Please don't judge me...I need advice please.

[layla100]

Hello,

I have approx. 4 more classes to take before I can apply to a nursing program next fall. As a teenager, (I am now in my late 30's) I had zero guidance when it came to school, and I had to overcome a lot of obstacles with a dysfunctional family. As a result, I was all over the place when it came to school and I had no direction.

My problem is this: As a 16 year-old clueless girl, I took several classes that I should have withdrawn from in order to receive a "W" on my transcript. But because I didn't know you were supposed to do that, I received three F's that are now part of my history. My grades are primarily A's and B's (with a few C's received as a kid), but now I feel like an idiot because I have those "F's" which should have been withdrawals in the first place. To make matters WORSE, (and this is the "don't judge me" part,) when I returned to school as an adult, I attempted to take anatomy THREE TIMES (while working full-time) and EACH AND EVERY TIME I tried, I couldn't complete the class because of my draining schedule. The worst part was, every time I enrolled in anatomy, I withdrew past the last withdrawal date, and guess what? Yup, F's each time. I could have easily given up then and there, but I didn't. So NOW--my circumstances are finally right for me and I'm glad to be back in school. I had to enroll in another community college because of their repeat rule (just for the anatomy class), and I'm taking it now as we speak.

As embarrassed as I am by these mistakes, I'm proud of myself for not giving up and having some tenacity.

Does anyone know if writing a strong *Nursing School Entrance Essay* will help me get admittance? My fear is that the nursing schools will judge me for this. I'm just looking for some grace at these nursing schools and I'm hopeful that God will make a way for me. Thanks in advance for any thoughts or comments!

[Despareux]

Are you currently taking pre-req courses where you failed your A&P?

Here may be some options:

-Academic Amnesty

-Transferring only your courses with high gpa's to the college where you are taking your A&P [if they have a nursing program]

-Or starting over at a new school

[Foomey]

In addition to all of the excellent suggestions, I would strongly suggest getting a few letters of recommendation from current professors. And, an essay couldn't hurt. Being able to "explain" a situation certainly will shed some light if erasing your history isn't an option. I received my BA in 1993, and my GPA was 2.14. 17 years later, I'm back in school (junior college), and just got accepted into a competitive Nursing program. They only counted my pre-reqs, but I did personally explain my prior grades (my brother passed away during college), as well as had letters of recommendation. But, I also have a 4.0 GPA now, so I'm certain that helped. Admissions counselors are well aware that some of us flourish as we get older, and value education, etc more as an adult.

I wish you the best of luck, and know you'll do fine. Just focus on the big picture, and don't let anything stand in your way of achieving your goals! :-)

[cgravier]

I made a similar mistake with english 112, I took it once and found out it was a hybrid so I dropped, then took it again and more than halfway through I wrote a paper but chose the wrong topic so I was so ****** I dropped but it was too late and got an F. So the third time I was not allowed to take it before getting a written approval from the dean, even though I was a 4.0 and only failed because I dropped they dont like to take chances because my school is so heavily public funded (news to me-my credits are $100 each for a community college) anywhoo I took it again and got an A but that F messed up my GPA even though the letter was replaced.

[CharlieT]

layla,

First off, I have made enough mistakes for TWO lifetimes.

Unless you are going to the same school, I don't think the previous grades count towards your gpa, at least that's the way it works at my school. I have used that to my advantage. I stink at english, so I took an english class online at another school and transfered the credit to the school where I normally go. People do that kind of thing all the time to protect their gpa. Hang in there and good luck with nursing!

[SCSUStudent]

I would definitely suggest looking into a retroactive withdrawal, which is the withdrawal of the courses you got F's in when you were a teenager. Most schools will allow you to petition your case, but you will need - an explanation, and some kind of a documentation, be it a doctor's letter or a therapist/social worker's back-up. Do some leg work, find some evidence of why you couldn't do it back then, make it up if you have to, track people down. Show them proof that things have changed. Be convincing.

This is your best bet. An essay, on the other hand... may help when you are applying for schools, but most nursing schools just go by grades and scores now because of the competitive nature of the programs.

Those F's on your transcript from a while back will haunt you forever if you don't get rid of them. Good luck!

[SCSUStudent]

On the other hand, as the previous poster said, those grades may not count in your acceptance decision if they were taken over 5 years ago. BUT YOU MUST MUST MUST DO WELL IN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY.

[Eponine]

Yes, nursing schools will likely judge you because of the F's. There is still hope, however. A strong essay will help, as will an interview if the schools you are looking into require this. If the schools do not require an interview, you can try to ask if you can schedule one. If schools see you are dedicated and proactive, they are likely to give you a chance. Good luck!

[Student4_life]

layla,

First off, I have made enough mistakes for TWO lifetimes.

Unless you are going to the same school, I don't think the previous grades count towards your gpa, at least that's the way it works at my school. I have used that to my advantage. I stink at english, so I took an english class online at another school and transfered the credit to the school where I normally go. People do that kind of thing all the time to protect their gpa. Hang in there and good luck with nursing!

Its true that if you take classes at other schools they are seen as pass or fail, and are not used to calculate your GPA at the school you are attending. However, when you transfer or apply to another school all your grades from undergrad are factored in to your college GPA. This is the GPA that matters for nursing schools and grad schools.

[FoodieJ]

I have a friend in a similar position as you and she decided to complete an LPN program and then bridge to the RN later because it will be easier to get accepted to that type of program. I know many schools I was looking at applying for look down on a D on received in Genetics in 2000. That's 10 years prior to my application date. Many schools told me to now even bother paying the application fee L

My suggestion is you make an appointment and speak with an admissions counselor before applying to programs. They will give you honest answers.

[milzer2012]

I am in the same postion - I was a very different person right out of High School in the 80's - ALL of my Life Sciences are expired. This irritated me at first, till I realized that I was being given a second chance. Now I have a 4.0

in my pre-reqs.

Don't beat yourself up, you are human, not everyone is driven when they

are younger -I do believe colleges look at this when applying.

[megan_EMT]

You might do better to look into a LPN/LVN then onto an RN bridge program, they tend to be a little more forgiving and you will still be able to get where you want to go. I have several friends who are doing this. Also, it would be worth actually calling the schools you're interested in and talking to their admission adviser to see what they say.

[2ndyearstudent, CNA]

So NOW--my circumstances are finally right for me and I'm glad to be back in school. I had to enroll in another community college because of their repeat rule (just for the anatomy class), and I'm taking it now as we speak.

As embarrassed as I am by these mistakes, I'm proud of myself for not giving up and having some tenacity.

Does anyone know if writing a strong *Nursing School Entrance Essay* will help me get admittance? My fear is that the nursing schools will judge me for this. I'm just looking for some grace at these nursing schools and I'm hopeful that God will make a way for me. Thanks in advance for any thoughts or comments!

First, please tell us you corrected the situation that caused you problems in your other anatomy classes. If you don't address that, there is no use going forward.

I was in a similar situation. My old transcript had more Ds and Fs than a "Jersey Shore" marathon. I petitioned my school to disregard my previous transcript. They approved my petition and as far as the entrance committee was concerned my GPA was 4.0.

If I were you, I would go see an academic counselor at the school(s) you want to attend. They will have the best information for you.