Ryerson Collab BScN

[wctenshi]

I'm planning to apply for the Centennial/Ryerson 4-year nursing program. I have already finished 3 years of undergraduate studies in science (one more year to go). My GPA so far is 2.0 (2.3 without the 2 summer school courses).

The Ryerson collab program requires at least a CGPA of 2.3 for admission

However, I am planning to have a CGPA of 2.7 at the end of my final year.

My question is, how does centennial/ryerson calculate or look at my CGPA? Do they include summer school courses? Would they only look at my 1-3 years, or also count my final year (I will be applying in October this year - so wouldn't they NOT be able to see my final year on the transcript sent to them during application)?

I also have 6+ years of hospital/clinic volunteering experience, and my GPA was affected by anxiety (clinically diagnosed) and some personal problems. What are my chances of acceptance?

[madricka, BSN, RN]

Be aware that the Centennial/Ryerson program is EXTREMELY competitive and admitted students have a GPA way above the stated minimum (more like 3.7-4.0). I'm sure they make exceptions if there are extenuating circumstances that led to the lower GPA but in general, you definitely need to get your grades up if you want into their program. If you feel your anxiety and other issues are now under control then absolutely write a letter explaining your lower GPA. If your issues are ongoing consider whether this program is right for you since it is very demanding (look at the semester-by-semester layout of classes/clinicals). If you can't maintain a high enough GPA now, you won't make it through a year of the BScN program. Make sure all your ducks are in a row and you have a very good support system.

I know this sounds harsh and I don't mean to be disheartening about it. You can absolutely become a nurse if your heart is set on it. But you also want to be in the best frame of mind going in so you'll be successful in the program. A LOT of people start the program and drop in the first year. We lost about 1/3 by second year. It's intense! Work at building your grades up and ensuring your mental health is strong. Grades are more important than volunteer work at this point -- you have to demonstrate to the school that you can handle the workload.

As for which courses (GPA) they look at in your degree, I believe they look at all of them as a group, not just recent year(s). When I applied I had a previous degree and they looked at all my courses (including summer school). There is nothing on the Ryerson website to indicate they weight some years over others (or exclude summer school).

Good luck!