GPA for MSN

smile123 · Sep 3, 2007

What GPA is considered competitive to get into an MSN program? 3.5 and above? Thank you
~K

Yes, or higher! But they also look at your clinical/field experience, volunteer work, your essay, recommendations, and GRE scores. It's the entire package, not just a GPA. Good luck.

amzyRN · Sep 6, 2007

I think a high GPA is a plus for application, but their are ways of getting around the stellar GPA. I'd say at least above a 3.00 with good GRE scores and good letters of rec and an awesome personal statement.

J

ICRN2008, BSN, RN · Sep 6, 2007

A 3.0 is typically the minimum, but I would say that it really depends on the competitiveness and selectivity of the program you're applying to. The overall strength of your application will come into play, but a low GPA can prevent you for getting your foot in the door at some institutions.

nicole83 · Sep 7, 2007

You usually have to keep a 3.00 in grad school in order to contiune in the program- at least that's how mine is so I'd think a lot of schools might not even consider less than that. Keep in mind for the appplication process that they consider more than the GPA, as someone mentioned before. You often get to write a personal essay, have an interview and they consider your recommendations and GRE scores. Contact the schools you are seriously interested in- they should be able to give you a "profile" of the average GPA and GRE scores of their students and tell you their cut offs- that way you will have a realistic idea of your chance of acceptance and whether you should even apply there. Requirements vary from each program....

amzyRN · Sep 7, 2007

I think it also may depend on the school you went to for undergrad and the major that had. Some schools are more challenging than others as are some majors. I think they take that into account also,

J

nicole83 · Sep 8, 2007

I think it also may depend on the school you went to for undergrad and the major that had. Some schools are more challenging than others as are some majors. I think they take that into account also,
J

It's true that some schools consider your major and where you went. HOWEVER, some don't. I know for a fact that the year I applied to my program they said in the program info bulletin and at an overview for the program that the average GPA of accepted students was 3.5 or higher and applicants with a GPA below 3.00 were rarely accepted. They were being honest.

I know someone in my class that got in with a 2.8. The average GPA for her EXTREMELY hard program was 2.9-3.0ish. She did great in school. However, she was originally on the program waiting list and only got in bc someone else declined.

However, they have since changed things and applicants with GPAs below 3.00 will not even be considered for my program- no exceptions. This has to do with making the program more "competitive" and the fact that you have to maintain a 3.00 or higher to stay in the program and can NOT get less than a B- (you can get a B- as long as your overall GPA is still 3.00 or higher). Get less than a C once and you are OUT of the program.

For my program they weight and rate on a scale the following things when you apply- GPA, GRE score, personal essay, application and recommendation letters. This is what they consider in the application process. They DO NOT specifically consider which school you went to or your undergrad major.

What if you do undergrad in one state with a really great program and apply to grad school in another state that has NEVER heard of your great school? Should someone with a psych degree get a lower difficulty rating than someone with a chemistry degree? You cant just say 1 major is "harder" than another- it may be true at one school but not at every single one. You can't just say someone at Yale had a more difficult program than someone at a state school- some schools have particularly good programs but not all majors are as equally difficult at one school.

My point is I just don't see how you could fairly and consistently consider the school and major... although I think they do make a difference... like in the case of my friend with the 2.8

Once again, I HIGGHLLLYYY suggest contacting programs you are interested in before applying to get the specifics on admission requirements and the grade requirements for staying in the program if you are accepted... just so you have a realistic idea of your acceptance chances and can plan accordingly... It suckes when the acceptance process doesn't work the way we think it should....

Sorry for the rambling :)