Raising GPA

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · May 16, 2015

I am a senior and I have decided to do pre-nursing.
I have completed almost all of the pre-req's except for microbiology in which I will be completing in the summer. Once I graduate I plan to retake the chemistry sequence (received straight C's) and also take some extra courses to boost my GPA.
My current GPA is a 2.5 and it has been a struggle when it comes to raising it.
I was wondering in my situation what may be the best route when it comes to choosing a school since most schools prefer a minimum 3.0 in all coursework.
I know that there are many options but I really want to obtain my MSN in nursing to hopefully become a nurse practitioner.
Any advice when it comes to applying to schools, raising my gpa etc?
Thank you all in advance!

Welllll.....much will depend on the competition for entry into nursing programs in your area of the country. Since there is an overabundance of applicants for every seat in most programs, the "minimum 3.0" that you are seeing really translates into successful candidates being 3.7 or higher. While a school will advertise its minimum requirements as a lure, the reality is that there are usually a great number of highly-qualified applicants and a shortage of seats to put them in. And that means there are programs where having a 3.9 means you don't get in the door.

With the overflow of schools pumping out new nurses every few months, there is no shortage of new grad RNs who are trying to find employment, and we are now finding no shortage of new grad nurse practitioners who also are struggling to find jobs. Just too many to place, frankly.

That said, if you really do want to pursue this route, you'll have to do the legwork on this on your own, finding out what the nursing programs in your area REALLY take in terms of a GPA, how many applicants for how many seats. Once you know this, you can go about assessing how realistic your goals are now. You will need, essentially, A's in every pre-requisite course required for the nursing program you desire; how likely is this? If your previous grades were the result of lack of effort and you believe that with enough effort you can make all A's, you might be on the right track.

Once you have achieved these A's....what will your GPA turn out to be? Most of the time, it's not the total GPA that the nursing programs are most interested in, but the grades you got in the pre-requs and the scores you got on TEAS (or other entrance exam they may require you to take prior to admission).

Good luck.

statepatrick001 · May 16, 2015

Before I decided to go into Nursing I earned a Bachelors Degree from a different school which was great because it covered a lot of pre-req's I needed for the Nursing Program at my new school. I would see if your credits for certain pre-req classes will transfer without your GPA. If so, then re-take those classes you did poorly on at the new school since you were already going to take them anyways. I don't know of any programs that will take students sitting under even a 3.5 and that's pushing it. When I enrolled at the new school I needed my 3 Bio classes,and a chem class to finish pre reqs and my GPA was only based on those classes. I also took Chem online @ NursingABC.com which satisfied my chem requirement (not all schools accept this though so I would ask a counselor if thats the route you're thinking of taking.) In any case, I would contact the school and talk with a counselor who can help you. It seems like most of you pre-reqs were already satisfied, however, may not transfer over to the new school (it depends on the school). It's best to call and ask the school if they transfer GPA's and if not, how you can go about applying to the program and sending over your school transcripts.

SCM2018 · May 16, 2015

Thank you for the information!

For the most part, my completed pre-req's are A's except for chemistry.

Because the gpa is so high, do you recommend going to a community college first to become a RN & then try to apply to other schools once completed? I'm aware that community colleges also have high expectations as well.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · May 16, 2015

Thank you for the information!
For the most part, my completed pre-req's are A's except for chemistry.
Because the gpa is so high, do you recommend going to a community college first to become a RN & then try to apply to other schools once completed? I'm aware that community colleges also have high expectations as well.

Competition for seats in ADN programs is typically stiffer than BSN programs. You are less likely to get a spot in a CC program, not more likely. It is a preferable route for many because of lower costs and a somewhat shorter timeframe in which to become a working nurse, however because of that preference these schools can be even choosier.

statepatrick001 · May 16, 2015

I'm currently going to a community college for my ASN Degree. I woukd highly recommend it if you like the small school atmosphere. It's just as tough to get into the program, however, the classes are smaller and the attention I recieved from professors put me at a 3.84 overall GPA before applying into the program.

Noxfox · May 17, 2015

The GPA issue just depends on the program, not necessarily university vs community college. I'm currently going for a CC program that implies a competitive application would be 3.9.

Also, careful with taking "extra classes." Make sure that your program does not only count the prerequisites in the GPA count up. If that is so you may wish to retake only prereqs.

SummerWertz · May 17, 2015

I would go the CC route if you have already taken all of their pre-reqs. I took pre-reqs at a university and applied to the local BSN program and was rejected purely because my GPA (3.1) was too low (everyone else had a 3.7 and above that was accepted). At least in my city, it's easier to get into the ARN program than it is the BSN. After I get my associate's I plan to do my BSN online for a year and hopefully go on to specialize and get a doctorates, god willing.

SCM2018 · May 18, 2015

Thank you for the information! How long will it take you to obtain your associates?

Noxfox · Aug 20, 2015

Associates should be a two year program, baccalaureates four. NOT including prerequisites, but from the start of your nursing program.

MsCupcakes · Aug 21, 2015

It honestly depends on the requirements for the school you're applying to. In my area, for example, there are two programs. The BSN program requires your full cumulative GPA, whereas the ADN program requires only your prerequisite GPA. Since it seems like your pre-req grades are good, you may want to look into a program that just takes your pre-req GPA into consideration, then go from there.