Low GPA? Is there hope??? YES! Read this! Possibilities attached!

[Tela]

So I spent the last year taking nursing pre-req's...by my standards I was killing it (grade-wise), all A's and B's. Applied for several more programs...all came back as a no, but one! I actually had an interview...and then was put on their waitlist. It was my last semester of pre-req's and I believe they were trying to see what my final grades would be (making sure I had indeed turned my academic life around). Until (insert music for dramatic purposes) the last month, during my last semester of pre-req's I ended up homeless because of a ****-poor roommate situation! Anywho...did not do well on my finals, ended up with 2 Cs and a B. Who would take me now???? That waitlist school, lol...no. Denied!

So what now? Apply again? Sure. What happened...same as the previous two times.

So what happened today?!?!?! I was accepted to a BSN program!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I spent all Summer researching programs with lower GPA requirements because I am willing to relocate anywhere on the planet Earth! What I found was that my 2.4 hindered me a lot when it came to 2nd degree/accelerated programs.

Everyone here probably would love to become an RN and take the quickest course to get there, however, that was my problem. I was limiting myself and my opportunities by looking at only 2nd degree programs...but once I accepted that slow and steady might win me the race aka: tried looking at transfer programs, etc. I found programs that I would actually have a greater chance of being accepted.

And an extra side note: don't get caught up in a school's name/prestige... Because there are plenty of excellent schools out there (a lot in the middle of no-where-ville), which are not only accredited but will mold and adequately prepare you with the same title that comes from more 'notable' institutions---> RN!!!!

With that said: I applied to d'youville college (granted I did something I had never done before) I wrote an additional letter addressing the decline in my last semester's grades, why it had happened, why it was unlikely to happen again, why I hoped those last few grades didn't completely influence their decision because I am capable of maintaining long-term academic success...etc. And today, after stalking the mailman through the blinds, I saw it! A big, white, envelope...my acceptance letter!!!!!

Maybe all those who are looking for someone to give them a 2nd academic chance with have a chance with d'youville college in Buffalo, New York as I did!!!! Something fantastic about this program?!?! Once you are admitted to the school, you are automatically admitted into the nursing program! No 2nd application, no waitlist, (and in my case) no interview!

There's soooo much I would like to say/write...but this is getting ridiculously long, so feel free to respond with any comments and I will try to answer to the best of my knowledge!

A tad bit of extra program info that I have come across recently:

• If you have a previous degree (any subject) with at total GPA of 2.5, and complete specific pre-req's; you have an amazing shot with Remington college of nursing (Orlando, FL)
• Have a 3.0 overall? Or will have one soon?? Or willing to take extra courses (even filler courses: aka art, poetry, etc) to improve your gpa to a 3.0?!?! I highly advise you to look into Oklahoma city university. Accepted into the university = automatic acceptance into the nursing program. Why'd I mention the 3.0? This is what their website says: "because of the severe shortage of nurses, all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria and qualifications are accepted. Kramer school of nursing has no waiting list." "How many students are accepted into the program each year? How many students are currently in the program?" "as many students are accepted as qualify. During the 2011-12 school year, ksn anticipates approximately 500 students in total."

What are the admission requirements?

• A 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher
• grades of C (2.0) or higher in prerequisite science courses
• english proficiency
• not more than 9 credit hours of general education courses remaining

If you are like me and know that you are more than capable of excelling academically, and are given a 2nd chance to do so: let's do so this time around! Because this is probably our last time to show that we have what it takes to be good student nurses!!!

Also, those of you who were admitted to, or ran across similar programs that give lower-GPA students a chance, post them!!!! Don't hold on to that valuable knowledge!

Good luck to all, I wish your journey's all the best!!!!

Tela

p.s. All programs listed above are ccne or nlnac accredited

[Seas]

gamecock_24 said:

Congratulations on your acceptance! I am sure many people will find your post very helpful!

To the person who wanted the information for passing rate here is the link that has the passing rate for all NY schools.

http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/nurse/nurseprogs-nclexrn2008-12.htm

Thanks, I kept googling NY board of nursing, but it kept giving me the forum sites and all kind of junk.

[911toRN]

I am so glad you posted this I was starting to feel discouraged!

I am in my second to last semester working on a BA in Psychology, I have been a 911 dispatcher for 6 years working full time over 50 hrs a week. About 3 months ago I decided I want to be a nurse and have been looking at BSN programs to start next year. I will be graduating with a 2.7gpa, I do have all of my pre req's (with A's and B's, C in chemistry and sociology) since I started shcool 6 years ago as a biology major, and next semester I am taking the rest that I need. My gpa is low from my first couple of years just being working too much and not knowing how to balance both.

I am not trying to get into any of the accelerated programs, I was thinking I would have a better chance at the traditional BSN programs. I am starting my application now for Fall 2012 for Nova, that is the only one I found with a deadline of April 2012 for entry in the fall, still looking around for others with deadlines that have not passed yet. I'm thinking it's a long shot but it's worth a try. Not sure what other schools to apply to, hoping to stay in Florida I cannot relocate for personal reasons.

Let me know if you can think of any other schools in Florida with BSN programs that a low gpa would not be disqualifying right off the bat! I would greatly appreciate it!

[Angsturdy]

Good luck to you Tela! I loved your post!! It was inspirational! I think so many students are in the same boat. I myself have had to overcome a not so impressive gpa....retaking some classes and working uber hard, I was able to raise my gpa and I'm waiting to hear if I got into the nursing program. Should be the end if this wk or next week. I hope everyone reads your post and realize it can be done.

[Tela]

@ 911toRN: I know I looked at a lot of programs, many in Florida...can't remember which ones gave us a better shot...but I will definitely pull out my list when I get home and post what I find! But I know that you will definitely succeed...it may not be when you want it to...just don't give up hope!

@ Angsturdy: Thanks! I hope you get into your program also!!!!! GOOD LUCK! Let us know!

[Tela]

@ 911toRN: Sorry I didn't look as extensively into Florida as I thought, but here's a couple:

Broward College

Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences

Keiser University

PS...I know you're looking for a 'quicker' entry date....Keiser begins multiple times a year, as does Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences (but not as often as Keiser)

Also, I know you said BSN...If my memory serves me correct two of them offer BSN programs...but I believe you have to be an RN or complete their ADN program first to continue on to the BSN. (Don't quote me on this though) :-)

[Unthinkable]

Congrats Tela!! Reading about your triumph and perseverance gives me great hope. :) Where are you relocating from? Did you by any chance research schools in the west coast?

[Getting To Great]

I went to two different colleges in the past; and the gpa's for those were low. I am now attending a community college taking my pre-req courses. I would like to know when a BSN program(s) ask for overall gpa are they inquiring about your currrent overall gpa such as the current school I'm now attending or all of the overall gpa's that was taken in the past in total.

[Tela]

@ Unthinkable: I relocated to California a few years ago (Bay Area)...but unfortunately (in my research) I have found that California and a lot of west coast schools in general have less admission cycles/opportunities than the east coast and south-which makes competition much greater (for me). Price also seems to be much steeper, so I don't have much west coast info...and I see that you're from the LA area?

If that's correct, I have come across a lot of postings on here from SoCal that have info on no-wait/list programs, quicker entry programs, easier admissions, etc. (however, I also noticed that a lot of them were either ASN or higher tuition rates) So you should try to look under the Region tab here and see what you can pull up.

[Tela]

@ Juliansmom2011: Don't quote me on this response, but I'm pretty sure I'm right though :)

When a program asks for your overall gpa, they are asking for coursework taken from all previous institutions...in your case 2 prior and 1 current for a total of 3 schools (whose gpa's will be considered when combined; aka overall gpa)

HOWEVER, with that said...you should really take note of each school's admissions requirements specifically and individually, because there are some schools who will specify that they will only consider your pre-req overall gpa, and other courses taken will have little impact on their decision. Or some schools require a minimum pre-req overall gpa, in addition to a minimum overall academic gpa. (Ex. You must have an overall gpa of at least a 2.5 (all 3 of your schools combined) and have an accumulative of a 2.8 or better in your pre-req's)

There are so many variations, you just have to read carefully to see what that specific school desires. Hopefully I helped and not confused you! lol

[Getting To Great]

@Tela: Thanks so much for the clarity...Majority of the BSN school require overall gpa along with the pre-req gpa. It's mostly the ADN school that requries one, which is the pre-req gpa. Thanks again.

[Iridescent Orchid, CNA, LPN]

Thanks for posting this! While my GPA isn't too horrible, this has definitely given me more hope than I've previously had about future endeavors! I am definitely going to pass this along to my friend who'd love to hear this information! :) Thanks again!

[Tela]

@ Juliansmom: No problem!

@ Iridescent Orchid: Yea, tell your friend not to give up hope; it might not come when s/he may want it to, but it'll come right on time! It gets kind of discouraging seeing everyone with higher gpa's post their acceptance celebrations, but when you see someone in your situation (or similiar to it) succeed it kinda renews your spirit also!