Questions about what counts as overall GPA.

[Itssuzii]

Hello everyone!

Pre-nursing student here, and just like everyone else always worrying about my GPA! Anyways, I know that some programs only look at GPA from prerequisite classes, and there are some who look at that too but also your overall GPA. That overall GPA is (prerequisites+general education classes only) right? I just want to double check! I have a bad grade in a math class, but it is not a general education class. I'm wondering if I should bother retaking it, but if they don't even look at it, why bother right? Please give me some insight on this please, I'd rather spend my time focusing on the important science classes! Thank you everyone. :)

[caliotter3]

You should see an advisor at your school or research this info in the college catalog. Each school is different, and even if we knew the policy of the school that you are attending, there could be recent changes.

[Itssuzii]

Good idea, I'll go ahead and ask the programs directly. Thank you.

[pmabraham, BSN, RN]

Good day, Itssuzii:

Yes, overall GPA is the cummulative GPA of all classes taken. For schools that use point system, the overall GPA can matter as much as the grades you have in the prerequisite classes. I'm glad you are going to call the schools directly as they do vary in terms of what prerequisites are required as well as their admission policy.

Thank you.

[RunBabyRN]

Make sure you know which of your courses are transferable and which are not when you calculate your GPA. My overall was lower when I took out the non-transferable courses, which were the only ones the university cared about.

Look at each program's requirements and what they look at, as far as overall vs. prereq GPA. Most will list this on their website.

[Itssuzii]

Yes, I know which classes are transferable and which aren't. Thank you for the reminder.

This math class is an Elementary Algebra Class, and it is not a transferable class. I think it is mostly likely not looked at. But I will double check with the programs.

[RunBabyRN]

If that's the case, don't stress about it. Probably won't be calculated in. Are you looking at a CSU program? If so, they won't even look at it.

[Itssuzii]

Yes, I'm looking at (several) CSU programs. And that's what I was thinking. I didn't want to re-take it and waste my time! Could use that time for a more important pre-req class But Thank you for the help! It is very appreciated.

[caliotter3]

You may not need to repeat the elementary algebra class for your overall GPA, but a passing grade might be necessary for the intermediate algebra class that is now a requirement of many nursing programs. Be sure to clarify this with your advisor.

[Itssuzii]

The first class I took was Math 102- which is Elementary Algebra Part 2 (second half of book). I went back and took Math 100 which is Elementary Algebra (we learned the whole book) and got a B and passed it. I'm able to make it in Intermediate Algebra because it requires either Math 100 or 102. I will be taking the Intermediate Algebra class soon, and then onto Statistics. Thank you!