University of Arizona Accelerated BSN

Shar81 · Aug 27, 2008

Hi, I am finishing up my non-nursing, but I won't graduate until next May. I want to apply for the 2010-2011 nursing program. I have A's in all my prerequisites, but some of my sciences, I have taken three times. Do you think this is a problem? I also have only about a 3.0 GPA. Thanks in advance for any help. If you have any other tips, that would be great. :)

I'm not a student at U of A but i actually called a couple months ago and asked the very same question on two seperate ocasions. I was told that it doesn't matter how many times you take the pre-requisites, they will take the highest grade earned and it also doesn't matter if they are as almost 10 years old, they'll still accept them. You may already know this too but there isn't a nursing entrance exam for the accelerated program but the person i spoke with indicated that this may change at anythime. Hope this helps, you should give them a call.:)

determined 2succeed · Aug 28, 2008

Hi, I am finishing up my non-nursing, but I won't graduate until next May. I want to apply for the 2010-2011 nursing program. I have A's in all my prerequisites, but some of my sciences, I have taken three times. Do you think this is a problem? I also have only about a 3.0 GPA. Thanks in advance for any help. If you have any other tips, that would be great. :)

relentlessrunner,

Just a tip.... make sure that you clarify with the person you talk to about the higher grade being accepted. :twocents:

For instance, at ASU, I was unable to replace a "B" I received in my Child Family Studies course by just retaking that same class & getting an "A". They required me to take a higher level course, pass with an "A" in order to increase my GPA.

In other words, if I would have received a "D" or "F" in the course & then retaken for an "A", ASU would have accepted the "A".

Basically, my advisor told me that it would just be too easy for everyone to increase their GPA to 4.0 by just retaking courses they had previously passed but not received an "A".

I hope that explaination makes sense. I'd hate for you to go through all of that trouble retaking courses you already passed to then be told they wouldn't take the higher grade:nono:.

GOOD LUCK FUTURE NURSE! :nurse:

cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN · Aug 28, 2008

The real problem is your GPA. Now, I'm not that familiar with the ASBN program at the U but it seemed pretty darm competitive. And a GPA of 3.0 is too low for any competitive program.

nursecass · Aug 28, 2008

I graduated from the regular program at UofA, and have talked to the admissions program people a LOT over the last few years. As of a year ago both the accelerated and regular programs both worked the same for grade replacements-you list the highest grade you have received and from what institution. (So if you took Chem 101 at the U and got a C, took it through Grand Canyon online and got a D, and then took it again at Pima and got an A, you list that you took it at Pima and got an A.) Also, I know as of a year ago a 3.0 would not have gotten you in-I think the class average at the time was around a 3.7-3.8, and I'm sure it's only gotten more competitive. I would try to retake some of the classes that lowered your GPA and work on getting it up a little higher. Unfortunately since that is the main thing they look at right now, your GPA is the most productive thing you can do to make yourself competitive. Good luck!

relentlessrunner · Sep 1, 2008

Thanks everyone. I had a 2.5 in bioengineering, transferred schools, and currently have a 3.8 at my new school for my major along with a 4.0 for nursing prerequisites. So overall, it is about a 3.0 unfortunately. I can't go back to my first school to retake any non-prerequisite classes. That's the part I am nervous about - my first two years of college. I guess I just have to hope for the best with my prerequisite GPA and personal statements. If you all know anything else I can do besides A's in my prerequisite GPA, please let me know... I still have a year before I apply. Thanks.

relentlessrunner · Sep 1, 2008

Do you mean a 3.7 or 3.8 for the prerequisites or your overall GPA? For pre-nursing, it is usually the same thing. But for the accelerated nursing, it could be different...

I have a 4.0 for overall, but if they look at all my transcripts, I would have a 3.0. Do they look at your OVERALL GPA? Thanks to anyone who knows.

cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN · Sep 2, 2008

Do you mean a 3.7 or 3.8 for the prerequisites or your overall GPA? For pre-nursing, it is usually the same thing. But for the accelerated nursing, it could be different...
I have a 4.0 for overall, but if they look at all my transcripts, I would have a 3.0. Do they look at your OVERALL GPA? Thanks to anyone who knows.

How can you have an overall 4.0 but then a 3.0? Do you mean an overall 3.0 but 4.0 in pre-reqs?

I don't know which GPA they use, but rest assured that a 3.0 will not get you into the UofA ASBN...

aznurse08 · Sep 2, 2008

I just graduated from the UA ABSN. I can tell you that half the time they don't even know what they are looking for in terms of a nursing student. Keep in mind that your other degree's GPA follows you no matter what. I had a 3.0 and got in.

You should call the office and request to speak to the advisor. She'll be able to give you the break down on just what they want. And once a month they have info sessions that you can ask questions of the advisor and sometimes former students. To apply you have an essay that you submit and then there is an interview process in addition to looking at your GPA. They are trying to get a more "well rounded" student than just someone who has a perfect GPA.

Having said that, we had about half of our class of 78 that had 4.0 in their other programs before this one. Make yourself stand out in your essay and do well in your prereqs, and be yourself in the interview if you get one. Just because you are a 4.0 doesn't mean you will be a good nurse. Some of the smartest people in my class had many problems with the test taking and nursing concepts. And some of the people that had done average in their other degree excelled in the nursing classes and in clinical. You just never know.

good luck to you!

nursecass · Sep 2, 2008

Just because you are a 4.0 doesn't mean you will be a good nurse. Some of the smartest people in my class had many problems with the test taking and nursing concepts. And some of the people that had done average in their other degree excelled in the nursing classes and in clinical. You just never know.
good luck to you!

That couldn't be more true! That was my biggest complaint while I was there-you get all book smart people when you get all 4.0s! Grades do not make the nurse, and in some cases, prereq's don't even make the nursing student! I struggled through prereq's but then got all but one A in nursing school. I'm glad to hear they are warming up to the whole package idea!

chinook · Oct 19, 2008

aznurse08,

I am applying into the ASBSN at U of Arizona this year and I have a few questions for you, as I see you graduated and have now begun working with your sponsor.

First of all, how many applicants were there for your cohort? Did they all have significant volunteer experience? What were the GPAs like? What was the interview process like? What kinds of questions are they asking?

Secondly, which hospitals did you list as your preferences and which are you working at? I have heard great things about UMC, but I am curious to hear what others have to say about the other hospitals. I am also concerned that when I sign my contract and begin working for my sponsor, that my preference to do a critical care internship will be disregarded and I will be placed where there is the biggest shortage? Was your preference honored? How much night shift is compulsory? Is the work agreement a two or three year contract?

I'm new to these forums, so if it's not PC to bombard you with all of these questions, I apologize in advance. I really really want to be accepted into this program more than anything!

Thank you!!!

relentlessrunner · Oct 24, 2008

Make sure to check UA's web site every couple of months to see if they have made any changes to their requirements. A few months ago, they changed it so the math and English courses are not part of the prerequisites. Also, it now says 2-3 years in the contract for working with your sponsor - but on one page on the web site, it says 3 years. So just keep checking. I'm applying for summer 2010 - I can't wait! :) I also want this more than anything and am not sure about applying anywhere else!