low GPA, less than 3.0, HELP

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I am on the verge of a panic attack. I graduated last year with a BA in Psychology... Had I have known I would ever consider nursing and realize the value and unparalleled room for career options, I would have taken my sciences, etc. A LOT more seriously...I have a cumulative GPA of 2.82. I have been studying for the GRE just to realize that I don't think it will help me that much...and certainly won't replace a competitive GPA. I see threads on here about potential options for those in my shoes--I am already 25 though, I have juggled school and work and the military for years. I knew I would need to go on to get my masters degree, but as it stands I am far from eligible for a BSN - MSN program, let alone most BSN programs. I want to have the opportunity to be in a position to earn my MSN before I am 30. I would not work at all while I am in an accelerated program. I have saved enough to this point that this is possible, but to have to take many additional courses before even getting into a program, or wasting money applying to schools that won't even give me the time of day, would be extremely counterproductive to my end goal, ultimately. Are there any schools out there that would look at my extensive patient-care volunteer experience, GRE scores, professional resume, essay/explanation letter, interview me, etc. in lieu of a GPA below par? I am willing to go ANYWHERE in the country!!!

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Most schools need you to have a minimum math and science GPA of 2.8. Being that you're right at the borderline of that, you wouldn't be considered that competitive. I would try to retake some science courses and go from there.

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Specializes in Oncology.

Don't let anyone ever tell you you cannot do something. If this is what you really want to do, take a year and retake some science classes. Really focus on these because these are the classes that majority of nursing schools look at. Also, almost every nursing school has an entrance exam whether it be the HESI, Kaplan, or TEAS. Make it a point to study for this exam (most schools look at your score paired with your GPA). You can do this!!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

You may have to retake science courses OR, do CLEP-College Level Examination Program, on you sciences in order to boost your science and GPA-I did this and was able to be accepted into the program that I chose, no big deal. :)

Look into what schools accept CLEP courses and find out what would be a reasonable course of action; you may need to take the TEAS or the NLN exam in addition to the GPA-programs vary, and if needed, go through a traditional program; if you have enough credits, it will be two years of nursing courses vs 15 month, which really isn't a difference-what's the rush? :)

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

Are you looking at ABSN program? You can search ABSN and check what they require for Minimum GPA on first bachelors. I think the Univ. of Wyoming goes down to 2.5. Majority are 3.0, but there are some with 2.8. Also if you are a veteran you also have an advantage at many schools. CALL or email schools you are interested and explain your situation and see if they will accept your application. Just start applying EVERYWHERE you can and you will probably get in somewhere. The big thing is do you have prereqs done? All schools are different. Start taking chemistry and AP I and II. Those are pretty standard requirements for all. Also Statistics would be good. And..GET GOOD GRADES.

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Specializes in PACU.

Ok, here is the thing. The minimum grade that many nursing schools say they will take in 95% of situations isn't even close to their minimum for what they consider competitive. You'll see many programs that say "3.0 GPA minimum" but they don't accept anyone with less than a 3.7 GPA. There are schools that are lenient with GPAs, and there are schools that don't base their selection on GPA alone. There are tons of programs that look for a well-rounded applicant-- I would seek out those schools.

That being said, I would seriously consider retaking anything you didn't get an A in to become a competitive applicant.

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windsurfer8--- I've spent the majority of the past week doing just this, believe me lol. I do recall seeing that the University of Wyoming had lower standards posted (probably because they don't have near as big a volume of applicants) but as you stated, you really have to call or email to get the real deal I've discovered. I have mainly just communicated through email so far, but I have reached out to 4 different schools and have gotten NOWHERE. Don't get me wrong, I don't expect a lot of leniency at all, but for admissions' representatives to literally copy and paste what I have already read myself and simply add something to the effect of "...we actually recommend our applicants have

I am a veteran, and while I do not want to take advantage of that as though it replaces being truly qualified, I would like to explain that I worked full time for a large portion of my undergraduate career, was often interrupted in the middle of courses, etc. I sacrificed that at the time because that was the only way I could get my bachelor's degree. If I could just explain that there was already a tremendous difference evident when I was being called upon for duty vs. only working part-time during undergrad, it might help them to better understand my argument. If only I could get someone to give me the time of day...*sigh*...

I do not have all of my prereq's done; I need to take a nutrition course and A & P II. I had a "B" in statistics and A & P I...chemistry and micro unfortunately resulted in a "C." I am now more than willing to re-do my pre-req's that I did not do well in, however, I am finding that some schools do not offer course forgiveness! Ahhh...and as open as I am to applying everywhereee, it would quickly get expensive! I have transcripts from 4 different institutions because I went to technical schools in two different cities before transferring to my 4 year institution, and have an Associate's degree that I earned through Air Force courses and CLEPs. Each transcript is about $10 to send off, correct? Not to mention application fees...the cost of the prerequisites...nothing worth having comes easy though, right? lol

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Well it incredibly expensive, and its ungodly expensive to live in Socal, but maybe West Coast University? I work with some new grads from there and they are all on point. I hear good things about the program from other places than students, its just really expensive.

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Thank you for the motivation back in January :). Wanted to let you know that I did indeed get into an ABSN program at Duquesne University that began in August and I couldn't be happier. It is very challenging, and I initially got off to a rocky start, but I am making improvements and know what I need to do to ensure that I make it through and pass the NCLEX. Thanks again for the encouragement...I'm living proof that it is possible!

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Unfortunately, I don't think your GPA is competitive. I would never recommend a for profit school, but it may be your only option. I was looking for NOT for profit BSN programs that admitted students with a lower cumulative GPA (mine was 3.25) and what I did to find schools was this:

I went state by state and searched for the state's nursing board. From there I looked up accredited schools in that state. I looked up the school's admission requirements and applicant statistics so I had an idea if my scores were cumulative. I only searched for a few states I would be willing to move to. It may be tedious to do for every state since you are willing to move anywhere, but if you really want this you can start doing that.

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Unfortunately, I don't think your GPA is competitive. I would never recommend a for profit school, but it may be your only option. I was looking for NOT for profit BSN programs that admitted students with a lower cumulative GPA (mine was 3.25) and what I did to find schools was this:

I went state by state and searched for the state's nursing board. From there I looked up accredited schools in that state. I looked up the school's admission requirements and applicant statistics so I had an idea if my scores were cumulative. I only searched for a few states I would be willing to move to. It may be tedious to do for every state since you are willing to move anywhere, but if you really want this you can start doing that.

This person got into an ABSN and has all ready started the program. Read the post before yours.

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