My undergrad GPA will likely prohibit me from becoming a NP

[bounceybounce]

I am sooo mad at myself. I went through school with the motto "C's get degrees" and I basically messed up my GPA up as an undergrad. I didn't care what my GPA was so long as I graduated. Now, on my behalf, the grading scale at my former uni was VERY high and a C at my uni is like a B at other uni's...blah blah blah. No excuses and it doesn't matter. But here I am older and wiser, and I really want to go to NP school.

I am in the best position in life to make this happen. I don't have kids, I have $$ in the bank, and I have the option of living with 2 people rent free (my mom or boyfriend). I won't have to work and I can concentrate on school and I will take it VERY seriously! But I am afraid that my GPA is sooo low that most schools won't consider me. I can declare myself as an undecided major, take some extra classes to boost my GPA, and THEN apply for NP school. However, I need to find out what general ed classes I need as an undeclared major, that will transfer over to the NP program. Obviously, an advisor from the NP program will need to review my transcripts and tell me what classes I need. I feel like it will be held against me when it is time for me to apply to NP school. I mean, if they remember that I was the girl with the LOW GPA who went undeclared for a year......

'

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

I've never heard of a "general ed" major for grad school. With a few exceptions- like general research classes, most grad school programs are very specific to the major, and it's unlikely you'll find classes you can take that will advance you to your goal of being an NP without actually being accepted to the NP program.

Your best bet is to retake important undergraduate classes to boost your GPA.

That being said, I would never say never until trying to apply for NP school with your current GPA. You could get good references and still possibly get in. During the interview, you could explain that you plan on taking school much more seriously this time.

Good luck!

[bounceybounce]

I don't have the $$ to retake any of my undergrad courses. I went to a private school and tuition is insane. I am assuming that I will need another Stats class during NP school that I can take as an undeclared major, but otherwise, I think you are right - the classes are specific to the program.

[Awright162]

My grades aren't that good right now. I was doing okay until last semester. Now I feel like I'm completely screwed!

:smackingf

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

I don't have the $$ to retake any of my undergrad courses. I went to a private school and tuition is insane. I am assuming that I will need another Stats class during NP school that I can take as an undeclared major, but otherwise, I think you are right - the classes are specific to the program.

None of the NP programs I looked into required stats.

[czyja, MSN, RN]

I can declare myself as an undecided major, take some extra classes to boost my GPA, and THEN apply for NP school.

'

If you can do this, then do. But I tot he best of my knowledge one cannot enter grad school "Undecided."

You could attend a less competetive program from your Masters - like Nursing Education, or Clinical Nurse Leader. Boost your grades, then do a post-master's NP program.

[wooh, BSN, RN]

Tuition IS insane at private schools. Try a state school instead.

[littlemammanurse, BSN, RN]

I have looked into becoming a NP after working as an RN for a little bit.I didn't see anything about a certain GPA to be accepted into the program.Most of the requirements for us are working as an RN for a specific amount of time and submit a lot of paper work to the University where you want to take the program.They didn't give a specific GPA that they were looking for.

Look into the Universities where you want to take the NP program.Contact them in regards to required GPA to be accepted into the program, and what you have to do to get into the NP at that University( just in regards to other paper work that needs to be submitted).

[AgentBeast, MSN, RN]

Taking classes at a local community college is you best bet to raise your undergrad gpa. The cheapest option too. It's also probably your only hope of ever getting into grad school unless you have a crazy high GRE score.

[wintergurl060]

bounceybounce;

I don't know what part of the country you live in, however schools in the midwest require you to have a certain GPA. Some schools are notorious for this and won't bend. Minimum GPAs can start at 3.3 and above.

Look into taking the GRE, get 2-3 professional reference letters, and be prepared (if indicated) to write an x-amount word essay as to why you would be a great candiate for the NP program.

[BCgradnurse, MSN, RN, NP]

My undergrad NP was not stellar, but I had good references and good work expereince. I also had to take several pre-reqs before applying to NP school (I wnet to a direct entry program; I was not an RN), so I took those at a local community college and made sure I got all As. I wrote in my application essays that I now understood the value of hard work and good grades (or something like that). Guess what? I was accepted to every NP program I applied to and have been practicing as an NP for a little over a year now. I kicked butt in my NP program and graduated with a 3.9 GPA. Do not let your undergrad GPA discourage you. You need to show these programs what you're really capable of. Take some courses at a commnuity college and prove you're a good student. Good luck!!

[linearthinker, DNP, RN]

Seems like everyone wants to go to NP or CRNA school all of a sudden, and competition for limited space can be strong. OTOH, there is a dire need for nurse educators, and fewer applicants compared to NP and CRNA. One way in for you might be to follow the nurse educator or informatics route and apply post MSN.

Oh, I see that was covered above. sorry. I do think demonstrating strong scholarship as a masters student in another discipline is your best bet.