Low GPA, High Pre Requisites

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I graduated from UCSD with my bachelor's in Sociology 2011 with a 2.4 GPA. I recently went back to school to take Nursing pre reqs. My cumulative is ~2.8 GPA. I have a 4.0GPA in my sciences (chem, microbiology, physiology, anatomy). I've heard that some colleges look at your last 60 units which would put me at a 3.15GPA. (My last 40 units is a 3.8 but I'm including 20 from 2011 which drags my GPA down).

What are my chances at getting into a ABSN program (CSUN, Concordia in Irvine, CSULA)? Perhaps private versus CSU may be the way to go. Would they consider that I am not the same person I was in 2011 and they can clearly see that I am focused and have done nearly perfect since coming back to school and having life experience. I would definitely explain my situation in the essay or interview.

How about my chances at an ADN program at the community college level?

Thanks for reading!

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I am applying to an accelerated program and they only consider your nursing prerequisites when computing GPA. The head of the department made it very clear that what happens when you are 18 shouldn’t ruin your future. They allow you to retake courses once if you need to boost the GPA or if you didn’t meet the requirements.

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Thank you Amanda! That is wonderful to hear. Did you have a meeting with the counselor or did they say this at an infosession? Also, where did you apply? Best of luck!

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It's been my experience after perusing many programs that for many ABSN or Entry Level MSN programs, the requirements are at least a 3.0 for the Bachelor's degree and, of course, at least a "C" grade in prerequisites. Yes, some also look at your last 60 units as well, but you still have to have the minimum 3.0 for the bachelor's. You just have to check each program and see what they require.

I'll be frank, most people applying for these programs are far above the minimum 3.0 and that's for both their bachelor degree & prerequisites. Competition is tough in California. Far more qualified applicants than spaces available. Not sure what the requirements are for community college programs.

There are some programs that even allow you to petition to apply if your GPA is under the required 3.0. Of course, you have to write a separate explanation and it's up to them if they'll consider you to go forth w/ the application process.

It's going to be tough to get into a CSU or UC program in California w/ that GPA. Private may be the way to go, but even they are very competitive and 3x more expensive.

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11 hours ago, LTC5314 said:

Thank you Amanda! That is wonderful to hear. Did you have a meeting with the counselor or did they say this at an infosession? Also, where did you apply? Best of luck!

I am applying to LSUHSC-NO. I went to a couple of Infosessions. Have you thought about looking outside of a California?

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3 hours ago, Amanda_H_W said:

I am applying to LSUHSC-NO. I went to a couple of Infosessions. Have you thought about looking outside of a California?

^^^ This is actually an excellent idea and probably the way to go based on your GPA. If you take into consideration the amount you might spend going to a private college in CA compared to, perhaps, a community college or regular college out of state, you may actually save a lot of money and that's even including paying tuition, rent, bills, etc.. Also, the more "way out in the middle of nowhere" the college may be, it may give you more of a chance to get in.

Something to think about.

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I agree with you all that it will be tough to get into an ABSN program. I shouldn't have a tough time getting into a CC ADN program. I've looked at their multicriteria and my point total is pretty high when I calculate it out depending on my TEAs score. Moving out of California is a no go since my wife is a nurse and I cannot relocate my family. I've read threads of CC applicants getting in with X score and I'm above that score so ADN may be my only route. I will still apply to ABSN programs just incase.

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CSUSM looks only at your GPA in your last 60 units & prerequisites (along w/ TEAS score). Could be a great option for you! They have a 2nd campus in temecula too if thats closer to where you live

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I'm in the Ventura area.. I was looking at CSUSM and according to the average amount of points people got in with the last few years I would barely make the cut. Too bad it is too far from my wife's hospital and I couldn't justify driving 3 hours a day, bummer!

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ADN programs In Ventura county are very competitive. There are lots of students with Bachlor's degrees looking to get their RN with no debt. The only ADN program locally that does not factor in cum GPA is Pierce in LA. I applied to several back in January so requirements could have changed.

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Even with my GPA I score pretty high in most ADN programs even if they factor in Cumulative. Moorpark College, closest to my home is my best shot and I easily have a good enough score. Depending on my TEAs I'll have about an 88. I was reading past cohorts getting in with a score of 75. I just didn't want to spend 2 years for an ADN when I can spend 15 months for a BSN. If Concordia doesn't work out this may be my only route. Moorpark gives an extra 10 points for Bachelors which is really good.

Here is their criteria:

https://www.moorparkcollege.edu/sites/default/files/files/departments/academic/nursing/multicriteria_selection_01.21.15_0.pdf

Moorpark has a workshop on 10/22 if anyone wants to sign up.

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Hi!

I think its going to be really hard to get into a nursing school with that GPA. Don't be discourage though. My undergraduate GPA is not high either. It was actually considered pretty low compared to other students (Below 3.4). However, I got in to a ABSN program. Here is my recommendation, get hospital experience and start volunteering. Take on leadership role in hospital settings. I really believe that helped me get into nursing school. I know UCLA MECN program sometimes consider GPA's below 3.0 but you really have to show you have other experiences in the hospital field or with patients. I hope this helps! Wishing you the best! ?

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