Low Undergrad GPA in Non-Nursing Major

jredo2617 · Jan 27, 2016

Hey there,

In a similar boat as you except I graduated with a BS in a non-nursing major. I switched from a science major to a non-science major halfway through my undergrad, and I finished with an overall 2.8. I'm applying to my local community college after completing some pre-reqs already and now waiting to sit for the TEAS in February....the program I'm applying for asks for a minimum of a 2.75 gpa.

I'm also interested in other peoples' advice, but honestly in my opinion the gpa may be an issue...At least that's what I'm always told. So like you said if you choose to raise your gap with the pre-reqs then def go for that Whatever you're considering, make sure you have high grades in your pre-reqs and do very well in any required entrance exams...it will help a low gpa. Good luck!

mindofmidwifery, ADN · Jan 28, 2016

It's going to be hard raising your GPA since you have so many credits already. Are nursing programs competitive in your area?

verene, MSN · Jan 28, 2016

It's going to be hard to raise your GPA as you have a lot of credits behind you already. This may make it much more difficult to get into a nursing program - particularly if you are trying to transfer into a BSN program, or intend to finish out a degree in something and then apply to and ABSN. However, it may also not matter all that much - several of the ASN programs in my area only care about GPA in pre-res and HESI/TEAS scores. So if you go back and rock your pre-reqs, you'd still have just as much of a shot as anyone else in getting in to one of these programs. Check the requirements for your local programs.

rmarmar · Jan 28, 2016

Thanks for the feedback! Programs are competitive and impacted in my area (CA). So much so that I'm considering out-of-state programs. I'm bound and determined to overcome my low GPA. Now, it's just getting there.

BBboy · Jan 28, 2016

Some schools may look at your overall coursework others may look at only your pre-reqs and additional items. Really just depends on where you are applying, I'd say for ABSN programs you'd be at a disadvantage but i do remember a thread popping up recently about a 4 year that takes ABSN students if you met their minimumd

Zyprexa_Ho · Jan 29, 2016

I have a bachelor's and am going back for nursing. I chose the ASN to save time and money. Do well in your Prereq classes and look for a ASN program that only considers prereq GPA.

Mini2544, ASN, RN · Feb 3, 2016

HI There!

Same here, I am choosing a ASN program which re calculates GPA based only on the required pre reqs (some are non science of course) but if you were a goober like me when i was 19 and got a D in Intro to Theatre (really who does that) you need a program which isn't interested in that kind of thing.

I find that more often than not, most aren't. (ASN Programs that is)

ABSN programs are usually based on total GPA though. I am doing a 4 semester ASN program and jumping right into my RN-BSN program. Most of them give you an extended period of time to finish all the courses, so you don't have to necessarily do it at an accelerated rate.

I volunteer at our only level 1 trauma center which is a community hospital and what they look for is someone who is going to pursue the BSN route, if they don't already have one. Also past work experience, even non medical, can make a difference. I worked for a wireless company for 7 years, and believe me, the interpersonal communications skills i acquired form that, do make an impact. I see a lot of people on here that say other wise, which is simply not true.

I am at a CC taking my pre reqs and i love it. I have done extremely well, but even at a CC you are going to have to really study. I am taking Micro, AnP 1, College Algebra, and 2 other core requirements and a 1 credit continuation of my nutrition course and let me tell you, I feel like I maybe took on a bit too much, haha. However, nursing school isn't going to be any better so i figure i should prepare myself now!

I am not sure where you live, but I am in central Florida and it is very common for ASN RN graduate to be offered a job even before they graduate.

I sometimes think people are just too picky and have no idea how to interview and thats why they don't get jobs after graduation.

Anywho, thats my vent and good luck with everything!

Sarah

windsurfer8, BSN, RN · Feb 5, 2016

Absolutely your GPA matters for ABSN. However if I read correctly you do not have a bachelors at this time? If you do not you are ineligible for an ABSN. If you are still working on your first bachelors get your GPA as HIGH AS POSSIBLE. Most ABSN programs have minimum of 3.0 on first bachelors to apply...read that MINIMUM. Your best bet from this point forward is to 1. Get As or Bs in every class you take. 2. Contact the school you want to attend and speak with a academic counselor. Find out what you are eligible for. In the medical world grades absolutely matter..GPAs MATTER. Good luck!