Low Undergrad GPA, ABSN programs

[kopatel23]

I graduated almost two years ago with a GPA of 2.48. I know that is incredibly low and I regret the mistakes I made in the past. I have my reasons for the low GPA but the fact of the matter is that when I apply to nursing schools they will see just that. Since graduation though I have retaken classes (aced them) and gotten a phlebotomy certification. I applied for this Spring but got rejected nearly everywhere. What should I do besides taking more classes.. because that is only adding to my debt. If that's my only option what classes should I be taking? I really want to become a nurse anytime I even consider another career it just doesn't seem right.

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

Most ABSN programs (if not all) require a minimum GPA from your first Bachelor degree of 2.75-3.0 Since you have completed your degree, you can not go back and retake classes to improve that GPA. The minimum GPA is the minimum to apply. The accepted GPAs will be significantly hire due to the fewer slots available in those programs. You may try to arrange for an appointment with the schools and explain the reasons for the low GPA and see if they will make an exception, but with the amount of applicants that nursing schools get, they will feel that the applicant with a 3.75 GPA is a far better candidate to get through their program. If you finished your first degree 10-15 years ago, then the "I have matured and I am not the immature 18 yr old I was back then" would have some validity, but you graduated 2 yrs ago.

The number one question the schools will ask you is "What has changed in the last two years that would make us want to admit you over someone that meets the admission requirements and has a much higher GPA than you?

[direw0lf, BSN]

When they look at your GPA they're going to think "she is less likely to be able to complete the nursing program and pass the nclex." So your task will be to convince them you 1. Follow though and don't give up or settle even when life gets tough 2. Can get the needed grades.

Everyone seems to have reasons for their low GPA. But I bet someone with similar reasons out there still got a 4.0. So I don't think you should tell anyone your reasons but rather focus on how you will overcome those reasons if they or similar happen again and how you'll be successful in nursing school.

Also you said you applied for this spring. I don't know when you applied but if it was recently they're probably just already full. My school you need to apply a year in advance usually.

[willowita, ADN, RN]

Instead of applying for the accelerated BSN, why not apply for a traditional BSN? And if that still doesn't get you in, you could always try an ADN, get good grades in that, and then bridge from RN to BSN. If you want to be a nurse, explore all the options. You can always get more advanced degrees after you get the license.

[Socal_EMT]

I will try and be realistic here, nursing is extremely competitive and when they look at people whom received such low GPA as yours it shows that you haven't been focused on a goal such as nursing. I would recommend that you take some more advanced sciences to set you apart from applicants, you need to go above and beyond the standards. Everyone has a sob story of how much more responsible they are now, and how immature they once were.... instead, show PROOF of how your a better student. I have improved BECAUSE of X and Y.... Remember they see 100's of applicants who have 3.5+ GPA,

think of it this way, would you want a nurse working on you that got 75% average in their classes?I know i wouldn't, the standard in medicine is 80%