Low B.S. GPA hoping to enter a ABSN program or ELM

jimmnguyen37 · Aug 5, 2016

inputs on what schools I should apply to or anything to make my status more competitive?

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · Aug 5, 2016

Many ABSN programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0 from your previous degree. That is the minimum to apply, the accepted GPAs are going to be higher. I think your best bet is a traditional BSN program that only looks at pre-reqs.

elkpark · Aug 5, 2016

Welcome to allnurses!

Unfortunately, that GPA is going to be a hard sell for most any nursing program, esp. the ABSN and entry-level MSN programs, which are particularly demanding and competitive. I agree with looking at traditional, non-accelerated BSN programs. A lot (most?) of them are set up as two years of general ed and prereqs followed by two years of the nursing courses, and you would be able to transfer in to just the final two years if you already had all the other requirements, which wouldn't take you too much longer than an accelerated BSN. Best wishes!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Aug 5, 2016

Thread's been moved to the Pre-Nursing Student forum.

pachecko · Aug 6, 2016

apply to Mount St Joseph University Magelin program.

verene, MSN · Aug 6, 2016

You may really want to rethink an ABSN or ELMSN program with that GPA. One, it is going to be incredibly difficult to 1) find programs that you meet admissions requirements for 2) be accepted to programs whose minimum requirement and met, and 3) survive even if you do some how get accepted.

I don't say this to be mean or to discourage you from pursing nursing but to provide a reality check. These programs are very competitive - even if the minimum is a 3.0 GPA, the reality is the average accepted is likely a 3.8 GPA. These programs have lots of high acheiving, highly motivated students applying every application cycle they can afford to be selective in who they take, and they are. Schools don't want students to drop out along the way and you need to be able to show to an admissions committee that you have what it takes to succeed. The programs themselves move at a very fast pace and require students to be responsible for their own learning on a high level.

Really think about why you struggled in your undergrad degree - was it one year with a lot of crazy extenuating circumstances that you were ultimately to overcome? That you may be able to address in your admissions statement and still be accepted, particularly if those grades were shown to be an aberration, and you've overcome that place, and are generally a strong student. Or if you bring professional or life experiences that are going to carry you through.

If these grades weren't due to extenuating circumstances, then you need to think about why you struggled. What are your study skills like? Time management and prioritization? Are you self-motivated? Are you going to be able to handle a course load of 30+ hours of lecture and clinical a week and the additional homework and study time one of these programs demands?

You may also want to look into a variety of options for becoming a nurse - look at LPN, ADN, BSN, and ABSN and ELMSN programs. Which programs do you meet the entry requirements (or can easily reach them)? Which programs look like a work load and pace where you will be able to succeed? What additional factors are considered in addition to your grades that may bolster your application? Are there applicable pre-program courses you could take to boost your GPA and show ability to succeed?

windsurfer8, BSN, RN · Aug 7, 2016

One of the reasons for wanting a high GPA on your first degree is they want evidence you can handle an accelerated program. My first degree was business admin and I had a 3.7 GPA. Accelerated BSN was seriously 20 times harder for me. 21 hours a semester..clinicals...and non stop studying. If you get in just remember you are going to need to get into a totally different gear for it. Good luck man.