Low GPA for NP school

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Specializes in Post-partum, newborn nursery, ICU, Inter.

I just finished my first semester of Texas Tech RN to BSN program, so far I have a 3.3 gpa. I've never had such low gpa before and I'm worried it will be very hard for me to get into NP school. I'm thinking of applying for Texas Tech NP or UTA NP school. I figured even if I make straight A's next semester I can only achieve a max of 3.6 gpa. Is this too low? How low was your gpa and what grad school did you get into? Thanks guys.

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Many programs require a 3.0 or 3.5 gpa to apply; however, the chances of you being accepted with a lower gpa are slim. You can always retake classes to replace lets say a C grade with an A. My undergrad gpa for my my associates was 3.25. I was not accepted into a bridge (RN to MSN) program so I went for bachelor's in nursing and had a 4.0. I applied again an was accepted in. It's not all about gpa though... if you have excellent references and a personal statement you have a chance.

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Specializes in FNP.

It's really all going to depend how you look compared to the rest of the applicant pool. Depending on how much the GPA is weighted at the school that you are interested in as compared with other requirements such as letter of intent will answer your question. I would apply to multiple sites to increase your chances of getting an admission letter. I applied to 4 sites and received 2 letters of admission. When I applied I was just finishing up a RN to BSN degree and had a 3.96 GPA. But I didn't have the BSN yet so the other two schools had so many applicants that they only considered applicants with conferred degrees. Good luck with your applications!

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Specializes in ER.

It definitely depends on the applicant pool. I'll let you know my GPA was in the gutter (around a 2.9) and I did mediocre on the GRE. I applied to a couple schools and in my letter of intent, addressed my low GPA (in my case, horrible test anxiety), and even discussed it when I interviewed for my NP program with the director. She was very kind and understanding about it... I was actually accepted into the program minutes after my interview. Don't let your GPA discourage you (I know it's hard, trust me). Gain some real world experience, perhaps take some classes to help you and show intention of taking things seriously.

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It definitely depends on the applicant pool. I'll let you know my GPA was in the gutter (around a 2.9) and I did mediocre on the GRE. I applied to a couple schools and in my letter of intent, addressed my low GPA (in my case, horrible test anxiety), and even discussed it when I interviewed for my NP program with the director. She was very kind and understanding about it... I was actually accepted into the program minutes after my interview. Don't let your GPA discourage you (I know it's hard, trust me). Gain some real world experience, perhaps take some classes to help you and show intention of taking things seriously.

Thanks for your response. I graduated with a low GPA as well and am a little apprehensive about applying for the DNP program at my alma mater because of it. I struggled due to personal and family issues which caused some problems with faculty. In order for me to be apply, I'd have to take the GRE but even if I do well, I'm worried that I may be blacklisted because of my issues with the faculty. What do you suggest?

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Specializes in Psychiatric/Mental Health.

Hi natira 23,

I just saw your post. If you want it just apply. If you don't get in at least you don't have to keep wondering what would have happened if you hadn't. I'll also advise you to apply to other schools. When I wanted to get into a RN-MSN program years ago I only applied to one school in my area. Didn't get in but was so confident that I would. I reapplied a year later. The nursing faculty interviewer said the exact same thing that she had said to me in my first interview "I think you are a good candidate for this program & I'll recommend you." I just went home & submitted an application for the RN-BSN online program at another school. Let's just say I wasn't surprised to see the denial details on the school's website. What am trying to say is am glad I applied again because now I know instead of guessing if I would have missed out & gotten admitted. Everyone's path in life is different but I still like to see a few things through than adding more stuff filled with guesswork. You could also look at schools without the GRE requirement. Hope this helps.

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I also recommend applying to several schools, even though it is a more work. You never know what schools are looking at. Many of them have some abstract concept of "fit" and look at much more than GPA. Also, sometimes not getting into your preferred school turns out to be a blessing. I was very disappointed when I was not admitted into my BSN school. I applied elsewhere, and wound up having a wonderful experience at another university.

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The school i did my BSN at does not replace the grade for your cum GPA but it shows both grades and which semester you look the class in on the transcript. do they look at that? i got a low grade the first time i took PEDS but retook with for a high B. anxious my GPA will put me out of the running for FNP

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