Need to get my GPA up but don't know where to start

Glenna, LPN · May 21, 2012

If I were you, I'd get myself a list of pre-req classes for the nursing schools around you. If some of the classes you've taken in the past you didn't do so well in but would need them, totally retake those classes. Also, don't over load yourself when you are taking your classes. Only take enough where you can focus on the class and pass with good grades. I would take two harder classes with an easier one. That is just me.

Good luck and happy studying.

CinDRnyc · May 21, 2012

i agree with the previous poster. look at what specific pre-req classes are required for the school you want to go to. some schools only use specific classes to calculate gpa; find this info out to prevent retaking classes that may not even count towards the gpa.

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · May 21, 2012

First

Stephalump · May 21, 2012

I don't understand why going to a different CC would make any difference?

I agree. Make a list of prereqs you may still need and take them. Retake anything you got less than a B in.

Look at how your prospective colleges calculate gpa. If they only take the highest or most recent grade, If you do well you could be saved. If it's cumulative, you may have to take some extra courses...perhaps work toward a different degree as a back-up plan.

pixiestudent2 · May 21, 2012

You have to speak with an adviser before you go retaking 2 years of classes. Find out what your schools policies are regarding retakes. At my college you are not allowed to retake classes you got at least a C in.

mplovex · May 22, 2012

Both VCU and ODU has become extremely competitive. VCU tends to accept their own freshman (since they're a 3 year program) who've taken all their pre-reqs/gen-eds there alone. They also look into high SAT/ACT scores and well written recommendations and essays. I don't know much about ODU but I remember one of my friends telling me a year ago they accepted students into the nursing program based off GPA rank alone and she was the last person before the cut off which made her extremely nervous finding that out. She had somewhere between a 3.7-3.8 with no repeated courses. Of course you can always explain yourself in your essay but it might be best for you to actually speak with admissions or the advisers of the colleges you plan to apply to. Expand your options and your back up plan. If you have to go through a different route to get your RN, then so be it, as long as you reach your goals in the end.

bigboi · May 22, 2012

I was in the same situation at one point, and what I did was a combination of both. I took classes I failed and some nursing pre-regs as well. Repeating the classes you failed will build your GPA back up faster than classes you haven't taken before. Withal to saving time, take nursing pre-regs as well.

buttercupp85 · May 23, 2012

I was in your same situation.

If you don't mind relocating and aren't dead set on those two schools, check out schools that only look at your prerequisite GPA. There are a couple of really good BSN programs at 4 year universities that only look at prerequisite classes. If it wasn't for those schools, I'm afraid no BSN program would even look at me. But now I'm on an alternate list for a really good school. My overall GPA is maybe maybe just below a 3.0 (from mistakes when I was young) but my prerequisite GPA is about a 3.85!

I'd heavily suggest looking at all your options. If you want to stay in your area, check out community colleges. Usually, they only look at prerequisite GPA. Later on, you can do a RN to BSN program