Questions for Entry Level MSN programs in CA

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Hi Everyone!

I graduated from UCSC last year, but my GPA is quite low (2.92) and I'm really scared that I won't be able to get into any graduate programs for nursing. I'm looking into USF, Samuel Merritt, SFSU, and some other state colleges. Are there anyone out there who is in the same boat or have been through the same thing, but got in?! Also, any suggestions/advice would help! Thanks in advance!

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Hi tlw87,

I may not be much help because I am currently applying here in Southern Cali, and it looks like you are mainly applying to schools up North? What was your major? What pre-reqs have you completed? Most state schools with EL-MSN programs, just like CCs, require you to take Antaomy, Physio, Microbio, General Chem, and English before you can apply--were they all part of your prior major? I am applying to Long Beach State and it is pretty competitive! Only 48 people per year. Long Beach ranks you based on a points system....4 points for science GPA, 2 points for overall pre-req GPA (English, Speech, Math, Critical Thinking, etc), 2 points for overall TEAS score, and 2 points for TEAS Math score. You also need a minimum 3.0 cumulative from you bachelor's. (I barely squeaked by--a 3.01) Adding up my points--I should be around a 8.6/10. I am retaking the TEAS to try and score higher to boost my overall ranking. You are also interviewed if initially selected based on ranking.

The intake coordinator for Long Beach did say they'll consider applicants who are close to a 3.0 cumulative (I believe she said 2.8 for example would be okay) if they rank high enough anyway on the pre-reqs and TEAS...basically, there would be hope for you in this case, if this situation applies to you.

I think there must be a program out there that will work with your 2.92 GPA, especially if you kill on all the other requirements!

Hope this helps in some way...good luck!

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Hi LillbrenLBC,

Thank you so much for replying; I really appreciate it! Yeah, I'm mainly looking for schools in the SF Bay Area or basically anywhere up North, since I live in San Jose. My bachelor's degree was in health sciences (basically molecular biology with a focus on health). My pre-requisites grades aren't bad, but I'm still finishing up some of the pre-req courses. The only pre-req grades I'm disappointed about are my Anatomy grades (I took it at UCSC and it was a course for both biology and anthropology students and it was brutally difficult because they focused a lot on the anthropology aspect of the course...I got a C+ in both the lab and the lecture). Overall, I hope that I'd be okay, I retook my human physiology (i also took it at UCSC and it was also very difficult) and I got an A when I took it at SJSU..i'm still going to apply for the next application cycle and see how it goes. If it is okay with you, can you please let me know when you get in? I'd love to hear from a fellow future nursing student. Best wishes to you! Good luck!

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I will definitely let you know if I get in! I have been accepted to the ADN program at Golden West College...just found out a couple days ago, so that is a big relief in case I don't get into the EL-MSN program. In the end, I am okay with getting my RN license first, working for a bit, and then going back to school again...somehow, I even find that idea more appealing (more practical?). There is no harm in applying obviously, and to as many schools as you can--it seems like there are so many variations on requirements and the applicant selection process. Kudos to completing your health sciences major--sounds tough!! I majored in Human Development with an emphasis in health services..mostly soft science with some easy bio courses thrown in :-) I think having the Health Sciences will only help you in the end--there are schools that take closely related bachelor's into consideration also. I think you have a good chance, but explore all the options and different routes of becoming a nurse also---besides ADN, there are also accelerated BSN programs to consider!

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I am in the same boat as you. But in my case, I have called almost al of the nursing admissions counselors regarding my gpa and according to them my gpa (2.96) would generally be accepted as a 3.0. If I was in your shoes, I would still apply and not expect anything out of the very competitive schools. I'm going to apply to a total of 7 schools this fall for admission on summer/fall 2010 just to play it safe...

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Hi Arkmann,

It's great to know that someone is in the same boat as me! I feel less lonely now haha. Which schools did you call? Also, which schools did you apply to? (If you don't mind me asking)

tlw

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