Low GPA, chances of NP?

Winnie04 · May 21, 2009

Hi,

If you can get your GPA closer to a 3.0 that will probably help a lot.

Ultimately, you won't know if you can get in unless you apply, so I say go for it! And as far as the GRE, there are a lot of MSN programs that no longer require it (in fact, I think there is a "sticky" about this topic in the grad school forum that lists schools that don't require it). If you do need to take the GRE, then it is something you can/should definitely study for...there are lots of practice books out there. There is also software that gives you mock exams (since the GRE is a computer adaptive test) and you can do practice tests until you are satisfied with your score. Most MSN programs like at least a 500 on verbal and 500 on math (not sure about the writing score...they probably like at least a 3.5 out of 6 I imagine?)

Good luck with the last year of your BSN!

gracet84 · May 21, 2009

Hi,
If you can get your GPA closer to a 3.0 that will probably help a lot.
Ultimately, you won't know if you can get in unless you apply, so I say go for it! And as far as the GRE, there are a lot of MSN programs that no longer require it (in fact, I think there is a "sticky" about this topic in the grad school forum that lists schools that don't require it). If you do need to take the GRE, then it is something you can/should definitely study for...there are lots of practice books out there. There is also software that gives you mock exams (since the GRE is a computer adaptive test) and you can do practice tests until you are satisfied with your score. Most MSN programs like at least a 500 on verbal and 500 on math (not sure about the writing score...they probably like at least a 3.5 out of 6 I imagine?)
Good luck with the last year of your BSN!

glad to hear that winnie!!!! :)

blondy2061h, MSN, RN · May 21, 2009

Honestly, your application wouldn't even be considered at any of the schools here with a that GPA. They don't even start reviewing applicants til 3.5. I'm not sure how much that varies across the country. You may need to re-take some classes to increase your GPA.

Scyankee · May 21, 2009

Honestly, if you are finding it hard to find the time to keep your GPA up don't expect your classes to get any easier. Working on that NP classes are going to get a little more vigorous. If you are finding it hard to balance your time between work and classes now maybe you should take a year or so off work full time and bank some money so that you can work very few hours or not at all while taking some of these classes. Work your three 12's if possible and have 4 days for classes and studying. Just an opinion as I know just trying to balance any school and a full time job can be rough.

What's the rule of thumb for every hour of class expect to spend two reviewing and studying. Working 32 hours a week and going to class another 20 would seem like your spending 72 hours a week between the two.

Some people can do it. It can be done but be ready in case you need to work less. JMHO.

Be_Moore · May 21, 2009

Getting your GPA to a 3.0 or close (2.9x) would be highly beneficial, if not necessary. Do what you need to do to make it work. But without a high GPA, you will WANT to apply to a school that requires GRE. If you can rockstar the GRE and get a 1200 or so, it will definitely offset your sub-par GPA. If you apply to a school that doesn't require GRE, they will only get to see your sub-par GPA. Make sense?

Most GRE books reccomend EXTENSIVE studying prior to testing, in the order of several months. Because of this, taking a year off between your BSN and MSN start would be beneficial. Time to study, get more work experience, and save money...because working full time in the MSN program is going to be tough-to-impossible. Part time may be manageable.

Moogie · May 21, 2009

I agree with the previous posters that you may need to retake some of your courses to increase your GPA. Graduate schools can be very competitive and it's true that some won't even consider candidates who don't have at least a 3.5 in their undergraduate work.

I understand that you want to fast track your career but please consider taking off some time to just work after you complete your BSN. While there are nurses who can successfully transition from a BSN right into an MSN or DNP program, for most it's best to have several years of practical experience, preferably in med/surg or a specialty. Do you want to be an adult nurse practitioner? You would want med/surg and a specialty such as neuro, renal, cardiac, oncology, psych, gerontology. Do you want to be a family nurse practitioner? You would need a background in adult med/surg, gerontology, pediatrics and obstetrics.

A varied background as an RN will also be a plus in getting you admitted to a MSN or DNP program. If I'm not mistaken, many programs require at least two years of practical experience before you can get in.

Best of luck to you in your future career!

melmarie23, MSN, RN · May 21, 2009

I think if you can get your GPA to at least a 3.0 that that would significantly put you in a better spot.

My school did not require the GRE, but they did require at least a 3.0 to be considered and like to see that you did well in your pre-reqs. And then once in, we have to maintain a B average or we are asked to leave the program. So if you can get into the habit now of studying and working as hard as you can in your classes, you setting yourself up for success in the future.

Time management is key. Once you are home from class, do your reading, studying and HW right away. If you need to cut back hours some at work to focus on your studies, then do that. Apply for scholarships for supplemental income. Move back home if need be. Or consider taking out a student loan. There are many options out there....you just have to figure out which are the best for you.

You will figure it all out eventually. It just takes a bit of extra planning.

Good luck!

egomaniacal1 · May 21, 2009

Honestly, your application wouldn't even be considered at any of the schools here with a that GPA. They don't even start reviewing applicants til 3.5. I'm not sure how much that varies across the country. You may need to re-take some classes to increase your GPA.

With respect to your post and without knowledge to your geographical location...this simply isn't true. Most programs will state the graduate nursing school boiler-plate, "..a minimum undergraduate g.p.a. of 3.0." Then you read their FAQ's and notice an average accepted g.p.a. around 3.0. It doesn't take a math major to figure out that averages at 3.0 mandate candidates admitted with g.p.a's under 3.0.

egomaniacal1 · May 21, 2009

I hate to police other peoples posts but I really feel like people need to either actually KNOW an answer or research their answers before they give them out as fact. Very few programs require "several" years experience. In fact, the largest majority of programs require one year or less, and those are usually clinical programs. What it all comes down to is this. Your gpa, GRE, experience all play a part. There are many schools that do not fill their rosters every year. You are almost guaranteed admission to a program that doesn't fill the quota. Further, many well-known, high-profile schools have online programs with much easier admission guidelines; George Washington University comes to mind and does not require the GRE.

Do not accept the advice or negativity from others who do not know you, your motivations or desires. Do your own research and call schools directly. Anything is possible if you believe and want it bad enough. Work hard and pursue your dreams with reckless abandon. I wish you the best and hope you succeed.

Moogie · May 21, 2009

With all due respect, my post was based on my own experience with graduate education. The program I attended was very competitive and most people had to have at least a 3.5 GPA before they were even considered. Additionally, the nurse practitioner and CNS tracks required at least two years of practical, relevant experience in a clinical setting. This was at a university associated with a well-known teaching and research medical center. I had eight years of experience in acute care at that medical center, plus a high GPA and I still found it to be challenging.

Not trying to discourage anyone, but I do think nurses need to be realistic in their career goals. IMHO, it's not realistic to want to jump into a nurse practitioner program, whether at the MSN or DNP level, without experience. I also know that most job openings for nurse practitioners, at least in my area, are for those who have some sort of clinical specialty such as mental health, nephrology or oncology. How can someone know what specialty he/she wants to go into without having experience?

BTW, I was a nurse educator for several years and, while I had several students who aspired to higher degrees, I never advised anyone to go for a master's immediately after finishing a BSN. I don't believe any of my colleagues would advise such a career move, either. In my own BSN program, I had a couple of instructors who had gone directly from a bachelor's degree to a master's without any clinical experience and they were very ineffective, especially trying to teach accelerated or RN to BSN courses.

Again, I am not trying to squash anyone's dreams but the OP did ask for honest opinions and I gave mine.

blondy2061h, MSN, RN · May 22, 2009

With respect to your post and without knowledge to your geographical location...this simply isn't true. Most programs will state the graduate nursing school boiler-plate, "..a minimum undergraduate g.p.a. of 3.0." Then you read their FAQ's and notice an average accepted g.p.a. around 3.0. It doesn't take a math major to figure out that averages at 3.0 mandate candidates admitted with g.p.a's under 3.0.

I can only speak for my area, but I can guaratee an application for a

I'm just going from the realistic perspective also. A 2.62 is barely passing.