Is my past going to mess up my future?

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Ok so here is the deal. I am 25 and finally figured out that I want to be a nurse. I am at SanJac in TX. My current Gpa is a 3.something. Gearing up for the Hesi and am excited. That being said this is my 3rd college. I have jumped from one degree program to another with no direction. Until my epiphany I was only in college because that's what you do after high school right ? Now I have direction and drive and a passion! But my past 2 Gpas were bad and I am talking 1.something bad. These gpas are being factored in with my current Gpa. Is it possible for me to get in now that I have my head on straight?

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

This is an issue that frequently surfaces here on AN but the answer is always "it depends" because of the variety of ways in which nursing programs compute GPA and determine applicant eligibility. It would be best to discuss this with someone authorized to provide information about the nursing program in which you're interested.

GPA continues to be a critical factor in nursing school acceptance - because it is the best indicator of an individuals academic ability. Marginal students are simply not adequately prepared to meet the challenges of nursing education. However, some programs place a lot of emphasis on entrance exam scores. If this is the case, it can offset a mediocre GPA. If you're unable to gain admission to an RN program, you could always try for an LVN program instead, and then utilize a bridge program at a later date.

Wishing you the best of luck on your educational journey

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I'm in the EXACT same spot. I'm a year older, 26, and to say I've slacked off for the past 7 years since graduation is an understatement. I lost my way and my GPA last semester was a 1.8. I'm terrified that I'm not going to get into any programs here in Dallas and that I'm going to be one of those adults with no career bouncing from job to job. I understand why they use GPA in the selection process but I think it shouldn't be the deciding factor. Passion, drive and focus should outshine your past... but that's just my opinion.

Have you spoken to anyone from your intended program? I just recently discovered what I wanted to do and haven't spoke to anyone but my mom. I've been reading a lot on the internet and it's not helping at all.

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Hi! Yes I spoke to the ladies over the selection process. They were pretty blunt about my chances to get in. That being said my 2nd choice only goes based off the Gpa of my prerequisite courses. So I'll just go there. Plan B is fine.

I would definitely go talk to them. Do you have any plan b/c schools? Shop around your first choice may not be the right fit. My second choice (College of Mainland which is 5 min from my house instead of San Jac's 30/40) has actually been more welcoming and open with information than San jac. We have the drive and the passion if they tell you no go find someone who's going give you a chance!

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HouTx: Yeah I called them after I read your response, and I understand the reasoning. It just grinds my gears because I didn't care back then and now that I do and my current Gpa reflects that change in mindset. But it's okay. Mama always said have a plan a/b/c. Plan b , college of mainland, which is the more fiscally responsible and its closer to my house, goes based on my prereqs. I'll be alright. Thank you for the reply.

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Specializes in Cardiac (adult), CC, Peds, MH/Substance.

Look on the bright side: some others didn't care back then and have DUIs or felonies on their records. That impacts the process more than a poor GPA. So, congratulations on only having a poor GPA! Could be worse.

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