Long-term plan for getting into Duke's ABSN program, do I have a shot?

ktmckinsey · May 14, 2012

Here's my background:

I jumped majors a lot in college (Ohio State University). I started out as a psychology major and had a 4.0 GPA my freshman year. Then, I decided to switch to a pre-med track. At the time I had a severe eating disorder that nearly killed me. I was too young and dumb to drop school while seeking help. It significantly lowered my GPA in my pre-medical coursework. Then, I got married young and ended up switching to a dual degree in English and French before graduation. My transcript isn't abysmal, but it shows a lack of focus and the fact that I was simply in undergrad too long. I graduated in early 2009 with a 3.2 GPA.

I've known since a little bit before graduation that I made a mistake. I should have done a BSN. This conviction hasn't wavered over the past three years.

I'm currently working as a technical writer at a very cushy company in NC (think Forbes Magazine-worthy work environment). They want to pay for a masters degree in technical communication from NC State and I'd be looking at making 80K/year within the next few years. Also, I have a two year old and I'm due with another in August.

If I did the masters program and got a high GPA would that help my chances of getting into Duke when I eventually change careers? (Eventual being in 5 years.) Right now I have a cushy job with flexible hours. Until my babies are a bit older, I don't want to rush into anything.