Problem with Low overall GPA

Published

Can anyone please advise if I can still apply for the nursing program even with a low GPA?

Heathermaizey,

I already asked the school but their answers were too general. I tried posing this question to find out if there are applicants/students who had the same problem/experience that they could share.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

Do they have a website? Mine does and the requirements for the nursing program are there. Also check to see if they have forums where people talk. I did that and got a good idea of what peoples scores were to get into the program. That's what made me realize I had to get all A's in my prereq classes to get in.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Heathermaizey,

I tried to look for forum and this website is the only one so far I could see people talk about their application.

The school has a website- its actually a university. The admission information is general- like applicant should have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 but doesn't specifically say how they calculate the overall GPA

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CRNA.

I started during the summer with a 2.25 GPA from my previous school. I haven't had a college class since Fall of 2004. I now have a 2.53 Cumulative GPA and a 2.7 Graduation GPA (I have passed classes that I have previous failed, but are still counted in my Cum GPA.) My school uses only the GPA from prerequisites which 2.5 is the minimum. I have a 3.5 GPA I'm those.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
DadStudentPerhaps I am hoping that the school will do the same thing- just look at my pre req GPA instead of my cumulative or overall GPA. It's just sad how my past grades are haunting me ; ( Actually, the school where I am applying right now has 3 requirements: overall GPA, pre req GPA and act reading or accuplacer..I am ok with 2 except for the overall GPA.[/quote']

My school looks at the pre-req GPA, ACT Score, and KAT score. It used to be TEAS, still is for LPN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

DadStudentPerhaps,

I have read a lot of posts from students saying they got a 4.0 GPA. But wonder how many classes have they taken so far. It would be unfair if a student will get accepted due to high GPA than one with low GPA but has taken more classes. Do you see what I mean. I know someone who only took 5 classes and got a 4.0 but someone has completed the 10 pre req classes but only has 3.5 GPA.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
DadStudentPerhaps I have read a lot of posts from students saying they got a 4.0 GPA. But wonder how many classes have they taken so far. It would be unfair if a student will get accepted due to high GPA than one with low GPA but has taken more classes. Do you see what I mean. I know someone who only took 5 classes and got a 4.0 but someone has completed the 10 pre req classes but only has 3.5 GPA.[/quote']

I understand what your saying. My first degree and career was in Aviation. Learning how all the hydraulic systems, fuel systems, landing gear, engines, APUs, air conditioning, electrical, flight controls, avionics, sheet metal, etc., worked.... coupled with all the History, Psychology, Speech, College Math, Aviation Math, English Comp, and other classes I took to get that first degree; let's just say I had plenty of "C's" and "B's" along the way....

Luckily all my pre-req classes (after going back to school many years later) have all been "A"s. I think my school's policy of using the pre-req GPA is a fair one. Without it, I would have a 3.13 GPA right now to apply to the Nursing Program with... But since my pre-req GPA is a 4.0, that improves my chances.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree with you. Using pre reqs as basis would give me better chances because mine is at 3.8 but my overall is only 3.17 ; (

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Overall GPA is calculated by dividing the total amount of grade points earned by the total amount of credit hours attempted. A point scale is used by your school. The most commonly used scale is A equals a 4.00, B equals a 3.00, C equals a 2.00, D equals a 1.00, & F or WF equals a 0. Some schools may go by a more specific scale with + or -'s earning scores in between (for example a B + earning a 3.33 or a C - earning a 1.70). You will have to consult your individual school to determine if they use a common scale or modified. Also, your school can tell you what numerical value constitutes each letter grade (for instance, is a 72 a C or D?). Each individual course constitutes a specific number of credit hours (i.e. 3 or 4). To calculate your semester GPA you multiply the grade points earned by the number of hours. For instance, you earned a B in Biology which is 4 credit hour. You earned 9 hours for that course. To calculate your semester GPA, you calculate your total number of grade points earned by the total credit hours attempted. For instance, you earned an A in 3 hour Biology (3x 4.0), a B in 1 hour Biology Lab (1x3.0) a C in 3 hour English (3x2.0)and a B in 3 hour Math (3x3.0). Your GPA for the semester is a 3.0 (30 grade points divided by 10 hours). To calculate your cumulative GPA, you determine your total credit hours and divide by the total grade points earned from all semesters.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you Shorty11

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Each school looks at it diff.... my school for example looks at the last 60 units for those with certain criteria (ex 2nd degree, and transfers) and overall GPA (total ever attempted) by those that are not transfers. That is given one value for the point system. A different value is given for pre-reqs. Lastly they look at overall GPA to ensure you meet min requirements.

My very first semester in in college I obtained a 1.69 (had a car accident the night before finals). It HAUNTED me FOREVER. I had to take extra classes to bring up my GPA. I did get in by completing other criteria (volunteering, working in the field, etc)... but I did get a 4.0 in all pre-reqs and scored high on my TEAS. So you can do it... it just depends on the school. (I am in a BSN program that admits 40 students per year).

Up Vote Up Vote ×

luv_u_so_much,

you mentioned about schools that look at the last 60 units - I hope that's how they will evaluate my overall GPA! I already completed a total of 71 credits hours/units here in the US. Im keeping my hopes high!!! that they will not include my Bachelors degree from another country ; (

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion