UIC GEP/MSN/TransitionDNP Program

[bete-noire]

Hi all,

My ultimate goal is to become an NP and I've checked out a few similar threads here (and endless googling) but none of them seem to really be the answer I'm looking for...

I'm in the process of graduating with a BS in Pre-Health Biology so a few Pre-Nursing pre-reqs have been done save for anatomy and physiology. I've shadowed with doctors, done clinical volunteer work (and will continue to do so through the end of my undergrad), and I've worked with nurses before so I think I've had pretty decent exposure to that kind of environment which hopefully will help. However, my GPA so far isn't so stellar from freshman/sophomore year due to personal reasons and not really having any sort of direction in life. Of course that's different now but I feel like it's a bit too late... And at most, if I continue to get better grades now, I'll graduate with around a 3.0.

I've been researching the programs offered at UIC and initially wanted to apply to the GEP program but I'm getting very discouraged due to my low GPA. I know at UIC they'll consider the last 60 credits of your degree but even then, even if I ace the rest of my classes (not to mention they are going to get harder), my GPA still won't look very competitive. Realistically I'm thinking I may end up with about a 3.2-3.3, this being the last 60 credits.

I'm still going to try and apply for the program anyway but if worse comes to worse and I don't get accepted, I am considering doing an ADN program so I can get an RN license. With that I could work as an RN for a couple of years to get experience and then apply for the MSN or the Transition DNP program at UIC.

The thing that worries me is my baccalaureate GPA AGAIN because according to their admission requirements, it's the same for either program-- at least 3.0 on the last 60 credits of your undergrad degree so what I'm thinking is would I even have a chance then?

I've taken into consideration like GRE scores, letters of recommendation, clinical exposure, and an awesome personal letter and all but my GPA is really the bane of my existence and it's really, REALLY discouraging me!

So, again, is there any possible chance I can still become an NP? I'm willing to do anything or take any sort of route at this point. I just need to know if it's realistic.

I'm sorry if I took too long to get to the point! Please help! Thank you.

[bbcc]

Hey ppmachine - I think you have a great chance at becoming an NP! There are a lot of different schools and different ones weight things differently; obviously your GPA might be lower than others, but you seem to have great stuff to supplement it! Especially for a school like UIC, that doesn't require the GRE but still accepts it, it can be your saving grace - I went to an info session, and they recommended submitting your GRE if your GPA is less than stellar, because it helps them see that you can handle the fast-paced academics of the program. They recommend around the 50th percentile, I believe, so if you are significantly higher than that, I think you have a great shot!

(For reference, I have a 3.3something GPA in a social science from a top school, excellent GRE scores, but almost no clinical experience, and I'm still applying and feel as though I am a competitive candidate - I get nervous that I don't have enough exposure and that's what will keep me out of programs, not my GPA!)

[bete-noire]

Hi thank you so much for replying! I'm definitely going to take the GRE and study hard for that to hopefully balance out the bad GPA, but this was really refreshing to read. Thanks again and good luck to you!

[bbcc]

Once we all start hearing about interviews and acceptances, you can compare your stats to those who are applying this year. I know some schools (UPenn definitely, and others) have already started doing interviews or decisions so read through those threads and see what you think - many people have shared their stats.