is my gpa too low for a direct entry bsn or msn program?

haimyem · Sep 18, 2010

Most programs require at least a 2.7, but to be competitive or even have a chance of getting an acceptance letter you need at least a 3.2. Some colleges are so competitive that the average GPA of accepted applicants is a 3.9. See if you can take some classes over, that will definitely help boost your GPA.

Noel1221 · Sep 21, 2010

I would say, definetly do some research as to what programs you are looking into.. Most BSN and MSN programs look at your overall undergraduate coursework, and I don't think a 2.1 will even meet the minimum requirement. What I would reccomend is looking into a school, that may only consider your pre-req GPA and your HESI or TEAS test scores. Unfortunately most of the schools are going to be a ADN program, not a BSN and def. not a MSN program. I am not trying to be discouraging, just trying to help you look into other options. I also had a lower undergraduate GPA mine was a 2.8, and I didn't get into any Accelerated BSN, or regular BSN programs. I have a 3.8 pre-req GPA and got into a couple ADN programs. I plan on completeing them, then doing a bridge over to a BSN, then a MSN. This is a much longer route, however it is the options that are available because of our previous degree. Some peole suggest you take some classes over, but I know that many schools still see that original grade, and as competative as it is today in state schools, there is a slim chance that they wont consider those grades. Again I don't mean to discourage you at all!! Its the opposite, I just don't want you to think there are no other options!! Good Luck to you.

Glass · Sep 27, 2010

I would say, definetly do some research as to what programs you are looking into.. Most BSN and MSN programs look at your overall undergraduate coursework, and I don't think a 2.1 will even meet the minimum requirement. What I would reccomend is looking into a school, that may only consider your pre-req GPA and your HESI or TEAS test scores. Unfortunately most of the schools are going to be a ADN program, not a BSN and def. not a MSN program. I am not trying to be discouraging, just trying to help you look into other options. I also had a lower undergraduate GPA mine was a 2.8, and I didn't get into any Accelerated BSN, or regular BSN programs. I have a 3.8 pre-req GPA and got into a couple ADN programs. I plan on completeing them, then doing a bridge over to a BSN, then a MSN. This is a much longer route, however it is the options that are available because of our previous degree. Some peole suggest you take some classes over, but I know that many schools still see that original grade, and as competative as it is today in state schools, there is a slim chance that they wont consider those grades. Again I don't mean to discourage you at all!! Its the opposite, I just don't want you to think there are no other options!! Good Luck to you.

Hi there. Did you apply to private schools, by any chance? More expensive, but sometimes more lenient. Just wondering.

iPink, BSN, RN · Sep 27, 2010

You must be new to allnurses. You didn't have to give us your full name.

A 2.1 GPA is low, but I won't discourage you from looking into ABSN, MSN programs that will take at least a 2.0 GPA. You may want to do an Internet search for these types of schools in your area or maybe outside of your area. I live in Jersey, and all the ABSN/MSN schools require a minimum of 3.0 GPA.

If you don't find any, you may want to look into going for your ASN instead.

ParkerBC,MSN,RN, PhD, RN · Sep 27, 2010

Here is where good research will pay off. First, I would look at both the ASN and BSN programs. Some programs are only concerned with your overall GPA in your prereqs. Others require minimal cumulative GPA’s. The quickest way to boost your overall GPA is by retaking the courses you did not do so well in at the university you earned your degree. Most universities have a policy in place that when a student retakes a class, the highest grade is calculated in the cumulative GPA. Again, you will need to research this information with the school you earned your degree.

If you decide going back to the school you earned your Bachelor’s degree isn’t feasible, you may want to consider an ASN degree. I have also learned that although you earned a degree elsewhere, the nursing program only considers the GPA you earned at that particular school (Generally community colleges).

It may be a lot of leg work, but if you really want to get into nursing school, it will pay off. Good luck to you!