What are my chances of getting into nursing school?

Published

I have a 3.0 prerequisite GPA. I was wondering what are my chances of getting into an ADN program. Most schools here in southern California say that the minimum GPA to get into the program is either a 2.0 or 2.5.

I know that nursing is a competitive field and I DO NOT plan on taking a semester off, so I am applying to 8+ schools.

1) Should I be worried about getting into 1 program? Or am I just worrying too much?

Also

2) How many times have you applied to nursing school?

3) What was your GPA?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am a prenursing student too, in community college. I am applying to many schools. I am also applying to other majors, such as exercise science and public health. That way, I will be more experienced when I do go to nursing school. Plus, there are a lot of people going to school to be a nurse, so you have to stay competitive. So maybe you can think about doing that too? Just a thought. I honestly have no idea about your chances, wish I could help with that!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical-Surgical/Float Pool/Stepdown.

I kept a 4.0/4 with all of the required gen eds for my ASN program that was rediculously competitive. I applied once and was thankfully accepted the first go around.

Some schools have a 16 hour rule (I think that's it anyways) where you can elect to use only the GPA of the last 16 credit hours for placement consideration.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER/Tele, Med-Surg, Faculty, Urgent Care.

I taught in a BSN program for 10 years, minimum GPA to apply was 3.0. However, most semesters all students (48 per semester) had a 3.5 or above. Those with 3.49 and below would never get in. No wait list existed.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Room, CEN, TCRN.

The thing about community colleges is a lot of times they have many more applicants than universities or private schools. From what I hear, though, a lot of schools in more rural locations have much less applicants, so are less competitive in regards to GPA. If you don't mind relocating for school, apply in other states.

Otherwise, you could start retaking classes for a better GPA. I missed out on applying last year because I didn't have the necessary prereqs, so I spent the summer retaking classes I got B's in and raised my GPA to 3.93 from a 3.6.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You have an ok chance, some schools in so cal do a lottery if you meet the cutoff.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Allergy/ENT, Occ Health, LTC/Skilled.

I think many people see the "minimum GPA" as what they need to aim for to get in which isn't the case. At least in my associates program it isn't. Our GPA minimum for the bridge program is 2.8 so many are applying with that or 3.0's etc. I have a 3.96 as do other students applying. It will just depend on competitive the schools are, how many seats they have, etc. I know a 3.0 here wouldn't cut it though...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Room, CEN, TCRN.
You have an ok chance, some schools in so cal do a lottery if you meet the cutoff.

When I was going to school in northern California (San Jose), a lot of the schools did their admissions through a lottery -- as long as you met the minimum criteria, you were eligible for a shot.

I think many people see the "minimum GPA" as what they need to aim for to get in which isn't the case. At least in my associates program it isn't. Our GPA minimum for the bridge program is 2.8 so many are applying with that or 3.0's etc. I have a 3.96 as do other students applying. It will just depend on competitive the schools are, how many seats they have, etc. I know a 3.0 here wouldn't cut it though...

Same here. I'm applying with a 3.93 GPA to a program that has a 3.0 minimum, and honestly reading some of the threads from previous years applicants, I'm still incredibly nervous about getting in because there are so many applicants that could have a 4.0.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I guess I can never really know until I've actually done it, which is FINE. What I subconsciously wanted was for someone on here to say," Yeah you'll do fine, I went through the same thing and it all worked out for me."

While it doesn't put to rest the anxiety of me making it or not, I've at least got some hope.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
You have an ok chance, some schools in so cal do a lottery if you meet the cutoff.

Yes and I've applied to a school that does this as well, if only the stars align and I actually get accepted, fingers crossed!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I will try to keep this post posted (pun intended) for all those other people who are in a similar situation.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care Transport, Cardiac ICU, Rapid.

Knowing that cali is a very competitive state for nursing you may find admissions tough at most schools. Lottery based you may have the greatest shot at. Me personally i applied twice, the first time with the bare minimum classes taken and grades, second time with a 3.8 and everything done (got in the second time)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion