Second Degree Help Please!

[Danielle7220]

Hi everyone,

Here's my deal: I have a Bachelor of Arts in Biology with a minor in psych. My undergrad GPA was a 2.87 and I graduated in May of 2009. I entered a graduate program for teaching the following year and pulled a 4.0 for one semester, before deciding I'd like to do nursing. I'm now taking the few pre-reqs needed for most of the second degree program. I also work as a phlebotomist. I've also taken the TEAS, scored an 80, and am taking it again in 2 weeks.

My question is - should I even bother applying? I'm aware that many schools with accelerated second degree programs don't even bother looking at anyone who has an undergrad GPA below a 3.0. I have special circumstances for my low GPA (family-related), but I don't want or expect this to make me an exception. Any program recommendations would be greatly, greatly appreciated! I'd love to stay in New England, but ideally I'll go anywhere.

Secondly, how does everyone pay for this? I already have 63,000.00 in federal loans from my first undergrad degree. I know I'm not eligible for federal loans the second time around. Are you all taking out private loans to pay for the accelerated second degree program?

Thanks in advance for any help or advice you'd be willing to give!!

Danielle

[iPink, BSN, RN]

Hi. You shouldn't feel discouraged from applying to ABSN programs. I always give this website out to those who are looking for one: Accelerated BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) Programs

I will tell you don't look at any of Jersey's ABSN programs, because you must have a minimum of 3.0 GPA to apply. They are very strict on that requirement.

I also have loans from my first degree that I'm currently paying back. I graduated in '06. But, I will be borrowing very little for this program. I am capable of paying my rent, utilities, and my other living expenses, so I don't need to borrow money for that. I also applied for scholarships. There is money out there for us "non-traditional" students.

Hope that helped.

[glassprn]

I totally agree with mschas!

It's very competitive to get into NS now, but please don't be discouraged by GPA.

I recently got accepted to 2 ABSN programs with under 3.0 undergraduate GPA.

So you can do it, too!! =)

For the finance,,, try hard to get scholarships as much as possible.

Good luck!!

[MidLifeRN2012]

"Secondly, how does everyone pay for this? I already have 63,000.00 in federal loans from my first undergrad degree. I know I'm not eligible for federal loans the second time around. Are you all taking out private loans to pay for the accelerated second degree program?"

Hello. I am also in an accelerated BSN to RN program at a private college. I have a $10 k loan from my former degree. You can get federal loans after 1st degree but you just can't get grants. I do believe there is a lifetime max for loans, but I'm not sure what that is. You can check with the financial aid dept of a school you want to attend and they should be able to tell you.

[aneres1390]

Please don't give up applying, I also was a Bio Major, Eng. minor with a 2.75 GPA but 3.8 in my nursing pre-reqs. I was waitlisted at my first choice schools U rochester, Drexel... so I applied as a transfer student at my previous undergrad. I was told to apply for financial aid thru FAFSA and im soooo glad I did, despite thinking I wasn't going to qualify since I already have my 1st degree. so now, Instead of paying 45,000 a year, I only took out a loan for 5,000! The rest were scholarships and grants! The program will take me two years instead of the usual 12 or 14 months in a regular ABSN, but at least I will only have 10,000 or less in loans when im done!!!