Important Grades?

Nibbles1 · Mar 10, 2015

You are going to have to get straight A's in all of your sciences. You are going to have to retake those F classes again. Everyone in my class had a 4.0 overall and had 86 or above on the TEAS. over 175 applied. Only 31 were picked. This was for LPN program. I applied for BSN and was wait listed. With a GPA of 4.0 Cum Laude and Chancellor List. Good luck.

feeneishia · Mar 10, 2015

I say write down a plan. Get with an advisor at the school you want to attend and they can help you make a graduation plan. I think you may also want to see if you can get a tutor and also join a study group when necessary. You should definitely retake the classes that you failed. And sometimes biology is a graduation requirement. So again, you have to look at the school that you're planning to attend. I believe that anything is possbile. But sounds like you will just have to put your best foot forward and go from there. I wish you luck.

Proton · Mar 17, 2015

I agree with the above post. It's best to have an advisors help. Gen bio could help as a base.

SunriseDay · Mar 17, 2015

Don't take physics unless you want to apply for a different field for health care. Most healthcare fields (including nursing) don't require physics. Some PA programs and medical programs (MD or DO) req a year of physics, but not usually nursing unless advanced. Physics also has a high fail rate, so it likely would be hard to get an A in it. I think tests avg 40-60% for the class.

If you raise your GPA, you could qualify for a lottery-based program if you also take your HESI/TEAS. They could be years to wait for, though. It's an AA. Most BSN programs want a min GPA of 3.0 to just apply. Lottery-based programs, ADNs usually at community colleges, are often not merit or GPA based, but a waiting game. I know one lottery locally which wants slightly lower than 70% TEAS min to apply.

I wouldn't take Geometry. I haven't seen any RN programs which require it or pre-calc. Usually programs require Statistics, although some also will take college algebra or require it.

You'll need to raise your GPA to I think at least 2.0 cumulative for the community college ADN lottery programs to apply.

Computer Classes are not required and usually Biology (intro) isn't required unless an advanced MSN specialty program.

Nurseeverywhere, CNA, LVN · Mar 17, 2015

Biology and chemistry are required prerequisites for all the bios needed at my school. Might not be necessary where you are attending but they will help you. Just don't give up;)

Michelle D-J, BSN, RN · Mar 17, 2015

I would definitely agree with the post recommending you sit down with an advisor from the school you're going to be attending. Some of the classes are going to need to be done in a certain order; for instance, usually Algebra is a pre-req for Statistics. I'd get the basics out of the way (College Comp, Algebra, A&P I) first; usually there is a set order for which classes are considered "must-haves" for application into a nursing program. Good luck!~MLDJ1970

Telly67 · Mar 17, 2015

You're all very encouraging and knowledgeable! Thank you.

I will take all this advice and not give up. I was wondering do people cheat in some way to get through this (half joking)? I don't know how nurse students manage financially and academically, it is a difficult path. The amount of knowledge to retain at once in science classes, paying rent while in community college, how do you manage these? I did not take out student loans, but relied on financial aid ($5,550 or so per year) and on/off server jobs for catering companies (could not find any other jobs with flexible schedules), and food stamps. It was almost enough to survive.

I also struggled to maintain full time status and grades while unable to find enough hours to study outside class and sleep. I did start getting sick a lot from the lack of sleep and stress over time. This time would be different, I will go back to college with the goal of quality over quantity since I need to get my GPA up and focus on the hardest classes that are left one at a time.

I'm just curious because I have never talked about this much with anyone concrete: what ways helped you to get through college? Financially and academically, and how did you survive it all (half joking again)?

feeneishia · Mar 17, 2015

I can really relate to you. I am actually taking only two classes and I pay out of pocket. I just managed to put it in the budget. Also, my school works with a third party to make payments as well. I really don't do much outside of work, and try to study at lewst two hours everyday. I've heard it's going to get harder in nursing school. So that's why I'm taking every class I can before starting. So I will only have one class a semester.

caliotter3 · Mar 17, 2015

At one school biology was a prerequisite to anatomy and physiology. This course would be good to gear you up for the sciences. You will need a strong foundation in math to handle your chemistry course, which itself is usually a prerequisite to the other science courses except perhaps, biology. If you are weak in math, I would start with beginner math, even if your placement score puts you at a higher level. Since you can not afford to get less than the best grades possible from here on out, I would seriously consider cutting down on your course load. If you have to take a class by itself, then do that. There are people who maintain a 4.0 for admission to nursing school because they took their prerequisites one course at a time. Yes, it takes more time, but how much time will be wasted if you don't do well?

While you are in your courses, avail yourself of all possible help. Most community colleges have a math lab and a writing lab for English. Don't hesitate to use these sources of tutoring. Approach your instructors when you don't understand something. Don't wait until you have not done well on an exam. Visit them early and often to get the most help. Congratulations to you for deciding to embark upon this difficult road. Hope to see you posting about your success in the future.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Mar 17, 2015

I haven't done the math, but I'm wondering just how many courses with 'A' grades would be required to raise one's GPA from 1.79 to something that a nursing school would even GLANCE at: 3.7 or greater?

A school may have a minimum entry requirement of 2.5, but that doesn't mean that a 2.5 will actually get into the program. MOST schools have the ability to cherry-pick enough to ensure that no one with a low GPA will get in the door.

So.....seriously.....how many courses--and with PERFECT grades---would it take to even make this a possibility? As it stands now, I see zero possibility.

Anyone know?

caliotter3 · Mar 17, 2015

I haven't done the math, but I'm wondering just how many courses with 'A' grades would be required to raise one's GPA from 1.79 to something that a nursing school would even GLANCE at: 3.7 or greater?
A school may have a minimum entry requirement of 2.5, but that doesn't mean that a 2.5 will actually get into the program. MOST schools have the ability to cherry-pick enough to ensure that no one with a low GPA will get in the door.
So.....seriously.....how many courses--and with PERFECT grades---would it take to even make this a possibility? As it stands now, I see zero possibility.
Anyone know?

Probably too many. Schools have caps on how many courses beyond the minimum for a degree/minor are allowed.