Rutgers ABSN - GPA Requirements

U.S.A. New Jersey

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Hi all,

Yesterday I attended Rutgers informational session and guests were told that unlike other nursing schools in NJ and elsewhere, they heavily look at one's academic record to determine admittance. They also relayed that for this upcoming admission cycle, applicants are required to have at least a 3.3 GPA in their undergraduate degree.

I would love to hear from current or former Rutgers ABSN students/alum on the types of GPAs and majors they had that resulted in their admittance to the program. Seeing how the school does not require personal statements or letters or recommendation, I assume most acceptance applicants into the program had extremely good grades? Would anyone know if they weigh prerequisite classes any differently from courses taken in undergrad?

Ok, favoritism is defined as giving unfair preferential treatment to a group or person. Admittance based upon high GPA is not favoritism since GPA is a legitimate criteria for evaluating applicants therefore seeking high GPAs is not unfair.

If they do not favor Rutgers grads why did the rep from RU nursing say they did and why does the poster before you say they stated they did at the information session.

What RU rep said that they did?? Did you speak to an RU rep or are you relying on hearsay ? :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

I can only speak on what I heard the day I attended the informational session on RU's ABSN program. Favoritism/preference is given to students with higher GPAs and strong grades (B or better) in the science classes. The end.

And I neither need nor requested the definition of "favoritism". Rutgers, unlike other schools in the area SOLELY rely on GPA as criteria for evaluating an applicant, which, IMHO, should not be the only criterion in selecting applicants. Personal statements, work experience, and where you graduate from need not matter for Rutgers.

I hope this clarifies things, and if it doesn't, consider contacting Rutgers for more information.

You're very much welcomed.

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Hi, maybe I misunderstood. I wasn't listening that closely to the answer to that question as I am not a graduate. I thought she said something about filling a different application in certain cases, but I am definitely not sure. You can email and ask 'should former rutgers students apply in the same way?' that should give you some info without asking straight out if there is preference, or you can just ask straight out. :)

Yes, you're correct. If you're a Rutgers student looking to TRANSFER into the nursing program, you fill out a different application, but that applies to their regular nursing program and not the accelerated one.

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Absolutely not. If any favoritism is shown it is towards applicants with high academic performances in all the prerequisites, moreso the hard sciences. So long as you graduated with a 3.3 GPA or higher, they didn't seem to care where you went for undergraduate.

What RU rep said that they did?? Did you speak to an RU rep or are you relying on hearsay ? :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

I can only speak on what I heard the day I attended the informational session on RU's ABSN program. Favoritism/preference is given to students with higher GPAs and strong grades (B or better) in the science classes. The end.

And I neither need nor requested the definition of "favoritism". Rutgers, unlike other schools in the area SOLELY rely on GPA as criteria for evaluating an applicant, which, IMHO, should not be the only criterion in selecting applicants. Personal statements, work experience, and where you graduate from need not matter for Rutgers.

I hope this clarifies things, and if it doesn't, consider contacting Rutgers for more information.

You're very much welcomed.

You are incorrect. Ironically, I spoke with ***** and she initially said they do not favor RU grads in the application process. However, earlier in the week I spoke with someone from RU NB who confirmed they do favor RU grads in the review process. I told ***** what the rep from RU NB said and she said "If that's what they said that is correct." I do not want to name drop who I spoke with at RU NB. But, I suggest you call RU NB nursing and put this question to them if you doubt what I am saying.

Rutgers is the best school in the area for nursing. I am not that competitive of an applicant, but will be applying there. Everywhere else is a backup school for me and I am not applying to the 100K tuition programs in the area. I would be too elated for words if I got into Rutgers. Maybe it is in part the nostalgic element of having gone there for undergrad. However, I think the other schools have extraneous application sections (LoR, Resume) because their gpa requirement is so lax.

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You are incorrect. Ironically, I spoke with Yarits*****a and she initially said they do not favor RU grads in the application process. However, earlier in the week I spoke with someone from RU NB who confirmed they do favor RU grads in the review process. I told **** what the rep from RU NB said and she said "If that's what they said that is correct." I do not want to name drop who I spoke with at RU NB. But, I suggest you call RU NB nursing and put this question to them if you doubt what I am saying.

How can I be incorrect when Rutgers staff members are relaying contradictory information?

Rutgers is the best school in the area for nursing. I am not that competitive of an applicant, but will be applying there. Everywhere else is a backup school for me and I am not applying to the 100K tuition programs in the area. I would be too elated for words if I got into Rutgers. Maybe it is in part the nostalgic element of having gone there for undergrad. However, I think the other schools have extraneous application sections (LoR, Resume) because their gpa requirement is so lax.

Yes, I agree with you, Rutgers is an amazing school. Presumably they place 100% of their graduates, despite only admitting 20 students or so. They relayed they were planning to increase that number for next year. Another consideration is UMDNJ, which is not as expensive as your NYU or Columbia. Have you considered looking into UMDNJ's program?

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UMDNJ is a back up school for me. I have heard their program is not as hard to get into as Rutgers. Did you go to RU for undergrad? Also do you have a JD?

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UMDNJ is a back up school for me. I have heard their program is not as hard to get into as Rutgers. Did you go to RU for undergrad? Also do you have a JD?

Can you receive PMs? I'll send you one!

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@chiasmus100 so did you apply to Rutgers or no? and what information do you have on UMDNJ?

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@chiasmus100 so did you apply to Rutgers or no? and what information do you have on UMDNJ?

I plan to apply to both. I don't have any info on UMDNJ. I suggest whatever questions you may have you put forth to the nursing school. When you call remember to be polite and proactive in your questioning (it can take you far).

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Hello. I checked the website, and it does seem there is another application if you attended Rutgers before. (which is what I thought I heard at the Newark info session) I am not sure if you get preference or not.

From: http://admissions.rutgers.edu/ApplyNow/ApplicationsAndTheBasics.aspx

Returning To Rutgers? If you were previously enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at any campus of Rutgers University and wish to return to take undergraduate courses for either degree or non-degree study, please use the Re-Enrollment Application.

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I'm currently in the RU ABSN program and can attest to the program requirements. While they cannot advertise preference for RU grads, it is known that this is the case. As it was explained to me, the college of nursing can confirm that the candidate has succeeded in completing the rigors and high standards of a Rutgers degree. In their eyes, this is a major a highlight in your application and reflects your ability to succeed in a VERY intense program.

Previous RU students (if you've taken any course in Rutgers or completed a degree) completes a different application, called "Re-enrollment Application." It does have a section for a personal statement, which is where I mentioned my work in the health field and other qualifications. I was told that GPA lower than 3.0 are not even considered. My cumulative GPA in my previous degree (Exercise Science) was 3.6. I believe Challenge exams are no longer being offered, so that means that all pre-reqs must be completed before the program starts.

Now, if someone who has a science degree from an Ivy league, (but GPA is 3.3) may not necessarily be over or under a Rutgers grad. They do consider other factors.

Let me know if you have other questions about the program.

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I'm currently in the RU ABSN program and can attest to the program requirements. While they cannot advertise preference for RU grads, it is known that this is the case. As it was explained to me, the college of nursing can confirm that the candidate has succeeded in completing the rigors and high standards of a Rutgers degree. In their eyes, this is a major a highlight in your application and reflects your ability to succeed in a VERY intense program.

Previous RU students (if you've taken any course in Rutgers or completed a degree) completes a different application, called "Re-enrollment Application." It does have a section for a personal statement, which is where I mentioned my work in the health field and other qualifications. I was told that GPA lower than 3.0 are not even considered. My cumulative GPA in my previous degree (Exercise Science) was 3.6. I believe Challenge exams are no longer being offered, so that means that all pre-reqs must be completed before the program starts.

Now, if someone who has a science degree from an Ivy league, (but GPA is 3.3) may not necessarily be over or under a Rutgers grad. They do consider other factors.

Let me know if you have other questions about the program.

Are you a Rutgers alum?

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Hello, Just logged on to see how others applying are doing with their esssay. I am writing it now in the 2 hours I have my kids with the babysitter. I was wondering if the essay that is part of the undergrad application is the only essay we have to write? Also I see nothing about letters of recommendation, is that required? Maybe after I submit I will see it?

If anyone knows, please let me know. As far as challenge courses I believe there is one that will still be allowed. It is a course only offered at Rutgers.

Thanks!

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