Low GPA? Is there hope??? YES! Read this! Possibilities attached!
Short back story: I have a bachelors degree in sociology...did horrible all but the last year and a half. Graduated with a 2.4 gpa...finally realized what my desired...nursing. Of course, I'm not competitive with a 2.4 GPA right? First round of nursing apps...denied!
Nursing StudentsPre-NursingArticle
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
