low GPA, any hope for NP?

Published

Hi everyone. I'm sure this question has come up a hundred times, but I'm going to go ahead and try again. I'm considering applying to a master's program for ANP. I recently graduated this past May with my BSN and was an LPN for 2.5 years prior. I am currently working on the telemetry/CCU floor for 6 months now. Actually I am in the process of finishing up an application to The George Washington University ANP program (trying to come up with a killer essay, lol). Mine as well give it a shot, right? My problem is, I have an undergrad GPA of 2.6. I know, I know...it's less than 3.0. and that's not much experience. Yes, I know! But I have this strong drive and passion to be an NP and not wait until I'm 40 years old. I want it while I'm not married and no kids. It's the perfect time in my life to do it. I have close to 200 credit hours of undergrad classes with a 2.6 GPA...I'm never going to bring that GPA up in my lifetime. I've had various reasons of having a less than stellar GPA (much family sickness, working FT, and immaturity in my earlier years of college). And now I'm realizing the importance. *sigh*. Now I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place with the possibility of maybe never getting into a masters program. What I'm mainly wanting to know is: is there anyone out there that has gotten into an NP program with a low GPA? Is there any hope out there? What should I do? I have lots going for me (president of my nursing program, did study abroad twice, my grades improved the closer to graduation). I'll quit rambling. Thanks in advance for the info :)

Specializes in Nursing Education, CVICU, Float Pool.

Good thread.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

That's a tough call. Most schools required at least 3.0 GPA minimum. My GPA was 3.12 overall but I have 3.5 for nursing alone. I was admitted for DNP with great references and a goal statement. I wouldn't say never but do your homework. Research for that one school. I'm sure it exists! Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg.

I'm worried about the same. I have 230 credit hours so my GPA won't go up. My cumulative is also 2.6. However, my ADN was 3.7 and RN-BSN was 4.0. I'm hoping they'll overlook my 2.1 prior to nursing school and focus on how I did well in nursing school.... Still very worried.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma-Surgical, Case Management, Clinic.
I'm worried about the same. I have 230 credit hours so my GPA won't go up. My cumulative is also 2.6. However my ADN was 3.7 and RN-BSN was 4.0. I'm hoping they'll overlook my 2.1 prior to nursing school and focus on how I did well in nursing school.... Still very worried.[/quote']

Can you explain why if you have a lot of credit hours your gpa will not increase by retaking classes? I've heard people mention this before but I don't quite understand why.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg.
Can you explain why if you have a lot of credit hours your gpa will not increase by retaking classes? I've heard people mention this before but I don't quite understand why.

When you have that many credit hours, it takes a lot of hours to increase a GPA.

For example, a student with 230 credit hours and a 2.6 GPA would have to take 92 credit hours and earn nothing but A's (4.0) to achieve a 3.0 GPA.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma-Surgical, Case Management, Clinic.

When you have that many credit hours, it takes a lot of hours to increase a GPA.

For example, a student with 230 credit hours and a 2.6 GPA would have to take 92 credit hours and earn nothing but A's (4.0) to achieve a 3.0 GPA.

Oh ok, thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Like all the advice that has been given, do not give up. There are NP programs that will take students with low Gpa on a provisional status and you just have to increase your Gpa to a 3.0 within your first 12 units. If you can't find one out there come to Cali!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma-Surgical, Case Management, Clinic.
Like all the advice that has been given do not give up. There are NP programs that will take students with low Gpa on a provisional status and you just have to increase your Gpa to a 3.0 within your first 12 units. If you can't find one out there come to Cali![/quote']

Which programs would you recommend in CA? I'm in southern Ca currently researching programs and also considering a distance learning program but my gpa is low. Just trying to figure out what my options are.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hello, I have the same. story, can you please message me the name of the school. Thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×

may I ask which school??

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Utilization management, psychiatric-mental health.

Any recommendations for programs in NY?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion