Low GPA--Chances of getting into NP Program?

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Just want to throw this out there and see if anyone else is in the same boat, or knows someone who is/was? I finished my undergrad in 2006, and have been working ever since as an RN. My undergrad GPA is around 2.8/2.9. I'm ready to go back to school now, to get my Masters and be a FNP--however everything that I'm reading says very clearly "competitive" and "undergrad GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale". I'm bummed, because clearly my GPA is below the 3.0 mark, and if things are so competitive, then I'm thinking even a conditional acceptance is probably out of the question. I'm wondering if it would be smart to try to take some classes towards another MSN--realizing that they would be essentially useless, but may help to show that I'm not a 2.8 student anymore. Would they take that into consideration?

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

What about taking some grad level courses to boost your GPA and show the admissions committee that you can be successful?

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I'm very early in the process of researching all of this, is it possible to take classes at the Masters level that will go towards FNP? There are only 2 programs in my state, and 1 is completely out of the question because it is so costly...should I just call the admissions office and plead my case?

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Specializes in allergy and asthma, urgent care.

Nicole,

My undergrad GPA was less than stellar, but I took more courses and got all As. I also wrote in my application essays that I was more mature now and took my schooling very seriously, as my recent grades showed (or something to that effect). I ended up being accepted to every school I applied to.You can contact the school you're interested in for an informational interview, and ask what you need to do to make yourself more competitive for admission. Also, remember that grades aren't the only criteria they're looking at. Schools also put a lot of emphasis on professional and personal recommendations. A letter from your nurse manager or DON praising the high quality of your work as a nurse will mean just as much, if not more, than your undergrad GPA. Best of luck to you!

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Education.

I guess the question is why is your GPA so low?

By the way how many years of experience do you have? And why do you want to go onto

school now? There are all important questions you have to be ready to answer.

Yes the FNP programs are being choosy on who the accept because they have way more applicants then they do seats. I would suggest getting really high scores on the GRE or MAT

and making sure you have excellent references, and a compelling essay. You have to find a way demonstrate that you are going to make an excellent graduate student. Having a low GPA will make them question how serious you are.

BTW you probably won't be able to just 'start' MSN classes. Its not like undergraduate where you can just sign up, you have to be admitted through the graduate school and be accepted into the nursing program. I would advise you go talk to someone at the school you are interested in and get their advice on how to make yourself a good candidate for admission.

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