Low GPA Transfer Student: Options

[Yaya1964]

Hello,

I am planning on switching careers and entering Nursing school. I completed my BA close to 10 years ago, and spent most of my time raising my family.

I now want to enter nursing school - though at an older age. I am 43 now

Instead of pursuing the accelerated degree, I wanted to go back and do a 4yr BSN in Nursing. This would look odd - but the reason is pragmatic. My main source of funding (a scholarship) only applies if I do an undergraduate degree. Accelerated courses and masters are not covered. And because I do not have a solid background in the sciences, I thought doing the undergraduate degree all over will help.

To prepare for the nursing program, I am already taking science pre-reqs at a local community college, and my hope is that I would have completed, elementary algegra, introductory bio and chem, plus Anatomy and Physio 1 by the time I enroll next fall.

I got my undergrad degree (obtained outside the US) evaluated and the GPA was relatively low: 2.6.

Now, I am not sure what to do. I see three choices here:

1. Apply into Nursing School, as a transfer student. But will the low GPA matter since I am coming in as a transfer student (with an undergrad degree)?

2. Apply to a General Sciences degree program at the University as a transfer student. If accepted, I then attempt to switch my major to Nursing, after taking more science courses and nursing pre-reqs. I am hoping the new courses at the Univ would boost my GPA before I can apply to Nursing school.

3. Would it better to continue stay in the community college for one more year, and complete all pre-reqs needed to enter as a clinical ready student? If I do well in these courses from the CC, I am thinking they would boost my GPA, and ultimately, increase my chances to enter nursing school.

I would be very grateful if you could offer some advice on my options, etc.

thanks - Yaya

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Honestly? I don't believe that your current GPA will be adequate for admission to a nursing program. GPA is a very critical factor, since it is a direct indicator of your ability to study and learn. In my part of the country, accelerated programs rely on cumulative GPA and have even higher standards. However, most programs also utilize an entrance examination (TEAS, HESI, etc) as part of their admission process, so if that score is very high it may offset your GPA.

Continue with your pre-requisite courses - making stellar grades will pull up your GPA. Then if you can find a program that only considers your pre-requisite GPA, you'll have a much better chance.

Best of luck to you.

[Buyer beware, BSN]

OP: ( just one caveate)

If anyone from a for-profit entity contacts you and offers to show you a way forward, know that he/she is not your friend.

I believe the best and safest way to go for you has been articulated by HouTx.

By the way, go to (collegescorecard.ed.gov) to compare and contrast the possibilities.