How to get into the nursing program

Templar1961 · Jan 23, 2006

Get better grades. No, get fantastic grades. I know that's blunt and completely inconsiderate of your personal circumstances, and that you want some other tips besides that, but that's really all I can think of. And just because the required GPA is 2.5 doesn't mean that attaining that will get you in. I know it sucks! I'm right there with you!

smilin_gp · Jan 23, 2006

Same advice as above with the grades. With the current competition for nursing programs, required GPA's don't mean much, unless you have an incredible amount of related healthcare experience and your school takes that into consideration. Many people graduate in nursing school later than age 21-22. Sounds like a good idea to retake the C classes and study your tail off. Also, if you haven't already done this, it might be a good idea to get some volunteer or other type of volunteer experience. Good luck!

S.N. Visit, BSN, RN · Jan 23, 2006

Besides getting better grades what do you all propose I should do?

A little prayer wouldn't hurt (I wouldn't be where I'm at right now without it!)

chiqadee1 · Jan 26, 2006

hi, I share a similar fate with you. I've recently decided to change careers at the age of 29 and return to school for nursing. I know it's highly competitive and I'm actually aiming for an accelerated BSN program since I already hold a B.A. However, my cumulative GPA from undergrad (6-7 years ago) is below a 2.5. I'm trying desperately not to get my hopes down but is cumulative GPA that happened 6 years ago a huge factor in these schools?

I'm currently taking my pre-req classes that i didn't take during my undergrad and I'm kicking ass in them. Would this help me in the end?

Also, are alll schools requiring the ACT exam? I heard if you already have a B.A, you don't need to take the ACT exam is this true?

Is anyone in the same boat as me? Any adivce?

marilynmom, LPN, NP · Jan 29, 2006

It really depends on the school. My GPA from over 12 years ago still counts (and that means 3 F's), my cum. GPA isn't good (3.1) but at the school I am at now they offer academic forgiveness and they "erased" my bad semester and my GPA is now a 3.4 and my science GPA is a 3.8.

Unfortunatly most schools could care less why you have a low GPA (even a car wreck, health problems, etc) they look strickly at the numbers. I don't know of a single school where I live that accepts anyone with just the minimum GPA (which for most is a 2.5) because they have enough people applying with much higher GPA's.

I know that may sound harsh, and I know because I have BTDT with a low GPA. And it is *very* hard and takes a *very* long time to bring up a low GPA--that is just the reality of it. If I were you I would be looking at a school that offers academic forgiveness and apply there using your retention (vs cum.) GPA. For me it made a HUGE difference. Or look at private schools that have a nursing program, they ususually are not as competitive and some are not competitive at all because of the high tuition prices (which I have heard you can get a lot of financial aid with).

Good luck and don't give up!!

jones21498 · Jan 31, 2006

I know at Ivy Tech here in IN, they use the scores from the TEAS test to determine who gets into the program and not GPAs at all, or at least the Ivy Tech I attend. I wish you the best of luck... you may want to research and perhaps change schools or apply to multiple schools depending on their requirements, with GPA being less important.