Nursing prerequisite grades

[arb29171]

I've completed ALL of my non-NUR pre and corequisirtes for the ADN program; however, I made 3 C's in the last two semesters (microbiology, a&p 1 and 2). Now I'm concerned that I won't get into a good program anywhere. Granted, I have taken all these classes in 3 semesters and made mostly A's and B's, but I know how anal the nursing admission process can be. Having C's in 3 major science courses makes me look weak as a potential candidate. Has anyone managed to get accepted into a program with similar grades? Responses appreciated!

[AJLalas22]

I agree that having C's is a big problem when it comes to nursing programs. I messed up trying to complete my prerequisites in a short period of time (two hard sciences in same semester + other classes) while distracting myself with a social life. I've taken 13 classes and earned mostly A's. I know people who have been accepted into RN programs with C's, but those programs were probably less competitive and focused more on TEAS/HESI scores. It's a shame, because I was literally only one to two points away from getting a B in my last two science courses and learned a ton. Also, I'm an experienced CNA (8 years) with nurses in my family so I have a good understanding of what nursing is all about and how much of what you learn is actually applied to the job. Most CC programs and universities require a C or higher, but are really looking for a B or higher. Not sure why these schools don't just raise their admission standards to a B instead; more people would try harder if they knew a C was unacceptable.

It really depends on the admissions department, the school and the location to determine their grading standards. You cannot change them. They just say a C or higher for those to just meet the standards for applicants that are applying, then the admissions department will depend if you're accepted or denied due to your credentials on your application. I know some people who got accepted below a C because of their high test scores or their essays. Overall, I don't think you should worry about that, you should fix those prereqs and just let the new grades overshadow your Cs to show you're serious business. Also, since you're a CNA for a good amount of time, some people in the admissions department will choose you because of experience. I know one of the schools I applied to sometimes choose CNAs over traditional transfer students because they know what the nursing field is like and they'll not mess around. I believe you have a chance. Work hard and not give up!

[Zyprexa_Ho]

Wow, really? They must have a lot of applicants, because every CC program I've looked at requires a C or higher. Special consideration is given to those who earn A's and B's in A&P though. If I don't get into a program, I'll just retake a few classes online. My last A&P instructor said many of her online students got A's while those of us that took the class in person only made C's and B's.

PS Response to jsfarri, CNA. Not sure why it posted way down here.

Yeah, the average accepted applicant for the fall at my CC has a 3.8 and all prerequisites completed. The minimum to even apply is a 2.75

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Just wanted to contribute a couple of points.

First of all, there are legitimate reasons that it takes such a high GPA to be admitted to a nursing program. The sheer number of applicants will raise the bar. Schools will rank everyone and start at the top until they run out of space for incoming students. If you're unlucky enough to be applying at the same time as a lot of over-achievers, the "minimum" GPA admitted will be waaaay up there. There is also the issue of grade inflation.... take a look at THIS. Grade inflation is definitely a 'thing'. A recent study showed that an "A" was now the most common grade awarded.... what????

So - due to the sheer numbers that they're dealing with and grade inflation, nursing programs are now requiring applicants to take a standardized test. This can level the playing field for those students with unrealistically high (inflated) GPAs. Many schools are placing a more emphasis on the standardized test scores than on GPA.

Best of luck to you on your nursing education journey

[arb29171]

That makes sense. My mom went to nursing school back before nursing entrance exams were required and more than half of her class ended up flunking or dropping out because a B was the absolute minimal score in order to pass (tests and all!). My last A&P instructor was very tough on her students and bragged that no one achieved an A in her class. Meanwhile, those who took the A&P evening class with the other instructor said they all received A's without having to do as much work. Really upset me to hear that, because I worked hard (could of done better) and still only managed a 79 average. Moral of the story, your grades don't necessarily reflect how much you actually learned which is why the standardized test scores are important when considering applicants. I hope if I do really well on my TEAS test, I'll still have a shot. Thank you for your input!