2nd degree vs. accelerated - what are my chances?

[NXS]

Hi all I was wondering if i get some feedback

I graduated first time in 2002 with a BA in liberal arts major with a sad GPA of 2.622

I was accepted into the same university to obtain a second degree in Biological Science in Fall 2005. Since I'm a second degree student in the same University my old GPA stuck with me and it went up to 3.0 this past semester. GPA calculated for second degree in science is 3.67. Based on my science GPA and the type of classes I took (according to prof who is part of admission comit.) I won't have much problems applying to most graduate programs in science.

The reason why I went to get a second degree was to raise my GPA and get a science degree so I can apply to nursing program. Based on my info... will I have a better chance applying to second degree nursing program or accelerated program. I'm so bummed out because it seems like its going to be easier to get into a really good graduate program than most nursing schools... and I really wanna go to nursing school. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your time.

[SparklyGirl]

What is a 2nd degree nursing program?

The "accelerated" programs I know of, are for people who already have a bachelors (such as yourself) and then it gives then another degree (BSN) in a short time period (15 months).

So I don't know what you mean when you say "accelerated vs. 2nd degree".

I think you have a good chance of getting into an accelerated program.

You need to research schools. Each school is different. Many just look at your last 60 units when calculating GPA so yours would be quite good.

[PeachyERNurse, BSN, RN]

2nd degree nursing programs are accelerated nursing programs. Most range from 12-18 months.

[NXS]

Oops - let me clarify.

Second degree traditional program:

which takes about 4 - 5 regular semesters, so ~2-2.5 years

GPA requirement and prereqs as not as strict relative to accelerated

Joint RN plus master's degree program is also an option through traditional 2nd degree route

vs.

Accelerated route is completed within 15 months with applicant's GPA being min. 3.0 and core prereqs completed prior to applying.

Most colleges offer both pathways... i'm wondering if there's a difference in number of spots open and types of people applying. Which ones are easier to get accepted into, etc.

The university I am currently attending offers both programs and I'm only allowed to apply to one each year. They only accept students either Fall for traditional 2nd degree and May for accelerated.

[PeachyERNurse, BSN, RN]

Oops - let me clarify.

Second degree traditional program:

which takes about 4 - 5 regular semesters, so ~2-2.5 years

GPA requirement and prereqs as not as strict relative to accelerated

Joint RN plus master's degree program is also an option through traditional 2nd degree route

vs.

Accelerated route is completed within 15 months with applicant's GPA being min. 3.0 and core prereqs completed prior to applying.

Most colleges offer both pathways... i'm wondering if there's a difference in number of spots open and types of people applying. Which ones are easier to get accepted into, etc.

The university I am currently attending offers both programs and I'm only allowed to apply to one each year. They only accept students either Fall for traditional 2nd degree and May for accelerated.

But most accelerated programs are for those with previous degrees, right? Mine was. It has been my experience that it's easier to get into accelerated programs (the ones that are for people with previous degrees). At my school, the traditional program's admitted applicants had an avg. GPA of 3.7. Accelerated: 3.3. I think it's because the more credits you have, the lower your GPA might be. With the traditional program, it's their first degree so they're applying with 60 or so fewer credit hours than those applying to the accelerated program.

[SparklyGirl]

I think you need to look at individual schools, to see which ones you can get into.

I know of accelerated programs that can be "easier" to get into than a traditional school.

[NXS]

Second degree traditional route is also geared towars those who already have a degree in something else as well.

So based on that i was wondering if anyone knew anything about the two.

I know not all schools offer both paths for a student which college degree but i was wondering.

I also think accelerated may be easier but i dunno :)

Thanks.

[Music in My Heart]

You'll find a lot of conjecture here but nobody really knows.

In these parts, the 2nd-degree programs are all accelerated. Based on the number of applicants, number of seats, and the statistics of the folks getting in, they're very competitive.

That said, your GPA sounds quite competitive to me.

Have you considered a Direct Entry Master's program? Mine is 65 units over 5 semesters in 18 months.