Post B.S. Low GPA and A Few Low Pre-Req

Darkpk55 · Apr 26, 2011

Hello all,
I'm new to allnurses.com and am graduating my lengthy Pre-Med undergrand in May. I had a rough undergrad, (working too much, family death, depression, etc.) and it took a toll a few semesters. I'll have a overall GPA of around 2.4 and in-major GPA of 2.9 (Major being Biology). I know my scores are far too low to get into MOST programs, as I understand they're very competitive. I'm just looking for some advice to help get me going on the right path to getting into a ABSN or even Associates RN Program. My low pre-reqs were College Gen Chem 1 (C-) got a C+ in Gen chem II and Microbiology with a D+ (VERY ROUGH semester). I'm going to work over the summer, take my CNA in the fall, and hopefully re-take Micro asap. Thanks for all your help in advance.
Erikistrying

Ouch, contact the nursing programs your interested in, and ask them if you can retake your prerequisites. Some nursing programs only allow you to retake one prerequisite, so I'm not sure, every program requirements are different. Sometimes college counselors can be understanding and will let you retake prerequisites without showing that you took them before. But you would have to have a very good explanation.

Erikistrying · Apr 26, 2011

Fair enough. I'm looking at associate programs, seems more affordable, and to be honest, easier to get into. At least where I'm looking. I'm contacting them tomorrow.

Darkpk55 · Apr 26, 2011

Make sure you try your best if you retake those prerequisites. Don't let anything hold you back. Be prepared!

Thirdwatch · Apr 26, 2011

Where there's a will, there's a way. Find out if you can re-take Micro, if you can't challege it. I've seen people get in programs with all Cs.

A lady who was applying to a program, I applied to she had a D in Micro and re-take of a C and got in the program before any of us did. Keep trying.

Bob_N_VA · Apr 26, 2011

I think it really depends on where you want to go. Each program is different, but I think most are looking for a c or better in the pre-reqs so you would have to retake Micro for sure. In my area, the CC programs are the most sought after since they are the cheapest per credit. We also have hospital based programs, one diploma, one bsn and several colleges in the area, also bsn. Every program is competitive, some much more than others. There are also for profit schools, those are the most expensive and probably the least selective. I think it really depends on how much you want to get into a program and be a nurse.

If I were in your shoes, I would probably start with retaking Micro and shoot for getting a much better grade. That would show that you are on the right track to any potential schools. Working as a CNA would go well too, if you can hack that job and still want to go into nursing, it would say much more than just words and numbers on paper. Good Luck.

Darkpk55 · Apr 26, 2011

Wow a C. Thats pretty strange, I wonder why not greater. C isn't even trying. If you ask me, the right side of my head is basically missing except for the frontal bone. No I'm not exaggerating. I can't think in my head unless I talk and I have serious mental blankness. But still got B in Micro and A in A & P 1 & 2. I took 3 classes when taking those and I have dyslexia and ADD

Try your best I proved it.

newRNstudent02 · Apr 26, 2011

I was in a similar situation and I still got into absn programs. Oddly enough, I found it easier getting into the absn program then the cc and cost effective. Check out different schools!

dgolden · Apr 26, 2011

First off, keep your head up! Where there is a will, there is a way! :) I know its easier said than done, but there are ways to help your situation...

I would definitely retake microbio (granted you may face some issues with schools who dont allow retakes, but many are fine with it) CC's are a great place to do that, in terms of saving $$.

Apply to a whole bunch of programs ( ASN, BSN). All programs have their strengths and weaknesses, but its very important to just get yourself out there, so that YOU can hopefully make the choice where you end up. You never truly know what each school is looking for, and although you make think one school is harder, or more strict, they may be intrigued with your premed degree etc. Basically, dont scratch any program off the list yet without more info.

Make your resume look as enticing as possible despite the lower grades. Whether you have volunteer experience, internships etc include everything and if you havent, see if you have time to include such an opportunity in your schedule. The CNA track will not only help you, especially in your clinical skills, but will also look great to the nursing schools.

If any of your schools offer an optional interview, take it!!! Explain yourself ( without going in too much detail) and ask great qs and show interest. Its just another way to look great and interested. Lastly, if they dont offer that option, see if you can go in for an open house or tour, and talk to someone in person :)

Sorry to ramble, hope this helps! Good luck!!!

decembergrad2011, BSN, RN · Apr 26, 2011

My college of nursing allows three retakes. You should check with the programs you would possibly be applying to and see what they say about grade replacement. At my school, it will actually take the old course with the former grade off your transcript entirely, whether you do better or worse the second time around.