SUPER low GPA

RegularNurse · Dec 31, 2016

You are unlikely to get into a BSN program at a reputable school.

I would try an ADN or LPN school and go from there.

AliNajaCat · Dec 31, 2016

Your other alternative is to call a few reputable programs (NOT for-profit schools who will drool over the chance to take your money) and speak frankly with their admissions counselors. They will have heard many versions of your story before. They will tell you how hard it will be to get admitted anywhere. If you persist, one or two may lay out a plan that essentially has you eat crow and start over from the beginning. Even if they have a requirement that all past GPA still counts, do it anyway.

If if anyone does this, take the opportunity because it'll never happen again. Work your butt off, do whatever it takes to get really good grades, and check in with that counselor every semester to show off your new GPA and demonstrate your willingness and ability to succeed.

Nothing less will work. Good luck.

MotoMonkey, BSN, RN · Dec 31, 2016

Many programs, at least in my area, only look at the GPA from your prerequisite coursework. This means that despite your low cumulative GPA you could potentially apply with a 4.0 prerequisite GPA.

I would recommend you look into the programs that you are interested in applying to and see what their admissions criteria consists of.

SaltySarcasticSally, LPN, RN · Dec 31, 2016

Your best bet is most likely LPN>RN. I graduate from my LPN to RN bridge program in April, my LPN GPA, pre-req GPA, and entry test score was the only thing taken into consideration. They did not want any other transcripts.

BAY AREA RN, BSN · Jan 1, 2017

you can do it

alicia.marie13 · Jan 1, 2017

I agree with others when they say you might want to start with an LPN program and work your butt off to get good grades in those classes. Also - most schools also looks at your ACT score as well. If that is not high enough I would recommend retaking that as well. My GPA was not bad when I was going to apply for Nursing school but my ACT was a little low so I retook it and that made a world of difference when applying. You might want to take a few extra classes to help raise your GPA too. I took a medical ethics class that I actually ended up enjoying (which looked good on my transcripts) and made sure I got a good grade to help raise my GPA.

Bottom line - It may take your a little longer but it CAN happen with time and some good grades! Just be patient and put in the work! Do not give up - I work with a lot of nursing assistants that are in your shoes and think its impossible to go back to school and it breaks my heart because I know they are smart enough to do it. Good luck!

Bumex, DNP, NP · Jan 1, 2017

I agree with others that have posted on this thread- try an LPN school, maybe an ADN program. If there are not many programs in your area, you could try going to a community college to just take pre-req courses/science courses in order to get the GPA up. Some schools will look at the last 60 credit hours. Theoretically, you could keep taking classes to increase the GPA to an adequate number.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 1, 2017

The LPN/LVN program that I attended did not require any prerequisite coursework or pay attention to GPA during the admissions process. I only needed to interview with the program director and attain a passing score on an entrance exam.

I have since earned my LPN license, ASN degree, RN licensure, and BSN degree.

Extra Pickles · Jan 2, 2017

In contradiction to previous posters, I will have to tell you that you are extremely unlikely to find an ADN program that will allow you in with a GPA that low. Competition for placement in ADN programs is often stronger than for BSN programs, simply because the route tends to be a little shorter, a little less expensive, making competition tougher. Therefore, I would not expect you to get into any ADN program at this time.

Additionally, most schools will only allow one, maybe two courses to be retaken. Bringing your grade up to something acceptable is exceedingly unlikely. I will agree with the others in telling you that going to an LPN program that will accept you, completing that program and obtaining licensure, and then applying to a bridge program will probably be the only way you will have RN after your name at some point.

The truth is what it is. I'm sorry school did not work out for you well early on, but the only way you are going to become a nurse, unless you are willing to pay excessive amounts of money to a for-profit school that will not care what your grades are, is to start as an LPN and go from there. Good luck.

Extra Pickles · Jan 2, 2017

I agree with others that have posted on this thread- try an LPN school, maybe an ADN program. If there are not many programs in your area, you could try going to a community college to just take pre-req courses/science courses in order to get the GPA up. Some schools will look at the last 60 credit hours. Theoretically, you could keep taking classes to increase the GPA to an adequate number.

Nursing programs look at the grades for their prerequisite classes, not the last 60 credits. If it takes 2 or 3 tries to raise grades up to an acceptable level, or if a transcript is full of unnecessary courses designed only to bolster an overall GPA, it is not uncommon to be rejected for an application to a program because they only allow one or two attempts at any course. Competition is high, competition for ADN programs much higher than BSN programs typically, and schools can afford to choose students who did not take a hundred credits in order to get a minimum GPA. Just how it is.

cariboulover · Jan 2, 2017

THANK YOU all your insight!!! Can some explain the difference between LPN and ADN?? How long they take and all that jazz?? You guys are very very helpful!!