Gpa 2.73

Faeriewand, ASN, RN · Dec 31, 2007

Hey I just went to VARK from another posted link and it said I was a visual learner mostly with some reading/writing. Now I know why I did better in school when I wrote my notes in different colors. The powerpoint papaers I would color in too. My advice to my classmates was, "Make it pretty!" :chuckle

I bought different colored highlighters and pens to write with. My notes were very colorful and other students commented on them. Because they were so visually attractive I wanted to look at them and read them over and over.

NikNik Just identify your learning style. Try Vark too. Its just 16 questions.

http://www.vark-learn.com/english/index.asp

Click on Questons.

Also, NikNik, I was thinking that if you needed to retake those classes you could do an online class if your college won't allow you to retake classes there. Or try another campus where you could retake those classes in which you got a C grade. I know students who have asked their instructors if they were getting a C grade could the instructor please give them a D so they could retake the class. The instructor always agreed understanding that the college would not let the student retake a C graded course but would allow students to retake D graded courses. When the student retook the class the first class was then erased as if it never happened.

jackson145 · Dec 31, 2007

No one person can say if you will be a successful nurse. I work with several really good nurses who willingly admit that they hated school and all the studying they had to do. They forced themselves to do what had to be done to get their license and today they are some of the best we have. Not everyone enjoys school. Some people prefer to learn by doing and they give 110% to the continuing education they receive at their jobs.

HeartsOpenWide, RN · Dec 31, 2007

you could go for your ASN, the local JC where I live only requires a 2.5 GPA and uses a lotto system. I am in a BSN now and have a 3.57; I came in with straight A's for my pre-nursing courses; when I talked to one of my teachers about the shell shock of seeing Bs on tests she said that a lot of people were experiencing the same thing and that every one in my entire class entered with straight As. I am not sure if all programs are the same, but in my area the BSN programs are harder to get into grade wise while its easier to get into an ASN if you are willing to wait on a list.

2bNurseNik · Dec 31, 2007

You say you don't like to study but you don't expand on that. Do you not like to study EVERYTHING, or are there some things that you do like to study and find easier. Try to analyse what is going on here a little bit even if it means writing things down on a sheet of what you struggle with and what you don't struggle so much with.

I'll try to expand on that a little.....

I guess saying that I "don't" like to study was not my intent. My intent was to state that because I don't have a set studying pattern/routine/tecnhique, I lacked the commitment to study. I basically don't make enough time to do it. I started studying more last semester and ended up with an A, B+, and a B. I enjoy math, philosophy, and science so it's not "everything". I try to memorize everything as opposed to analyzing and applying which I'm trying to improve on.

Thanks

Nik

LaxNP, DNP · Dec 31, 2007

GPA is only one factor that they are going to look at when applying to a nursing program. Here is what I would personally do:

1: after applying request an interview with admissions and treat it lok a job interview, you will have time to make an impression. Where a nice suit, or skirt.

2: Do you volenteer(sp?) anywhere?, if not, DO IT NOW!. This looks good on a resume. Personsally I do red cross, masonic charities, etc.

3: Prepare questions a head of time for the admissions counsler. This will make you look prepared, researched about the program and ready to learn.

Just wanted to give my two cents. I bombed out of school when I first started. After some growing up and finding nursing, it was a savior. Now that I am an RN, I feel great. The seriosness of the job will hit you at a moment and you WILL know what to do and why you chose that path. Mine was my first code. I didnt have a high GPA and I hate to study and still do. Does that shy me away from wanting to accomplish my goals, NO.

P.S. I work in a nice hospital andno one knows what my GPA was, b/c no one ever asked.

Sorry it long :welcome: to nursing- you'll do it

rn/writer, RN · Jan 2, 2008

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WDWpixieRN, RN · Jan 2, 2008

Nik:

As you know, the STLCC program does not admit based on GPA, but I will tell you, it will require a great deal of studying to be successful. It's not impossible by any means, and to be honest, I believe there are quite a few in my class who are carrying below 3.0 and getting through.

My biggest words of advice are to get in to a good study habit and realize going in that the semesters get progressively tougher. First was difficult, but looking back I believe it was because the concept was still so new to so many of us and the testing was somewhat foreign. Second was more difficult and built on that first semester's foundation. We just completed 3rd and it was killer. I understand we lost a few more students and I can honestly understand how it can happen.

You've been posting for some time here on allnurses. I believe you have the desire and motivation. What you'll need most in NS here @ STLCC is the perseverance to put in whatever time is necessary to be as successful as you can once you get in the program and the willingness to hang in there through all the rough patches. Take it all one day/week at a time and you'll do fine!! Also know that the staff truly cares about the students and don't be afraid to approach them for help should you need it.

Best wishes; Happy New Year!!

TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN · Jan 2, 2008

I'll try to expand on that a little.....
I guess saying that I "don't" like to study was not my intent. My intent was to state that because I don't have a set studying pattern/routine/tecnhique, I lacked the commitment to study. I basically don't make enough time to do it. I started studying more last semester and ended up with an A, B+, and a B. I enjoy math, philosophy, and science so it's not "everything". I try to memorize everything as opposed to analyzing and applying which I'm trying to improve on.
Thanks
Nik

See, you do have strengths!

I feel like we could be Ying and Yang - you are good at memorizing and I am terrible, but I'm good at analyzing and application. We would make a great team!

There is one thing that I have observed in nursing school, and that is that there are different strengths in different students. There is a lot of memorization in nursing school, which you say you are better at. However, you do need to be able to apply the knowledge in the clinical setting, which will be a challenge for you, but not something that you can't overcome with careful planning and application on your part.

At most good schools there is a whole team of people who are there to help you overcome such problems. Clearly, you can learn and learn efficiently. You enjoy studying math and sciences and you are capable of getting As and Bs. If you had replied that you can't study anything efficiently, then you would be in trouble, but you can do it when you apply yourself. You need to pick your school very carefully, and be open and honest from the start. Go talk to someone asap. Believe me, your problem is not unique and you will not be the first NS who has this problem. It does not mean that you can't overcome it.

Like they say, accepting you have a problem is the first step! The second step is asking for help.

Butterfly3001 · Jan 3, 2008

Nik

I am right there with you girl! I have a 3.0 and like you said most places you need a 3.2 to even be considered. I have applied to my local CC and last year I was put on the wait list. I didnt get in but I said hey at least I was considered just in case someone dropped out I could've been. Dont give up your dream now girl, you've come way too far. Like another poster said try a Community college maybe it might be easier for you to get into. Good luck to you and I wish you the best.

Faeriewand, ASN, RN · Jan 3, 2008

Another route to go might be LVN. That's what I did. I knew that going to college for nursing would be writing a lot of essays (the description said so) and I really didn't want to do that. I looked around and found a program that was cheap (publicly funded) and I could get in right away instead of waiting. The LVN program I believe is way easier than the colleges around here. (I don't know about anywhere else, just telling you about my own program) So I got away with not having to write essays all the time and still didn't have to pay a lot and got a good education too.

The community colleges accept LVN's quicker than other students so I only have to wait a year instead of 3 or 4. Plus it doesn't matter as much about the grades on the pre-reqs.

P.S. Like your new name NURSE! :)

future L&Dnurse · Jan 3, 2008

I was in a similar situation at one point. I had a very bad semester due to personal crises - I should have just dropped the semester entirely, but didn't - that counted toward my GPA, and a bunch of transferred A's and B's that didn't count at all. So I had a very low GPA too. I was able to pull mine up to a 3.39 and got into a highly competitive program on my first application.

My first suggestion is to keep trying. If Nursing is what you want to do, then the GPA is just a stumbling stone, not a roadblock. Talk to an advisor at your nursing program and ask them for some realistic idea of whether or not you can get in with your current grades. See if it would raise your GPA to re-take some of those classes (and do better in them, of course). You may be able to erase some of those bad grades entirely if you re-take the classes, which I know is a bummer but it might help. Also, find out how your entrance GPA is calculated because it may not necessarily be your overall GPA. My program weighs science courses more heavily than english/social studies classes.

I also agree that you need to start volunteering right away if you aren't already. Many hospitals will gladly accept volunteers, and it looks good that you are willing to start in the gift shop (or whatever) just to get closer to a health care career. And fwiw, I loved volunteering and wish I still had time for it!

Your school may also look at essays, etc. We had to write 2. Find out what exactly you need to do for your application and if there are essays or anything involved, start writing right away.

There may also be programs around where GPA doesn't matter. The community college here with the ASN program doesn't require that you apply. You finish your pre-reqs, put your name on the waiting list, and when it's your turn you are in as long as you passed all your pre-reqs. It varies a lot from school to school, so look around and see what your options are.

Good luck. I hope you are able to find a way to make it work for you.

Nervous Nursey2b · Jan 4, 2008

What everyone here is saying really does not matter. I think you know in heart what you want to do. For me, becoming a nurse is a passion of mine and I believe it's my calling.

You might try praying, ask for guidance. :saint:

Good luck to you with ever you choose.