Is there any hope?

wifeofwhiskeyg · Jun 8, 2010

Baily, I understand the position that you are in. My husband is facing a similar dilema trying to get into a specific teaching program. Many times GPA is not the greatest indicator of the student and person that you become. Speaking from experience, you might want to look at Gwinnett Techinical College. It is not terribly far from Dunwoody (285 to 85 north to the first exit off of 316). They have an ADN program that is very competative, but not in a traditional sense. They only look at 6 classes when they are looking at the GPA: A&P I, A&P II, MicroBiology, English Composition, College Algebra and Intro to Psychology. Now the three science classes had to have been taken within the past 5 years. But, if you have already taken any of those classes, you can retake it in preperation for the competition (i would definetely go into the selection process with nothign less than a B in any of those, perferably A's if possible) as they only take you highest grade so you do not get penalized for repeating a class. Since you already have a degree in Kinesiology, even if you had to take or repeat any of the sciences, it should be NO problem for you. I have been going to GTC for 4 quarters, having transferred from a private college when i lost my job. It is a great school, with smaller class sizes and very personable instructors. Right now the school is experiencing some growing pains and parking has become an issue, but you just add a little bit of hoofing time into your schedule and it is not that big of a deal. Here is a web link for some more info http://www.gwinnetttech.edu/content.cfm?PageCode=programs_outline&ProgramOutlineID=499 .

Good Luck, and understand that you are not alone. Many of us look back on decisions we have made in the past and now cringe about.

rojahs3 · Jun 8, 2010

Bailey, I totally understand..we are in the same boat, I graduated with a BA degree some years back and decided I wanted to become a nurse. I applied to GA Highlands College back in March and waiting on a response from them now, acceptence letter go out June 10th. Good thing about GA Highland ADN program is that people with post baccalaureate degrees are given preference because the program is based on a calulated score to get in. Before applying to the program I sat for about 30 mins with the Program Coordinator and she outlined the program for me. Basically she told me if you have at least a 2.5 graduating gpa your chances were good at getting into the program, you are already given a score of 1,100 for having a degree and last year the lowest score that was excepted into the program 900 for fall admissions, spring is generally slightly higher but I think you still have a chance of getting in. If you look on the GHC acceptence threads you will see people talking about their experiences at the college. If you apply now I'm sure you will get in by Spring, the deadline is Sept 15. Also, the program is based in Rome GA but they have a satellite campus in Marietta, which would be closer to where you live. That's the only I applied to because I live in Smyrna. I hope this helps, if you have any other questions let me know.

bailey8 · Jun 8, 2010

the two of you literally just made my heart smile! it can get kind of depressing looking at so many schools and feeling less and less qualified the more you read. i appreciate the fact that other people have been in my situation and have reached their goals, or are still perusing despite the odds. i congratulate the two of you, great role models you are!

wifeofwhiskeyg-

i am so glad to hear that someone else knows that gpa is not necessarily the best indicator of a student's ability to succeed. i have been looking into gwinnett technical college. if allowed to transfer in, i have taken all of the classes you have listed. i did however receive a c in micro, so i should look into retaking for an a. it is very helpful to know that they do not penalize you for retaking a class. i greatly appreciate your advice! i plan to schedule a visit to speak with a representative from gtc who can go over my situation with me. thanks for the heads up about parking. little things such as this are good to know!

rojhs3-

i am very grateful for the information you have shared with me! what do you mean by graduating gpa? is that the same as a cumulative gpa? i do believe i have above a 2.5! i did not know about the automatic score of 1100 for having a previous degree, that is wonderful news! if only i had seen that on their website, i would not have crossed it off my list. i do plan to apply at georgia highlands college for the spring semester. i will keep you in my thoughts as you await your letter from ghc. i hope to hear back from you soon with good news about your acceptance =)

rojahs3 · Jun 8, 2010

Bailey, it's not on their website, I didn't find out until I talked to the Program Director and you aren't required to submit SAT scores or take any test to get into the program if you have a degree. It's a cumulative GPA, like you stated. If you do choose GHC and apply to the Marietta campus, the good news is, they have a scholarship program there through Wellstar Hospital and if you get accepted Wellstar will pay your tuition in exchange for a 3 year commitment to work for them. I will keep you updated on my status, I'm praying I get in so I can give you more info....I wish you the best of luck, I'm sure you will get accepted into a nursing program soon!

bailey8 · Jun 9, 2010

So, I have set up an appointment to meet with individuals at both Gwinnett Technical College and Georgia Highlands College! I was really losing hope until the two of you so graciously responded with some information. Thank you very much!

I do have a question about Georgia Highlands College, I tried to figure up my score, and it looks like after adding in teh 1000 for having a prior BS, that my score is a 1737. Is that competitive at all?

I kind of feel like retaking my science courses to get a better grade would be beneficial. Do either of you know if enrolling now to take those classes could do any harm. I know that you mentioned GTC does not penalize you for retaking a course and will take the higher grade into consideration, but do many of the schools here in GA, take away points for retaking a class? Unfortunate for me, by the time I healed and finished up with court dates, I had missed science labs as well as exams. This is what really drove down my GPA, and I know science courses are important!

Thanks again! =)

passmethesoysauce · Jun 10, 2010

Hey OP. I am in the same shoes. I graduated with a Kin degree last year with a Cum. GPA of 2.75. I plan on going back to school for nursing. Right now I am working at a gym.

There are nursing schools to get your BSN in a year. It's called accelerated pathway to a BSN.

Here is the link for schools around your area

http://www.bestnursingdegree.com/programs/accelerated-bsn/

I suggest re-taking pre-requsite classes to boost up your pre-req GPA. I am re-taking one or two classes in the fall. I also applied to a couple of schools for the academic year of 2011. GPA is important but it isn't everything. For accelerated BSN NURSING programs, many schools look at your personal statement essay, resume which lists your academic and work experience and letters of reccomendation. I'm hoping schools will look at the whole picture rather than the GPA. Also, schools may accept applicants on a first come first basis.

I'm glad to hear someone is in the same boat as I am in. PM if you have any questions. I would gladly help you out.

csweetooth · Jun 28, 2010

Hey there is hope,

You still have to do your pre reqs. If you can do really well on them then you still can get into most schools. They will see that you have improved and are ready to go to nursing school. The grades for your pre reqs are very important.

Good luck

bailey8 · Jun 28, 2010

Thanks guys! I have been looking at accelerated programs as well as traditional BSN and ADN programs. Financially, I think that an ADN program is the smartest option, but obtaining a BSN in a year would be wonderful.

As far as I can see, I have all of my pre-reqs completed. I may have to end up retaking some courses for a high grade.

Thanks again! =)

happyinga · Aug 2, 2010

Hi! I am new to this site, well, actually new to Georgia. I have recenlty graduated with a BS in Kinesiology. The good news is...I really really want to be a nurse, the bad news is....I have a really really low GPA. I went from 3.8 in high school and 1st year of college, then really low, then back to 3.8 again. I had some terrible things that happened in a couple of years and my grades really suffered because of it. Now my cumulative GPA is a 2.7. I generally do really well on standardized tests, and interviews. Are there any non-competitve schools near Dunwoody, GA? If not, are there any schools that will focus on more than GPA?
I am open to an Associates or a Bachelor's degree. What options would you recommend? I am willing to drive up to 2 hours to get to school.
Now that I have had time grow past what happened, I understand that I should have taken a break from school to get my life back together. Unfortunately, it took a few F's before I realized I needed assistance. Please help! It wasn't until these tragedies struck that I found my true calling in life. I can't wait to be a nurse!

Baily, Apply to Georgia Perimeter College. They like students with low GPA's. I know they turn down students with high GPA's for students with low GPA's. A current nursing student told her story of 1st getting turned down with a 2.16 but then got in with a 2.69 flunked out and applied again and they took her back. So I think if you are concerned with your GPA you should apply there.