Need advice for my future

[TheDongTran]

I'm currently about to finish my first year at UCI and I am dedicated to becoming a nurse. However, I know I won't be able to make it in the UCI nursing program due to my low gpa and I'm willing to go to get my ADN first or go for a BSN if possible. Also UCI requires a lot of unnecessary prereq to take nursing prereqs. So should I transfer to a CC get my prereqs done or stay in UCI which might take longer for me to get my prereqs. I'm willing to go out of state anything to become an RN.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

First, we have no CLUE what 'UCI' means.

Second, if 'UCI' is where you want to go, then there are no 'unnecessary' prerequisites. EVERY program is going to have them, so buck up, study hard and get that GPA up so you can be a better candidate.

Intentionally spending time and money on an undergrad degree you will never use in order to get into an ABSN is crazy- do nursing right away, wherever you can make the cut.

[caliotter3]

University of California Irvine? There are no "unnecessary" prerequisites to prerequisites. All legitimate programs have them. UCI is a good school. Why can't you salvage your record there and prepare to enter their program? At least try. Go talk to a nursing advisor and have them determine if that idea is a lost cause.

[MotoMonkey, BSN, RN]

If there is a prerequisite to a prerequisite it is completely intentional and likely for your benefit. I would stay where you are and start working through those prerequisites.

Think of it this way, those additional "unnecessary classes" are opportunities for you to raise your GPA to a competitive level for your program of choice.

[direw0lf, BSN]

Focus on those prereqs. They do teach you things. And like it was already said, they will bring up your GPA. I'd probably think it would be worth it to stick it out where you are now instead of transferring, if you like where you are and it's a reputable program.

[MotoMonkey, BSN, RN]

Also, after a year why is your GPA so low? What is your plan to improve in the future classes you have to take?

[Serhilda, ADN, RN]

It's always interesting when students assume their poor GPA is more likely to be accepted by an ADN program. It's often times much more competitive because people want the cheaper tuition and faster track to becoming an RN, so your best bet is to stick with a BSN program if your grades remain subpar. Accelerated programs are also very competitive, FYI. I'd figure out what's preventing you from getting better grades (likely it's your studying habits), I'd address that, then and only then would I try to tackle nursing school.

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

It's always interesting when students assume their poor GPA is more likely to be accepted by an ADN program. It's often times much more competitive because people want the cheaper tuition and faster track to becoming an RN, so your best bet is to stick with a BSN program if your grades remain subpar. Accelerated programs are also very competitive, FYI. I'd figure out what's preventing you from getting better grades (likely it's your studying habits), I'd address that, then and only then would I try to tackle nursing school.

I agree. When I was in nursing school, it took about a 3.8 to get into my BSN program (at a very well regarded State U). The local community college had so many applicants, it took a 4.0 to get in.

[UnapologeticallyCurly]

Did you do your research prior to attending UCI? Was nursing your original goal, or did you change your major?

To reiterate everyone's sentiments: Study harder and raise that GPA.

If you're sure that nursing is what you want, but you feel that you won't make the cut, go to another school. Honestly, don't waste 4 years of your life and be in debt to have a degree you know you will never use. I have a friend who graduated from UCLA, summa cum laude, with a degree in biology, but we're at the same CC taking prereqs for nursing school. It's okay to leave university and start over again. You may not even have to start from "scratch" because I'm sure many of your GE's will transfer over, and you'll probably just need the major requirements (chemistry, anatomy, physiology, microbio, stats). Consider going to a CC and transferring into a CSU. Don't get me wrong, UC's are great school if you're an applied student and like theory. CSU's are more practical and are geared towards working/commuting students... At the end of the day, employers don't really care where you went to school. They care that you have strong references and you know your stuff.