So, after many years of being in school, then dropping out due to personal reasons, I'm now back in school and taking it very serious. It's been a long hard road in my adult years and I just haven't been able to stick my a dream of being a nurse. Until now. The problem is my GPA at a previous school. I had to drop out 3 different times, and didn't do it the proper way. So now I have a bunch of Fs since I wasn't smart enough to withdraw.
My collective GPA is 2.5 but my GPA at my current school is 3.86. I need a minimum of 2.8 to even be considered for nursing school in my area. I'm lost at what I should do. I'm really working hard now, putting in 19 hour days with full-time work and school 5 days a week. Making As, on the Honor Council, but it looks like it won't be enough. Feels like I will always be punished for the transgression of my youth. I'm almost 43 now and I don't want to be going to school for nothing. There isn't ANYTHING I would rather do than be a nurse.
What they said. ^^^ I was living in FL and wouldn't have been able to get into any school there (well, beside some of the for-profits). At the same time my husband was looking to transfer to a different location, and so I researched nursing schools in the locations he could possibly transfer to. One school counted only the last 24 hours of credits for GPA purposes, so we chose that location and that's how I got into nursing school.
Talk to the advisers, but also find out how the nursing deportment selects its applicants as sometimes there are entrance exams that are worth a heavy percent of the decision (that also helped me, as I did well on the exam). Ask the advisers if necessary about potential academic bankruptcy (a one time wipe of poor/old grades under very particular circumstances), but only as a last resort.
Also, if this is something you very much want, sometimes you WILL have to work several years for it.
None of us here can answer your question. You will have to submit transcripts from every school you attended. They will not take the collective gpas and divide by 4. Nothing with gpas is calculated by that.
ASN programs and LPN programs are generally more competitive than a BSN programs. You need to go to various schools you are interested in and talk to them.
And just because a 2.5 is the lowest required to apply, doesn't mean if you have a 2.5 you get in. You will be needing definitely at least a 3.0 or higher to even be competitive.
I'm not trying to squash your dreams, just being realistic with you. You are supposed to be an adult when going to college which means going by the school's policy to withdraw and not get Fs. We all have a story. Everyone thinks their special circumstances should get them in, even though their GPA is way below everyone else's. I managed to properly withdraw at the age of 21 so my GPA was not affected when I could go back. I managed to apply with a 3.97 despite all of my personal issues.
Talk to your schools. They will best be able to answer your questions.
Many of the classes are classes that I just never finished. English, History, etc. So they would go towards my core classes. I did eventually retake them and pass them. I do have 2 computer classes with an F but they have nothing to do with my degree. And I didn't actually fail any of them. They were strictly do to me be an idiot and dropping out without withdrawing.
And this is what I want and I'll do whatever I have to do. I'm working my tail off, doing what I should have done years ago. I hope I can get this corrected.
I will try and speak with an adviser on Monday. I was just looking for any outside advice / piece of mind to get me through the weekend.
Thanks a bunch for all the replies folks. I really appreciate it.
So I am in Connecticut it may not be the same where you live however the grades in previous coursework could matter less to the school I chose to pursue my nursing degree at.
In Connecticut my school will transfer over only classes that apply to the nursing program and only classes that will be above a C+ or better the other classes don't get transferred in to calculate your nursing GPA there is a big difference between a nursing GPA and a GPA. Also many classes like bio and for some states anatomy and physiology have an expiration on them so you would have to retake them anyways and the old grade wouldn't matter.
So basically what I'm saying is it is entirely possible that went to school as calculating your GPA it is much higher than the GPA you listed above . Every single school is different so you'll have to address it with each individual school but for the most part that's how it is here in Connecticut.
Example if you took financial accounting they could really care less what you got for a grade it doesn't matter at least here.
I hope this makes sense and I hope this helps good luck.
I have failed a few classes myself. I am a responsible adult, but sometimes life just sucks! The classes that I failed I just took again and passed with A's and that grade replaced my F. What may be different from your situation is that mine happened all at the same school. Like other posters have suggested, call around to schools and see how they would calculate your gpa. You have options so don't give up.
First, if you've got the heart, character and desire to be a nurse, let nothing stop you. For societies sake I wish they would just stop solely looking on the highest GPA and start looking on the intangible qualities as well. You can teach skills and tests, you can't teach character, kindness and empathy. Off the soapbox now...
Where there's a will there is a way and where there is a front door, there is also a back door. That being said, let's see about getting you in the front door. I'd do the following:
1. Drop all negative viewpoints, turn them all into positives. "I'm 43 so I have more life experience, what I"ve been through gives me empathy and understanding that would make me a fine psyc, cardiac, whatever specific type of nurse (if you are thinking about a specialty). I've learned from my errors and I have the ability to do well as can be seen by my current GPA which I maintain despite working full time and physically being in school full time." That is what I would tell an admissions person as well as yourself. I WILL become a nurse, I just need to look at things from a new viewpoint."
To help solidify your view of yourself as a nurse (not lose heart and to stay motivated) and to not feel like you are not "going to school for nothing" every day try to do something that solidifies this self-view-- if you aren't already working in the field do so. If you currently work say as a mechanic, it's hard to believe you can become a nurse. Try to work in your future "specialty" or workplace (hospital etc.). Become a Certified Nurses Assistant (CNA) if you aren't already, keep in mind, don't get discouraged, it can be hard work but if you are in any way around nurses at your jobsite in any position they will often give you good advice, possibly references if needed and you can check out various places (community nursing even if you just work as a secretary in a clinic, hospital various specialties, geriatrics, psyc etc). The more places you experience physically and mentally, the better. There are so many different types of work environment for nurses. CNA's have a varied experience as well, some more physical, others more mentally demanding. Any health care experience is better than none, even if it's not directly nursing. Working in a group home even can help. Try to read nurse journals, be a member of online groups. Stay in the "community" so you stay motivated. It's easier to work 40 hours at a job you love than 10 at one you hate. Believe me.
2. Fix what you can but don't throw good money after bad. Contact your old school, look at their policies, often they have a "forgiveness semester" in which they will wipe out all grades from a horrible semester into a grade of "W" (withdrawls which do not calculate into a GPA). Typically this is your first semester there but doesn't have to be. There is sometimes a time limit so contact them today. They may possibly have other ideas or options. You claim you got a lot of "F"'s but still had a 2.5 GPA so you are no dummy. Stop bashing yourself. You're going to be a nurse, you just need to regroup.
Depending on how many classes you took, and how long ago it may or may not be worth retaking any classes (usually when you repeat only the latest grade is counted into GPA) but before retaking anything I would in person meet with an advisor at your "goal" school. If you can, you might want to consider taking online classes for your prerequisites only to reduce travel time.
3. Look smart, not hard. Since everyone heard that "nurses make all this money and it's only a 1 or 2 year degree (puking now....)" there's a lot of people lacking the heart to be a nurse long term but trying to get in thinking it's easy money (puking again)for just a little schooling. As a result it can actually be harder to get into a 2 year RN program (or 1 year LPN) than it is to get into a 4 year Bachelors of Science (BS in nursing) program. Often the wait list for community college (1 or 2 year LPN, or RN) is several years even for people with a 4.0.
I'd consider applying and talking to a 4 year state school or university. In my experience they also understand the whole "I messed up earlier but I really want to do this." and will work with you. AND believe it or not more importantly the wait, if there is one might even be non existent or far less. A lot of times they will admit you as "pre nursing" (so you can get financial aid or at least be in the school) and as part of that you take Intro to Nursing and maybe another nursing course so you won't have that "helpless path to nowhere" feeling. You can "prove yourself" if need be during this time to them. It may not be necessary ( don't underestimate your current good GPA and performance) but sometimes it is. Plus they'll treat you more like an adult. (that's just my experience). It sounds like you are banging your head against a wall looking at the wrong door and missing there are many other door out there.
I highly recommend state schools (cheaper!) over for profit/ private (I'd only do for profit/ "private" if it was for a 1 or 2 year program because of costs) BUT if need be, I'd suck it up and complete the minimum say earn an LPN at accredited program just to get started at a profit school $$, then transfer to a state school. Then again if you have enough prerequisites you might not need the full 2 years to become an RN.
Often once you get "in" and get a degree it is much easier to step stone to the 2 year RN, then the 4 year BSN and beyond at a cheaper, but more competitive school. Down the road, step stone you could maybe become a Masters Nurse Practitioner! :) You just have to get started. You may also qualify for grants, loans, etc the "private" (benefits are often no wait, can be easier to get in negatives are $$$$) are very motivated to help you start. Just dont' stay there once you can transfer elsewhere. Keep in mind the government and many states have "nurse loan forgiveness programs", and many places will pay or reimburse you to further your education. So if you have to go this expensive route, you can still get out of debt very fast. I know you are thinking long term so spending money now is truly an investment long term that should pay off very quickly.
You're going to be a nurse. You do have choices. You just need to choose what path to take. Schooling, like nursing in general has many different paths.
If you want it bad enough, you'll make it happen. I know you can! :)
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
What about a 2 year RN degree? Would that be better than the LPN?
To be straightforward, beggars cannot be choosers. Sometimes we've gotta get in wherever we can fit in and make the very best of our situations.
For someone with a low GPA, perhaps the LPN program is the perfect fit. Many LPN programs do not pay attention to previous GPA or prior coursework, thereby granting a second chance to those with poor grades.
My friend had a prior BS degree and a 2.5 GPA, and enrolled in an LPN program because her grades were not competitive enough for admission into ASN / BSN programs. She later completed an LPN-to-RN program and now has a nice career with the nearly six figure salary to go along with it.
I also started as an LPN before completing an LPN-to-ASN program and a BSN program. I am now certified in my specialty and currently enrolled in an MSN degree program.
Hence, you would be wise to refrain from being dismissive of educational products that could get you into the career that you claim to want so badly. As I previously mentioned, beggars cannot be choosers.
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Shinnichi, ADN, RN
157 Posts
What they said. ^^^ I was living in FL and wouldn't have been able to get into any school there (well, beside some of the for-profits). At the same time my husband was looking to transfer to a different location, and so I researched nursing schools in the locations he could possibly transfer to. One school counted only the last 24 hours of credits for GPA purposes, so we chose that location and that's how I got into nursing school.
Talk to the advisers, but also find out how the nursing deportment selects its applicants as sometimes there are entrance exams that are worth a heavy percent of the decision (that also helped me, as I did well on the exam). Ask the advisers if necessary about potential academic bankruptcy (a one time wipe of poor/old grades under very particular circumstances), but only as a last resort.
Also, if this is something you very much want, sometimes you WILL have to work several years for it.