low GPA

[seek4hope]

Hi,

I plan to apply for the entry-level Master program in Nursing at Cal State Long Beach and here is my situation. My GPA after college was okay ( 3.6). When I transferred to UC system, my GPA got screwed and dropped to 2.4 which made my overall GPA after 4 years dropped down to 3.1 . I wanted to repeat some science courses so I went back to school after I got my B.S degree and I finally completed all of them with all A's ( human anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry). Recently, I also scored 93% on the TEAs exam. I know the requirement clearly stated that applicants should have a B.S with a GPA of 3.0 or above. On my transcript, I got 3.6 after the first two years of college and 2.4 after the last two years of UC. ( 3.1 when you count all the units of all 4 years but it is not shown on the transcript).

So, my question is: what is my chance of getting into the program? I am now so nervous that my low GPA after my B.S degree will never get me anywhere. Thanks for your time and any feedback will be greatly appreciated.

[PacoUSA, BSN, RN]

I'm not from California so I can't answer your post with that in mind. But the best advice I can give you from someone in the pre-nursing area is to check out schools that place much more emphasis on your science prereq GPA, which in your case is an impressive and competitive 4.0, plus a stellar score on the TEAS. Tie that with some good recommendations and some volunteer experience and I say you have a very decent chance (and that's my opinion from someone who is not familiar with the CA nursing admissions process).

I was confused when you said "my low GPA after my B.S degree will never get me anywhere". I assume this was a typo? Also, the coursework you took after you completed your BS is oftentimes added to your total undergrad coursework, so in essence your overall 3.1 GPA could in fact go up a bit if you include these. Not sure if CA does follow this rule and I don't see why not, but I know it's done where I live.

GOOD LUCK, you're off to a good start and I am sure someone will recognize your talents.

[seek4hope]

Paco,

thanks very much for taking time to response. That is very helpful to me.

And on the note of consideration the nursing schools which place more emphasis on anything else besides GPA, I do have another question :

Does anyone know which schools in California, especially in South Cal which are not so strict on your accumulative GPA but place more emphasis on your pre-req GPA and Teas score? Thanks a lot in advance.