2.7 overall GPA, hoping to get into an accelerated RN program

[cmwww]

Hi,

I'm currently a biology major in my last few semesters in college, and for my first few years, I wasn't as attentive to my grades as I should've been. I had settled for being a biotech researcher and I was sure my lab skills and research backgrounds would land me a job somewhere.

However, I recently finished a 6-month co-op/internship at a local hospital as an OR nursing assistant, and it really changed how I felt towards my future. I realized how much I enjoyed it. Above all, I saw myself able to be a nurse more than a researcher, for the rest of my life.

But, now the problem is: I'm finishing up college in a few semesters, and my current GPA is a 2.7. Most accelerated RN programs that I've seen so far expect a 3.0, but I'm unsure if I can make it unless I retake a couple classes. Has this happened to anyone, and were you able to succeed in raising your GPA or get accepted with a 2.7 GPA?

Thanks for any help/advice/response!

[Still Standing]

You should apply any way, most schools look at other things as well, or see if you can take some courses so that you can raise your GPA, you might want to research other programs as well.

[calinursestudent818]

You have two choices here: retake 2-3 prereqs to raise that GPA OR leave your GPA as is and just try to get an amazing TEAS V score and just bite the bullet and apply. Some people still get into schools with 3.0 GPA listed to get in with a little bit lower GPA, not too often does this happen but it has happened for a lucky few.

IMO, I would retake a few of my prereqs to raise your GPA to 3.0 or higher AND work harder than hell to get a high TEAS V score to position yourself in the best spot possible to get accepted to the school(s) of your choice.

HTH! Good luck!

[elkpark]

Please be aware that, just because the literature for a given nursing program says that the minimum GPA they will consider is a 3.0, that doesn't mean that anyone with a 3.0 is actually getting accepted. Nursing programs in general have become much more competitive in recent years, because of all the demand, and you would be amazed at the people who are not getting in to programs these days. At the last BSN program in which I taught (a decent state uni program, but nothing to write home about), all the literature said the minimum GPA for eligibility was 2.5, but the reality was that no one with less than a 3.7 got accepted -- the school was inundated with so many highly qualified applicants that people with lower GPAs never even got seriously considered. Schools can be extremely picky these days.

I'm not saying that's true everywhere (or that it's a good idea!), but that's the reality in lots of programs. I encourage you to talk to actual people at the programs you're interested in and find out what a competitive GPA is for that program, and make your plans from there.

Best wishes for your journey!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I agree with PP's - you probably need a plan B. Acceptance to nursing programs is intensely competitive right now, so it would be extremely unusual for anyone to be admitted with a minimal GPA.

Have you considered going into surgical technology as a stepping stone to your eventual RN? It may be worthwhile to explore, as I know that entry into our local surgical tech programs is not nearly as competitive as nursing school.

[SummitRN, BSN, RN]

Remember, the reason that accelerated programs look for previous bachelors with higher GPAs is because they are seeking proof that applicants can handle an intense program. Your transcripts and resume need to prove this. Retake some classes and also consider non-accelerated programs: what is another 8 months? Plus, you can more easily work a hospital job during school in a traditional program.