Previous terrible grades???

[NorCalKid]

Do any of you have any idea how much schools are going to care about old grades? I previously flunked out of college when I was 19-about 22. I decided to go back to school around 33 and have got great grades ever since. A's except for one B in Chem. Now 35 and finishing my last pre-req. Anyway several of my teachers have told me this won't be an issue as I was "young and dumb" and schools understand that. So my last few years GPA is like a 3.8 or 3.9 and 4.0 for the sciences they look at. But if you take my GPA from 12-15 years ago it averages out to like a 2.7. What are your thoughts?

[blancazuniga]

I am glad your y ou went back to school and are doig well I am just starting my second career and I want to do a BSN in nursing but I need to do my pre-req. I have a Bachelors in Business Administration and math scares me. I am thinking of doing CLEP for Math casuse if I do bad it does not affect my grades.

Blanca

[blancazuniga]

Who else can give me advice on cleping math. I test the sample test but not a study guide on the material.

Blanca

[Nepe0408]

They almost always look at your current GPA, or a GPA from about 5 years before. They will definatly understand that you are different person now, your grades reflect that! With a GPA of 3.8/4.0 you have great chances, so don't worry and good luck!!

P.S - Thats great that your back in school now!!!

[m2theRZA]

Some schools definitely place more emphasis on your prereq grades rather than your overall GPA, so don't feel discouraged! I can admit that my GPA for my first undergrad GPA was not the greatest (including an "F" in general bio from a professor who got fired the next semester). Since your prereq grades are fantastic, my advice would be to concentrate on your personal statements/essays. Some schools allow you to explain any past academic grades on the application itself. Also, keep in mind that some schools have a more well-rounded application process and take into consideration work/volunteer experience, essays, certifications, etc. I just completed the accelerated BSN program at NYU and can say that they have a more well-rounded app process (that's not to say I recommend the program though lol). I also got into Georgetown and they actually asked me during the interview about my pretty mediocre undergrad GPA lol. The most important thing is that your current grades reflect your maturity level and readiness to take on the academic challenges of a nursing program. Good luck!

[mangopeach]

Its my understanding that most schools will forgive those old grades. Check your school's policy for Academic Amnesty or Academic Renewal. Different schools may have different rules for how this is done so check the schools that you intend to apply to. I've heard 5 yrs at some schools, and 10 yrs at others. And even within that time frame, only certain classes and whether or not you obtained a degree. For some places if you obtained a degree, the grade stays even if its past the 10 years. So you just have to find out what your school does.

[AlleycatLPN]

My school strictly looks at your gpa for required pre req courses only! The classes that you took 15 years ago that you don't need, don't count! :)

[Sand_Dollar, BSN]

Totally depends on the school. I had one school turned me down because of bad grades 20+ years ago, even though I have a 4.0 in all my pre-reqs. My second school is strictly based in the last 45 credits, plus a few that are weighed heavier, like Biochem. Both of these are public universities in the same state.

[snookiejc]

Depends on the school, but you should be able to contact the school at which you did less than stellar, and apply for academic renewal. There are requirements to meet with regard to how many units you need, "post crappy grades," in order to prove that you are now working at your potential. It is definitely worth a shot. I had a very similar experience and was able to increase my cummulative GPA by several points. Good luck!