I struggled my way financially and educationally, almost got through community college with an AS degree and made an attempt to fulfill the nurse program pre-requisites. My grades fell and I was disqualified from financial aid. Finally, I am taking a break from school to re-evaluate and gather funds.
I can appeal for financial aid when I return. My GPA is now only 1.79. I have about 6-8 classes left for an AS degree including Algebra ii, Statistics and 1 or 2 English classes and the 4 science pre-requisites for nurse program (anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry). I have no background in science so I want to get some foundation before I do those classes. Which science classes should I take before taking those pre-requisites? I have completed Nutrition already. Should I take Biology for example (I never did in high school)? Would Physics help if I first complete Algebra and Geometry (should I take this class even though it's not required to get a better background in math) and Statistics? Or other science classes? I think my high school education did not prepare me for this education level. Would you recommend computer classes or English classes or other? Any classes you think helped you to be a better nurse student?
One more important question is how much will my overall GPA, and how much will my pre-req. science classes GPA be taken into account and affect my chances at getting into a nurse program?
You need to talk to someone at CCSF to find out the true demographics of the latest classes that have been accepted into their nursing program. Yes, lots of schools have black and white requirements of "GPA at least 2.7", but that does not mean that they do not have enough applicants with GPAs of 4.0 so that they turn down half of those people and everyone with GPAs between 2.7 and 4.0. There isn't a nursing school in California that does not have an overabundance of applicants, that is why some people with 4.0 GPAs get turned away or waitlisted.
Counselors, while being the "go-to" subject matter experts on policies and requirements at their respective schools, are sometimes notorious for not having their feet firmly on the ground. If you want the true scoop, better to speak to the head of the nursing department, or a nursing advisor in the nursing school itself.
The only way that you might be able to start over from the beginning somewhere without mentioning your previous record, would be to stay away from financial aid altogether and of course, go to a different community college district school. To bring back a 1.79 GPA, that is essentially what you would have to do anyway. Slim chance, but people have done it.
Sorry, that was not meant to be offensive. I'm just nervous as this means a lot to me. I do appreciate the help here, as you said many are real nurses taking the time to help me and others, so thank you all!!
I have not even attempted those science prerequisites on the list so when they say 2.5 GPA min, well aren't I still good to go and could even attain a 4.0? This means that the thinking behind me not being able to get into an RN program because my overall GPA is currently at 1.79, would not apply?
You need to talk to someone at CCSF to find out the true demographics of the latest classes that have been accepted into their nursing program. Yes, lots of schools have black and white requirements of "GPA at least 2.7", but that does not mean that they do not have enough applicants with GPAs of 4.0 so that they turn down half of those people and everyone with GPAs between 2.7 and 4.0. There isn't a nursing school in California that does not have an overabundance of applicants, that is why some people with 4.0 GPAs get turned away or waitlisted.
Counselors, while being the "go-to" subject matter experts on policies and requirements at their respective schools, are sometimes notorious for not having their feet firmly on the ground. If you want the true scoop, better to speak to the head of the nursing department, or a nursing advisor in the nursing school itself.
The only way that you might be able to start over from the beginning somewhere without mentioning your previous record, would be to stay away from financial aid altogether and of course, go to a different community college district school. To bring back a 1.79 GPA, that is essentially what you would have to do anyway. Slim chance, but people have done it.
I have only completed classes for an AS degree, none of them have been from the nurse program prereq. list. Basically, those prereqs are what's left to complete both the AS degree as well as the nurse prereqs. I hope this makes it more clear now (it does help me just to get the right question out lol). So, I guess my question is if they do count the overall GPA and it should be at or around 4.0 then why is there no mention about it here: Registered Nurse (RN)
Yes, well I have tried to ask them, but so far I did not get clear answers there either. I also asked them what happens if you don't win the lottery after a few years (since at some point not sure when, the prereqs do expire). They don't have answer to that. Also asked what if I never win the lottery, is that possible, does that happen to people? More mumbling..lol
Specializes in Cath/EP lab, CCU, Cardiac stepdown.
SNurseKylam -
Sorry, that was not meant to be offensive. I'm just nervous as this means a lot to me. I do appreciate the help here, as you said many are real nurses taking the time to help me and others, so thank you all!!
I have not even attempted those science prerequisites on the list so when they say 2.5 GPA min, well aren't I still good to go and could even attain a 4.0? This means that the thinking behind me not being able to get into an RN program because my overall GPA is currently at 1.79, would not apply?
No worries, I wasn't offended. If the school really does only look at those classes only and you think you can get a high grade for them then go for it. However I would suggest that you go speak with an advisor from the nursing program, they are usually more knowledgeable than the regular academic advisor. Also keep in mind that certain schools require that you maintain a certain overall gpa to remain in their program so while your science and English gpa can be adequate to get in the program, the overall gpa may provide difficulty in remaining in the program. Good luck!
You may also want to read all of the requirements. I know I've read a lot of them that state something like, "having the minimum requirements does not automatically mean acceptance. I do think it all boils down to competition. You will be competing with people who have perfect GPA's. I also think about it as a way to weed the number of applicants down. There are a ton of us trying to get into the best programs, so they have to be more selective. Sometimes tests and grades are all they have, no interviews. So they say what can we do to be fair and impartial. Also, when thinking about grades think beyond nursing school. If you want to continue your education then grades are super important. I am going on to do a BSN bridge, and after that go on to become a Nurse Practitioner so although I'm trying to become an RN right now, my mind is on the bridge and what to do after that. Good luck!
I was on academic probation, retook all my classes that I failed and now I am two classes away and an entrance exam to apply for the nursing program. I know its competitive, but strive to make A's and always have a back-up plan. good luck
I have no background in science so I want to get some foundation before I do those classes. Which science classes should I take before taking those pre-requisites? I have completed Nutrition already. Should I take Biology for example (I never did in high school)? Would Physics help if I first complete Algebra and Geometry (should I take this class even though it's not required to get a better background in math) and Statistics? Or other science classes? I think my high school education did not prepare me for this education level. Would you recommend computer classes or English classes or other? Any classes you think helped you to be a better nurse student?
One more important question is how much will my overall GPA, and how much will my pre-req. science classes GPA be taken into account and affect my chances at getting into a nurse program?
Before you take A&P, I would DEFINITELY recommend taking Human Biology. That made my life a whole lot easier.
Physics, geometry, english, and computer classes all seem unnecessary. Sure they could raise your GPA, but they could lower it too.
If you feel that high school didn't prepare you for this education level, you're probably right. And there's nothing wrong with that, but you should have been taking remedial courses to work your way up to the more difficult ones.
Telly67
15 Posts
Here is the correct information: Registered Nurse (RN)