Low GPA looking into ABSN programs?

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Hi everyone, I am writing this out of sheer frustration. I graduated with a 2.88 and have gotten my gpa bumped to a cum of 2.96 with a 3.58 science cum. When I graduated college I immediately began a MBA but after a semester decided that I really hadn't let go of wanting to pursue health care. In the beginning of 2010 I went headfirst into all my prereqs as well as have been volunteering in the NICU. I (not realizing the competitiveness of nursing) applied for MEPN programs thinking I would get in. Ha! So now I have set my sites on ABSN programs for the most part - - don't really want to go back and do another 3 or 4 year program. I applied to Regis University and Denver and was excited when I was given an interview! :yeah:Their website says you can apply with a min. of a 2.5 so here I am thinking that they look more at the student overall than the GPA. WRONG. After speaking with admissions about why I was denied they told me I had a fantastic application (I have fabulous letters of rec, volunteer service, and soon my phlebotomy cert.) but my gpa was low (which I understand, there is no denying).... however she then tells me for the last 2 years or so the average being accepted is a 3.4 and above. Frustrating.:mad: I think to myself, well why even bother interviewing me and having me fly out if at the end of the day I wasn't even going to be considered bc of my gpa.... I also applied to UC Denver and was denied even them looking at my app bc of my gpa.

The thought has crossed my mind that this whole "shortage of nurses" idea has given schools and opportunity to boost their reputation as a prestigious school and be less considerate of those who may not have had gpa's in their undergrad they are proud of but who have worked hard since to prove themselves.

Had to vent. Sorry. :crying2:

I really don't have any classes I can retake from my undergrad being that I don't even live in the same state. I guess I can take a bunch of silly classes to boost my gpa to that 3.0 mark but is that worth the money? the time? the headache? It clearly looks as though a gpa of a 3.0 is hardly acceptable either. I start a phlebotomy program in the fall to keep me busy but am seriously so frustrated with trying to find a place that will consider me. I am a strong student now that I know exactly what I want to do...it is so incredibly difficult to change your gpa if in your undergrad you may have messed up here and there. How about a school willing to offer second chances?

So my question is.... does anyone out there feel my pain and know of any schools that are forgiving???? I live on the west coast, willing to move but across country?..I dunno, maybe for the right schools but beggars can't be choosy I guess.

At the end of the day, I want to be a nurse. I will do what it takes to get there too. I am determined. However, applying over and over again and getting rejected over and over has taken its toll :crying2:

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

I hear private, nonaccredited schools tend to be very forgiving.

I am sorry you are frustrated. I hope you find a way to get what you want.

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Regis and CU-Denver are SUPER competitive! I'm from Colorado and never even applied to those, I just didn't think there was a prayer that I'd get in. I'm going to PM you an option!

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Specializes in Electrophysiology, Medical-Surgical ICU.

I would look at some community colleges in your area and maybe try and AND it will take you about 2 yrs and probably be cheaper....and ABSN program will take you anywhere from 12-18 months so its almost about the same time frame

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Regis and CU-Denver are SUPER competitive! I'm from Colorado and never even applied to those, I just didn't think there was a prayer that I'd get in. I'm going to PM you an option!

Thank you so much! Your situation has given me a bit of hope! How do you like your program? The area?

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I would look at some community colleges in your area and maybe try and AND it will take you about 2 yrs and probably be cheaper....and ABSN program will take you anywhere from 12-18 months so its almost about the same time frame

Hi Mesha913, yah where I live in CA....believe me there is no way to get into a cc program... waitlists for even qaulified people is forever long.

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Specializes in Electrophysiology, Medical-Surgical ICU.

That sucks...hope you do get in some place !

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I was in the same situation, I had a lower cumulative GPA but a really nice science, pre-nursing core GPA. I actually was accepted into a school that looked at the pre-nursing science GPA ONLY and not at your cumulative undergrad degree. Maybe you could look for a school in your area that accepts students using the pre-nursing GPA?

Good luck, hope you find something soon. Don't get discouraged, it takes time and perserverance!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

Please don't give up. This is the website I give out to anybody looking for ABSN programs. http://www.bestnursingdegree.com/programs/accelerated-bsn/

Go state-by-state and visit their website. Wish you the best. I have confidence there is a school that will accept you.

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thank you, I found that discovernursing.com actually has way more programs to look at... it is just so much... I wish there was a site where you can put in all your prereqs and your gpa and then it would filter them for you as to which school is a good match! oh the ideas I have come up with through this whole research and app process lol!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.
thank you I found that discovernursing.com actually has way more programs to look at... it is just so much... I wish there was a site where you can put in all your prereqs and your gpa and then it would filter them for you as to which school is a good match! oh the ideas I have come up with through this whole research and app process lol![/quote']

Does that site just show you only all the ABSN programs by state? I think it shows you all nursing programs which includes ADNs, diplomas, and BSNs. Way too much unless you are also looking at those other types of programs.

When I was looking for ABSN programs in my area, I just narrowed it down to 3 schools and then from there I chose the one that required the least amount of prerequisites to take.

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Talkto the programs you are interested in. MOst schools that I looked into considered the WHOLE person, not just one aspect of your profile, ie. undergrad. They should look at the GPA in addition to your letters of recommendation, your volunteer experience, your essays, etc. If they are smart, and your package is good, they should give you a shot. If they deny you, take a look at who is denying you and see if someone will talk to you about it. I was in a similar situation as you and applied to a few schools and only one said no because of the low GPA. All the others gave me a chance to tell my story and I was able to select my first-choice school.

Get some experience or go volunteer. They look highly at those items.

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