Please help me!! How do i get into a ABSN with a low GPA

[txongy]

Hi there

I am a fourth year student at an undergraduate program majoring in biology. I have a 2.88 GPA and I have two maybe three semesters left. It is possible and I will bring it up to at least a 3.0 GPA. In my prerequisites I did not get excellent grades in, [Anatomy 1&2: B+, B-. Gen Chem: C. Gen Psych: A-. Biostats: B+. Microbiology: B+]

I really need some help here. I'm looking at ABSN programs all across New England and I am breaking down. Because everyone single one wants a GPA of at least a 3.0 and prerequisites also. I want To go to MCPHS Worcester since its requirement is a GPA of 2.7 in prerequisites. My questions are: how competitive are ABSNs? How can I have an advantage? Are my grades good enough? Should I retake some classes even though my school won't replace the grades since I didn't do so bad? Are the alternative routes? Please I am in desperate needs!!

[dsb_fam]

I hate to tell you, but the minimum GPA is just that, "minimum". Most schools post a minimum, but the actual GPA of acceptance is higher. So much will depend on your area, but I know that the school I applied to averages a 3.7 acceptance GPA. I think your best bet is to retake the pre-req classes for a higher grade.

[SycamoreGuy]

Look for new programs and programs at less well known schools. Your GPA isn't horrible but its not going to be competitive at the more popular programs. Be prepared to relocate. Also, be prepared to find another career path besides nursing.

[Shorty11, BSN, RN]

I graduated with a BS in Biology as well. I graduated with a 2.89. (I know...ouch. Young and dumb I suppose.) I decided to go back to school to pursue nursing several years after I graduated. Although my overall GPA was poor, my nursing prereq GPA was around 3.25-3.3, depending on the school. I obviously couldn't get into any school that considered overall GPA for admission since I was below a 3.0. I looked into ABSN programs in my state (Texas) that only considered prereq GPA for admission. I was unable to get into any of the 4 programs I applied to with a 3.25-3.3. The programs I applied to accepted those with a GPA much closer to a 4.0 than the min 3.0. Despite the rejections, I decided to try a different route. I then applied to traditional BSN programs. Even though I wanted to do the accelerated route, I was actually able to get into more than one traditional BSN program! I am currently in my third semester of nursing school and will graduate May 2014. Although it is taking longer than I would have liked, I am still pursuing my dream... Just taking the longer road. Best of luck!