I want to be in FNP program but GPA is not that great!

nichefinder · Dec 11, 2013

I know Walden has GPA requirement of 2.5 according to one of my friends going through her final few months at Walden NP program... UT arlington has 3.0 gpa requirement, but if you check out their website, they do have little bit of leeway for people under 3.0 (like automatically being on academic probation for first semester or so). I am sure you can find a place to go with 2.94 gpa

allnurses Guide · Dec 12, 2013

See if you can take a graduate class somewhere, and do whatever you can to get an A. Show the admissions people that you are capable of doing graduate level work. Also, get some great letters of recommendation from supervisors. I think those carry significant weight in your application. Good luck!

llisamar · Dec 12, 2013

I would take a graduate course. Schools look at your overall package not just your GPA. Try to get involved in leadership positions at your job (QI committee, safety, education, etc.) You can do some volunteer work or become active in your local nursing organizations.

Good luck!!!

BlueDevil,DNP, DNP, RN · Dec 12, 2013

What are your GRE scores? If they aren't stellar, retake it. That can make a large difference, and the application essay and interview carry a lot of weight as well.

I agree with the suggestion to take a few graduate courses to demonstrate that you can do the work. I suspect your state university will let you take courses such as epidemiology and statistics, for example, as a non-degree seeking student. When you are accepted to a program you can transfer them in (most graduate programs accept up to 6 credit hours). If you take 2 courses and get 2 As, that ought to be satisfactory to prove to the admissions committee that you can perform at a graduate level.

Personally, I would not go to a sub par or mediocre school just to go someplace, only because I happened to be accepted in spite of a poor GPA. I'd prefer to work a bit harder and bring up my GPA so as to be accepted into a stronger program.

Your mission is to obtain high GRE scores, highly favorable letters of recommendation, prepare for a strong interview, and take at least one, probably two grad level courses in applicable course work, obtaining As. That should compensate for a less than impressive undergraduate portfolio.

iwantmymasters · Dec 12, 2013

Thank you nichefinder, BCgradnurse, llisamar, and BlueDevil,DNP. I sincerely appreciate the feedback that you all have given to me.

iwantmymasters · Dec 12, 2013

Hi BlueDevil,DNP & llisamar,

I wanted to ask you that can I apply to any school in my state to take 2 graduate level courses to boost my GPA??? I am not sure how that process works once I will apply to a FNP program.