving of cc might actually put you at a disadvantage. There are plenty of threads on AN that talk about ADN vs BSN. Hope this helps with program selection :)

This is completely incorrect.

I am a second bachelor's student accepted into the ABSN program at CSU Long Beach and will be starting next week. The job market is definitely leaning towards BSN vs. ADN degrees and it looks like the future will hold true to that even more. Check with each CSU campus for their admissions criteria and ask if they accept second bachelor's students. A lot of them do now, because of the ever growing population of second career applicants who are very desirable to admissions committees.