Low GPA

You might need to research private schools or take some more classes and bust butt getting A's.

Some schools (like Duke) look at the most recent 60 credits.

Have you looked at Chamberlain? I believe it's min 2.75 gpa and then passing hesi and you're in. I went to an open house and it seems like a really good school. They have high pass rates for nclex and are accredited. It is $$$ though cause its a for profit school, but definitely something to look into.

Fruity,

I thank you for posting this topic, which I am sure many people have questions about but few as daring as you to bring it up. This is my take on GPA, I think it depends on what you have are doing to improve, are you showing a steady increase, and are you demonstrating that you have the ability to handle the rigors of nursing school. Every school is going to post a minimum GPA as it serves as a basis for showing the ability to handle the rigorous training. Don't be dissuaded by your GPA, approach recruiters or admissions personnel from the schools you are interested in and explain to them your interest and how your situation fits in to their requirements. Just remember...."A closed mouth never get's fed".

2daag

I looked into Duke, and they require at 3.0 GPA.

I have to agree with the above poster that you're going to need to look into private schools. It's just crazy competitive anymore at the public ones. Or, retake some classes if you're willing to take some extra time.

Fruity,

I thank you for posting this topic, which I am sure many people have questions about but few as daring as you to bring it up. This is my take on GPA, I think it depends on what you have are doing to improve, are you showing a steady increase, and are you demonstrating that you have the ability to handle the rigors of nursing school. Every school is going to post a minimum GPA as it serves as a basis for showing the ability to handle the rigorous training. Don't be dissuaded by your GPA, approach recruiters or admissions personnel from the schools you are interested in and explain to them your interest and how your situation fits in to their requirements. Just remember...."A closed mouth never get's fed".

2daag

Thanks for the words of encouragment :) At this point I've completed my prereqs and am looking into schools to apply to. My undergrad gpa isn't a true representation of what I am capable of. I've matured and have worked hard on my prereq to show I'm a better student now. I just need a school to see beyond my past GPA, which is a huge challenge in itself, but I'm willing to do whatever I have to do to get accepted. Hence, I've made myself vulnerable on this forum to seek any help :)

Hi Fruitypebbles,

Thank you so much for having the courage to post your GPA situation. I too have a 2.75 GPA for my BA, which I earned 12 years ago!!! Like you, I have matured quite a bit and improved my study and test taking habits. I went on to earn a MA in Clinical Psychology. This past spring I turned 40, and thankfully have a husband and familiy and friends who strongly encouraged me to FINALLY pursue my dream of becoming a nurse. My decision was to actually begin to pursue my LVN, and then attend a Bridge LVN-BSN/RN. I am in the process of completing my first term. I also became a Licensed Phlebotomist, to add to my experience/resume/CV. I did this on the advice of several admission counselors.

I agree with others on this thread that you'll probably need to look at private schools and/or take additional courses to raise your GPA. Speak to recriters, ask them which courses you should take over? Usually, I've been told it should be the science pre-reqs. Maybe that's an option for you, depending on what your grades were in these courses.

Keep your chin up and stay focused!! Good Luck!!

I looked into Duke, and they require at 3.0 GPA.

Chamberlain requires a 2.75 GPA you should try there

My grades in all the science prereqs and actually all other nursing prereqs are a B and higher. Do I really need to invest more money to retake classes that I got a B in? I know nursing schools are competitive, but the reality is straight A students don't necessarily mean that they'll be great nurses, right? I get so frustrated with this process because I feel like I, and others similarly aren't given the opportunity to showcase our dedication and commitment to our career paths because of subpar GPAs.

My grades in all the science prereqs and actually all other nursing prereqs are a B and higher. Do I really need to invest more money to retake classes that I got a B in? I know nursing schools are competitive, but the reality is straight A students don't necessarily mean that they'll be great nurses, right? I get so frustrated with this process because I feel like I, and others similarly aren't given the opportunity to showcase our dedication and commitment to our career paths because of subpar GPAs.

It really is an unfair system, but it's the way it is. My school didn't accept anyone with less than a 3.75, even though you only needed a 2.5 to apply. My best friend didn't make it in anywhere with her 3.5, so she had to go to a for "profit school" and pay a ton of money. She is going to be an amazing nurse, but got overlooked because she wasn't a perfect student. So, yes, they do look for As in those sciences. You don't have to have all As, sometimes, but the more the better. The schools can all be really picky right now because there is a huge number of us who want to get into nursing.