Is 4.0 GPA a deal to be accepted to the Nursing Program?

FutureNurseInfo · Jan 21, 2017

It is a universal truth, the better you do, the better chances you will have at life. Therefore, having a 4.0 GPA will pretty much solidify your chances of getting accepted. However, you still have to consider other aspects such as entrance exams, rec letters, essay/s, and, of course, the number of applicants per application cycle. In other words, having a 4.0 GPA is an outstanding achievement, having it alone is not a sole guarantee of an acceptance. With that said, having a slightly lower GPA such as a 3.9, even, a 3.8/3.7 does not mean you are doomed. In fact, many students (from what I have read on threads here) have managed to be accepted. So, yes, we all aim for a perfect 4.0, but earning a 3.7 is still an amazing task and will, more often than not, allow you to be an eligible candidate.

gere7404, BSN, RN · Jan 21, 2017

My cohort has an average prereq GPA of 3.8.... so there were definitely 4.0s in the mix and also people below 3.8 to average it out like that, but yeah, in general having a higher GPA makes you a more attractive candidate. However look into how your program selects students; some are looking for more rounded candidates with life/health care experience and give preference points to certain criteria outside of just GPA.

Dlansey · Jan 21, 2017

I'm wondering the same thing. I applied to my BSN program with a 4.0 cumulative, science, and pre-requisite GPA. Though my entrance exam score was a little average and I have good recommendations and a well written application essay.

However, the average GPA for students who were admitted into the program last year was 3.1 cumulative GPA. So I hope that counts for something.

LessValuableNinja · Jan 27, 2017

Depends on the normal range for applicants. My alma mater turns away 4.0s with clinical experience. However, if the median GPA is 3.3, you have a great chance. It depends on the rubric they use. You should discuss admission factors with them. For example, a school may have a 50 point rubric. Maybe you get no points for 3.1 or less, and 10 points for 3.9 to 4.0. Essay up to 5 points. Up to 5 points for clinical experience. Up to 5 points for speaking a second language. Up to 10 points for non-required prereqs. And so on. Or it may be graded entirely on GPA and entrance exam. It's highly variable, and thus advisable to know how you'll be graded.