Hi I am a Nursing major, and plan to apply to the RN program at my school in 2015 or 2016; depending on the coursework that I complete. I am definite on my major...
However, within the past 2 semesters (not including the spring semester I just finished), I have took these classes:
Math 130(Algebra) : Grade: F
Winter Session: Philosophy 101: Grade: F
Now, the Spring semester I just completed, I retook Math 130, and passed with a C, my transcript as follows:
Math 130: C
English 099: C
History of California: D
I plan on retaking Philosophy 101, and History of California. However, I did receive credit for all three classes. Which was about 12 units.
My GPA is now: 1.75! Which is still LOW! I am trying to raise it, however does my transcript look BAD!?!? Even if I retook a failed course, and may retake another 2 classes?? I plan on not giving up, so I plan on trying my best every semester...please let me know if you think I will live up to qualifying as a good candidate for the RN program!? Thank You!
If you're maxed out on grade replacement, go to a different school. While grades from all schools are averaged, most nursing schools only look at the prerequisite grades.
Even if you began poorly, perhaps when changing schools, you might do better at the next school...and perhaps that would mean that the first school was not a good fit for you. It would certainly make raising your current GPA much easier, as that next school would not average your previous school's grades into your GPA from their school. Take the advice from the others to find out your optimal learning style, and take the steps you need to improve your learning and raise your grades.
You might just need some time to develop better study habits. I don't know how old you are, but sometimes people aren't old enough to be serious about school, and would rather be more concerned with other life events. I would have been a horrible nursing student when I began college 19 (!) years ago, but I have had plenty of time to improve on the mistakes of my youth. It is better to make mistakes when you're young, and not when you are in nursing school, where those mistakes mean you're done.
Did you do poorly because you didn't try or because it was over your head? I think a lot of kids today are entering college ill prepared. They lack the basics to write a decent paper or get through algebra. I came from a failed school system. Yet, at some point you have to realize that you're not prepared and take the initiative to start from scratch. If you have trouble with math, maybe you should take a remedial course and master it before moving on to algebra. If you are having problems with the reading and critical thinking of a philosophy class, take a remedial English class. Go to your professors' office hours and seek help. Get a tutor. Don't think you can do it by yourself, because you probably can't. I'm not knocking you down. We all need help. I don't think I could have gotten straight A's in my science classes without the help of the internet, my professors, and my study group. If it was just me and my textbooks, psh, forget about it.
Thank your lucky stars this is only a few credits of bad grades and not loads of units. You can still turn it around but you must be vigilant in really learning the material, not just getting by. You have to do some soul searching and really think what it is you want out of your life and your education. Maybe this isn't the right time for you. So you take a break, get a job, mature and try later when you can focus. But if this is what you want, you have to seek out every little bit of help and tap into your strengths and abilities to make it happen. I know that you can do it, even if I don't know you because I truly believe that we all have the potential to do amazing things. Doesn't matter if you don't have natural ability or if you don't think you're "smart enough". Good studying habits can be learned. It requires work! Good luck to you and keep your head up high.
Most nursing schools require an overall GPA of 3.0 to apply, and your pre-requisite nursing GPA typically needs to be around 3.3-4.0 (preferably as close to 4.0 as possible, especially with a rough start.) That said, admission committees recognize when one makes dramatic improvements in their grades and they do like this.
Lets be realistic. It doesn't look possible from here. While there are bunch of others with the highest GPA's competing for nursing school spots... Sorry.
wow! I am truly discovering the reality of Nursing; it is very difficult, and complex! I actually did not KNOW how difficult it actually was! I really am going to apply myself this time...
wow! I am truly discovering the reality of Nursing; it is very difficult, and complex! I actually did not KNOW how difficult it actually was! I really am going to apply myself this time...
Do it! We'll be here cheering you on! Nursing isn't an easy path, but we're all in it together! :)
Not only is nursing school hard work, it's very competitive. I'm sure you have it in you to get A's and B's. Just keep your head up and put all of your energy into your classes. You may not be interested in them all, this is where the discipline needs to come in. You need to discipline yourself to sit there and study. From here on out, you shouldn't get anything lower than a B in any science or math class. Like sapphire18 said, that Algebra is vital to nursing. Your Algebra grades might raise an eyebrow or two. Especially since Algebra is taught in middle school. Just remember, everything, every class, will always be on your transcripts. Even if you replace the grade by retaking it.
Step it up! If nursing is your passion, I think you need to look more into it. Since you're in school getting GE and prereqs, you should investigate the nursing programs in your city. Also, try volunteering at a local hospital. It sounds like you don't really understand much about the field. Go investigate!
Goodluck to you! You can do it! It's not too late to get the A's and B's you need. :)
In my advanced age (53) and return to school I've discovered a few things about academic success.
First of all approach school as your job and set your priorities accordingly. Nothing else is as important as doing well in school.
Having fun with your friends has zero importance relative to your commitment to school.
You are preparing for the rest of your life, take it seriously.
Then, understand that it is your own psychology that stands between you and academic excellence. By that I mean your own resistence to what is in front of you. Your own resistence to the material. The opposite of resistence is curiosity. Dissolve your resistence and everything becomes fascinating, when your interested you become completely engaged and it actually becomes a lot easier.
As of right now, your transcript really needs a pick-me-up. However, it is absolutley do-able. I attended college for a year when I turned 18, I had little motivation to do the assigned work in my classes and instead of dropping the classs or opting for a pass/no pass I ended up with not so steller grades due to bad attendence and no effort.
I had 3 C's, two B's and a D. I've been back in college for two terms, and have made straight A's since. All while working, volunteering and taking a myriad of science courses. I've maintained a 4.0 since being back, and raised my cumulative from a 2.00 to a 3.00. I highly suggest retaking all your classes, many schools (mine does to say) will knock the lowest grade of a repeated class off of your cumulative GPA which will help raise it back up.
Also, as many others have said if you are getting these grades but really feel you are applying yourself definitley seek out the educational assistance your school offers!
You must consult with your advisor, if you retake those classes will your grade be replaced? At my school they will average the old grade with the new grade for your final grade.
CHESCCRP
71 Posts
If you're maxed out on grade replacement, go to a different school. While grades from all schools are averaged, most nursing schools only look at the prerequisite grades.
Even if you began poorly, perhaps when changing schools, you might do better at the next school...and perhaps that would mean that the first school was not a good fit for you. It would certainly make raising your current GPA much easier, as that next school would not average your previous school's grades into your GPA from their school. Take the advice from the others to find out your optimal learning style, and take the steps you need to improve your learning and raise your grades.
You might just need some time to develop better study habits. I don't know how old you are, but sometimes people aren't old enough to be serious about school, and would rather be more concerned with other life events. I would have been a horrible nursing student when I began college 19 (!) years ago, but I have had plenty of time to improve on the mistakes of my youth. It is better to make mistakes when you're young, and not when you are in nursing school, where those mistakes mean you're done.
Good luck!