Is my GPA too low to apply of a direct entry program?

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I am in the process of applying to direct entry MSN programs right now, and as I browse through the forums I am starting to think that my GPA is too low to even be considered as a an applicant. Right now I am finishing up my BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics and my GPA is a 3.4. I did well in the pre-req courses, but unfortunately I did receive 2 C's one in organic chemistry I and Biochemistry, but I did receive As in 400 level Pharmacology, Genetics, and Immunology courses. I have a lot of volunteer experience which I will describe below, I am an active member of two clubs, and I work in a research lab (there was a point when I did have two jobs and was a full time student).

Volunteer Work:

Assist doing free HIV screening at women's and men's shelter

Provide free blood sugar and blood pressure screenings for free mobile clinic

Children's hospital play room

Middle School mentor at an underprivileged school (did for 2 years)

VP of club which provided free eye screenings for underprivileged children (did for 2 years)

Participated in health fair in Mexico (BP and blood sugar screenings)

Community food bank which also has a free clinic in which we give donated food items to marginalized/immigrant population and provide free health care (for the clinic I gather patient history, BP, check blood sugar and translate for the doctors-99.99% of the patients and food bank clients only speak Spanish)

Working on an international campaign with a co-worker regarding agricultural issues and impacts on health

Sorry to make my post so long I am just freaking out right now and would like to know if I should even bother applying this year. One of my physiology instructors who is on the medical school admissions board told me I should be able to get into medical school based on my experiences and that my GPA isn't too low. (If I wanted to go to medical school I would apply to medical school). Hopefully, that would apply to nursing school as well!!

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What do your GRE scores look like? Did you go to a reputable school / one that is known for a strong science program / other reason that your GPA might be "lower"? My understand is schools take that into account. I have a low GPA (3.3something) from a top school but great GRE scores so I expect that to help; I'm also 4.0 in my post-grad prereqs. Often schools want to see GREs to show that you have the ability to do graduate level work, even if your undergraduate wasn't perfect, especially if your worse grades were freshman / sophomore year. I also have 2 C's, one in a science freshman year and one in not-science junior year, but I'm not concerned.

Maybe others will have a different opinion, but I feel I'm a very strong candidate, and I have a worse GPA and fewer volunteer experiences than you, so I would think it's at the very least worth a shot! It can also depend what kind of NP you want to be - some specialities (FNP, CNM, acute care at some schools) are known for being more popular and thus more competitive in general.

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I do go to a ranked research university, it's not the top research university, but some of our programs are number one in the country and internationally ranked. The department that I do research in is number 1. The programs that I am applying to are just MSN programs and do not offer NP specialties for non-nursing majors. I am not even applying to top programs. I was going to apply to Columbia, Vanderbilt, and Emory, but I am afraid that my GPA isn't high enough. I do eventually plan on applying to an NP program, either acute or chronic PNP. I have not taken the GRE yet, but very soon. I have been studying so hopefully it will pay off. I hope my volunteer work and research experience will balance out my GPA. Thanks for your reply!!

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Are you sure you're looking at a direct entry program? All of Vanderbilt's MSN programs are nurse practitioners (Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) | Vanderbilt School of Nursing). If you want to work for awhile before applying to NP programs, you might look for ABSN (accelerated BSN) programs instead of direct / graduate entry programs, since (my understanding at least) is that DE/GE programs specifically refer to non-nursing majors receiving BSN-level education immediately followed by MSN-level nurse practitioner preparation. Each school calls them something different, so I know I keep getting confused, especially because in my chosen specialty (midwifery) a "direct entry" midwife means something very different than a CNM!

(Also a lot of deadlines are coming up fast, Vandy is December 1st, so be sure you get your GRE scheduled if you want to start next fall!)

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Hey there, dea2012! Your GPA is great, especially considering the courses you took and your credentials. You have incredible volunteer experiences that are so relatable to not only the nursing field, but the health care field overall. I think that you are a very competitive applicant, and I certainly would still apply. And yes, your GRE score is definitely important, especially at Vanderbilt (not as sure about Columbia, and Emory requires the TEAS), but please don't be mistaken - a high GRE score won't make up for a low GPA. However, your GPA isn't low (especially considering your coursework), so you don't really need to worry about that. Many programs look at the entire picture, and not just grades and numbers. Please don't be disheartened. You're going to be just fine! And cast your net a bit wider... look into other schools just you have other options! Apply to a local ABSN program, too! Everything is going to be okay :)

Look into: NYU, University of Washington, University of Michigan, University of Illinois-Chicago, Case Western, University of Virginia, Ohio State University, Georgetown

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Thank you so much for your reply! You made me feel a lot more confident in my application. I looked into Ohio State, but I don't qualify for the program because you have to be a CNA, but I will definitely look into some of the other programs you recommended. The programs that I am applying to are the University of Arizona and Georgia Health Science University which are MSN programs and possibly, University Colorado-Denver for ABSN.

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I'm glad I could help. Grades are definitely important, but with programs like these I know there are a lot of other things they look at! They look at the individual holistically - just like the way an NP would look at their patient! I think that NYU, Michigan, UVA, University of Illinois and Case Western would be GREAT programs to look into. I really wanted to apply to Case Western but didn't meet their chemistry requirement (only have chemistry 1 complete). They have an awesome program though and of course, clinicals at Cleveland Clinic... what more could you ask for?! I'm applying to NYU though. They have a BSN program and the option to continue on to MSN as long as you have a minimum GPA, I'm pretty sure! If I can be of anymore help, please let me know. I know the process is really crazy and nerve wracking, and there's not much information out there so it's hard to know where you stand. We have a great thread going on too, called "Direct Entry MSN Programs" right here on the Post Graduate section! Come on over and join our conversation! :yes:

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I agree with Hopeful.

PLEASE APPLY and don't be disheartened. You have great extra-curricular activities and there is always more than your GPA to you.

I am applying to Case Western and UIC- my top choices!

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Thank you so much for your reply! I really do appreciate the positive feedback because the application process can be daunting. Good luck with your applications!!

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Hey!!! Never cut yourself short. Experience, especially the kind of experience you have, is invaluable and GPA is only but one factor. I'm currently in the Columbia's ETP program and was accepted with an undergrad GPA of a 3.0 and a 4.0 in my postgrad pre-reqs. My GRE score was pretty low too - 420 Verbal and 660 Math. Things do work out :) Just make sure you highlight your selling points because that's what makes you so unique from all of the other candidates. I encourage you to apply to Columbia, never know what may happen.

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