Graduate Applicant Help

Nursing Students General Students

Published

Hello,

Currently I am interested in applying to nurse practitioner programs with a focus in preventative health. I have certain concerns regarding my prospects as an applicant and would like feedback from the community in order to improve my odds.

Currently I have 2 years experience, and will have over three years by time of entry into a program.

I serve actively on two committees, have med/surg certification and plan on getting my ACLS certification, and precept students.

I have strong patient satisfaction and letters of recommendation.

My GRE is 160 verbal 156 quantitative and 5.0 writing.

My one concern is regarding GPA which stands at 2.93 overall and 2.77 in last 60 (nursing school). The grades are largely due to a high stress time in which I was still not independent of my parents and had a rather toxic family environment.

Is there anything I can do to improve my outlook as a candidate, or are my prospects poor even with additional experience, etc.? Do I need to look at a different field of practice to advance myself in nursing?

Specializes in Neurology, Psychology, Family medicine.

Eh, unfortunately in my experience the better schools all required a 3.0. Either last 60 or overall. I mean each school requirements are different and depending on number of applicants, which specialty, private vs public etc their standards will differ. But I would be concerned with the gpa. Everything looks fine but either talk to admission at school and see how much percentage they take the gpa. If a lot maybe A semester of science course to get gpa to 3.0

Consider taking some extra courses to boost your overall GPA. I recently got into a program with a 2.5 gpa in my BA degree, 3.5 ASN, and 3.7 BSN. I was worried about my overall gpa (this school does not focus on your last 60 credits) and it was suggested that taking extra courses to boost your gpa can help. Personally, I would suggest taking graduate courses so that the schools you apply to can see that you will be able to handle the workload. Also, I wrote an addendum explaining my gpa in my BA degree which the school suggested that I do. Best of luck to you!

+ Add a Comment