Is one C on my transcript going to kill me?

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Hey guys,

I'm currently working on my BSN.

So I just bombed a test because of how poorly I prepared for it. I've been getting B, B+ type of grades on my anatomy/physiology, org chem, and microbio courses. I have an A in all of my English, sociology, and psychology courses. My GPA stands at a 3.2 with 49 credits.

The highest grade I can get in my nursing pathophysiology is a B- if I get a 100 on the next exam. I'm more likely to get a C or C- though since it's very rare for anyone to get a 100. The class average on exams is usually 81. With an A on all my other courses this term and a C on nursing patho, my GPA will be bumped up to 3.28 and I have 122 credits remaining.

So is this C or C- going to kill me if I ever decide to apply to grad school? I have no idea what I want to do yet but I don't want to shut off my possibility for grad school like NP school. It just worries me because it's such an important class.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

It could very well have an impact on grad school admission, particularly for very popular programs. However, most grad schools also consider standardized test (GRE, MAT, etc) score submission. If you ace that, it may make all the difference.

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I would concentrate on the here and now of preparing for that next exam and let grad school be a worry when the time comes.

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Check your syllabus, a C- may be a failing grade. Many nursing schools require at least a C to progress.

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I do agree with above comments. Focus on what is right here, right now. I do not think a C can drastically alter your entire life. Besides, before you can even think of applying to NP, you have to work as an RN for a few years.

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You're right that patho is really important to nursing, it's also really hard. The book my class used is the same book that the physician assistant program uses. You have 2 options: repeat the course or take the grade. But don't let worry be an option because that's a waste of your energy. Improve your study plan/habits for the upcoming semesters so that retaking patho can be an option.

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I do agree with above comments. Focus on what is right here, right now. I do not think a C can drastically alter your entire life. Besides, before you can even think of applying to NP, you have to work as an RN for a few years.

Well not entirely true. I know a top rated program that you don't need to work as an RN first. I plan to work as an RN for 1-2 years first but just saying! I've seen many nurses stuck and never finishing the NP in years, I know experience is important, but I'm going to make sure that I get my NP in a reasonable amount of time.

The last nurse I spoke to about it, she is an ED nurse and she's been 8 years into getting her NP, and she's worked for 12 years. I plan to work per diem when I'm in grad school so I can finish and earn my NP in 2 years time.

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