What should I do? Can I get in?

[Mojo jojo500]

Hi, I am a senior at the University of Texas Austin and I have recently decided that I want to be a nurse. My current GPA is a 2.2 and I think I can get it up to a 2.4 or 2.5 maximum before I graduate. Even if I retake the classes, both grades will be calculated in my GPA and I almost have 120 hours making it harder to bring up my GPA. I messed up my first couple of years and did just enough to stay at the university mostly because I had to motivation. I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life so I had nothing to look forward to and no goal to strive for. I am planning to co-enroll at a community college to finish the nursing school pre-reqs. I currently have a B in chem, a C+ in stats, a C in genetics, a C + in psych, and a B+ in nutrition. Do I have a shot in getting into a BSN nursing program with current GPA? I've been researching schools and the entry requirements have me losing hope.

[Highschoolfuturenurs]

Most of the BSN programs in my area are really competitive and won't look at your application if you don't have a minimum of a 2.8 GPA. You should look for programs that ONLY look at your pre-req grades and make sure you get A's in all the sciences because those are the most important. You have a lot of C's in your pre-req grades which is not good. Some programs look at you overall (not just grades) so maybe if you get a lot of volunteer experience, a good essay and recs along with fluency in another language then you may have a chance. :)

[sara566]

Truthfully most BSN programs in my area are so competitive and don't accept applications with that GPA. I would call your advisor at your school and see what they think. Maybe there is a writing assignment portion you could excel in to make up for your grades. Some schools only look at your GPA and others may look more into your work and volunteer health care experience. Another option would be to apply to a community college since they are usually less competitive and get your associates. They usually do have bridge program to go from your associates to your bachelors or masters.

Wish you the best of luck in any choice you make!

[JROregon, ASN, BSN, RN]

The community colleges in my area are extremely competitive. The minimum GPA is a 2.5 at a lot of the schools but the GPAs for those getting in are usually above a 3.0. Some years the lowest is 3.5. Definitely talk to your advisor and see where to go from here. I had dismal grades while attaining my BS 20 some years ago. The only grades that mattered where the ones in 7 core classes that I took at my local community college (A&P 1,2,3, General Psych, Developmental Psych, Nutrition, and Microbiology). You may have a chance but you may need to take classes over or find a school that has different standards.