Is your undergrad program considered when looking at GPA?

[PCTerrific]

Hi all,

I'm starting to get my ducks in a row to apply in the next year or two, assuming I go the NP route (I am really interested in clinical bioethics, but not sure that is a realistic career).

I'm wondering about my BSN GPA. I have a 3.6, which is ok, but not a top GPA by any means. I graduated from Georgetown's accelerated program, where the program average is around a 3.2. I'm in at least the top 35% (thanks, Sigma Theta Tau), but not exactly where I fall-- certainly I know at least a couple people were much higher. As I understand it, Georgetown isn't actually a top nursing program, but they are pretty rigorous and we carried a lot of credits at a time. Is that a factor when looking at my academic record? I see a lot of people around here who say 3.8 is minimum for some of the more competitive schools.

I think I will have a strong app in other ways, but I'm sure that is true of everyone applying!!

I guess it is silly to worry about, because at this point GPA is what it is, but I don't want to waste too much time and money applying to schools that aren't going to seriously consider me!

[mzaur]

You'll be fine. That's a great GPA. 3.8 minimum? I don't think so. When programs post averages, I usually see 3.5 or so, and keep in mind that there are scores below the mean as well. Unlike other, more academic programs which tend to put a lot of weight on the statistics, nursing admissions tend to look at more than just scores, including your letters of rec, personal statement, resume, etc. As is often repeated, it is the "whole package" that counts.

[Kuriin, BSN, RN]

Average GPA for the top two schools (UPenn and UCSF) are 3.5-3.6. I'm not sure where you're getting the 3.8 from, lol.

[PCTerrific]

Thanks all! I probably saw 2-3 threads throwing around some high numbers and that was all I needed to indulge in some serious confirmation bias.

I really appreciate the responses and the time!