Is anyone else in this boat? (and has anyone gotten out of it?)

BeaumontBigBird · Feb 16, 2012

I want to encourage you and tell you that if you want to be a nurse badly enough, you will find a way to do it. Remember that once you graduate, you will get a promotion or a raise because you are doing a good job, not because your grades were good. When I was in sixth grade, the teacher was always telling us, "Your school record follows you for the rest of your life!" My mother used to say, "And I don't care what kind of crap he's feeding you about your record following you for the rest of your life!"--it is interesting that this was the only time I ever heard her use the word "crap!" My father was extremely successful despite a marginal college record. My own bugaboo was clinicals; I had a hard time getting it together on the floor and attended three different programs before it worked. I had tanked in two programs and was at the bottom financially, when I received a long-overdue lucky break--I inherited some money, which allowed me to finish. I went to the Director of Undergraduate Programs and laid it all out honestly and asked if she could help me. They did accept me and we worked out a plan for me to come up to speed. Let the school know that you are sincere about wanting to finish and ask for any suggestions; mention that you have shown improvement. I swear by "Made Simple" and "For Dummies" books for study; I also believe that my extensive reading in many areas has helped me to do well in school. Many years ago, I was involved with a guy; I am very glad that it fell through although I see now that he had a very definite purpose in my life--he almost finished his geology program, and I was not going to almost finish my nursing program. All best wishes and I will pray for you. Linda in TX

Saysfaa · Feb 16, 2012

My school doesn't care how close to the bare minimum the overall gpa is or how often you've retaken classes. (That sounds like a mediocre school as I write this but it isn't.... it has a very, very good reputation especially in nursing). The admissions is based on ACT score and the gpa in (of the last attempt at) a short list of specific classes and an interview.

And some schools go by waitlist or by lottery.

So, I think you can get into a good nursing school. However, you may have to do a lot of research to find a school whose admissions criteria fit and may have to move.

Another alternative could be kind of expensive if you have more a couple of semesters from your first go around but you can pull your overall gpa up by taking more classes even if they aren't prereqs for the program you are looking at. Some classes might not be required by your program but are frequently required at other schools or are just useful (Spanish, maybe? or pathophysiology or intro to economics or abnormal psychology) or could result in a double major or a minor to go along with your nursing degree. The higher overall gpa would open up more nursing school possibilities (those that factor in overall gpa but look at other things too).

Fruit Sucker · Feb 17, 2012

It will be more work, but you can repeat the classes you failed. Many schools have a policy of replacing a failing grade with a subsequent better grade. My school does this and I know people who've raised their GPA this way. However, it only works for failing grades- for a D or C it will remain on your record and they'll average in to the total GPA.

Just_Dez · Feb 17, 2012

I went to college right out of high school, messed around (just stopped showing up) and got all F's that semester. Tried 2 semesters later, found out I was pregnant and instead of withdrawing, I again, stopped going. I'm ashamed about it, but it happened.

A year ago I decided to go back, again. I've changed, I'm older with children and want this more then most things I've wanted in my life. I worked hard, I got good grades and I got in my program first try. I'm now in my 2nd semester. It can be done, you can get yourself out of the mess you made when you were younger. It's hard but worth the try. Also, some schools have something you can sign to forgive your grades, but you'll have to re-take everything. I don't know the name of it, but I know some schools do it. Good luck!!!

nursingschool* · Feb 19, 2012

Contact the schools you want to get into and have them tell you exactly what to do. They'll tell you where you stand. They'll tell you what you can and can't retake. Like Saysfaa said - many schools only take your GPA from a short list of classes. So talk to them directly and let THEM tell YOU what's what before you get all freaked out in your own head (like we've all done) Like BigBird said - if you want it, you'll get it. But don't try to figure it out on your own. Talk to them.