What would you do?????

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While attempting to FINALLY complete my associate's degree, I started taking my BSN nursing prerequisites. Currently, I have a cumulative gpa of 2.892, college credit gpa of 3.00, & a cumulative science gpa of 3.666.

I will graduate this summer once I fulfill my math requirement. I received some bad grades when I first started school, dropped out of community college & had to repeat classes. I was never good in math, so I put off taking math classes, which I regret deeply. After completing 2 remedial math courses, I can now take college level math. This summer I am taking a math statistics class and a microcomputer class (easy A). This leaves me with only my general chemistry and college algebra to take in the fall to complete all of the prerequisites for the accelerated BSN programs.

I will be turning in 7 applications this fall to both BSN and LPN programs (3 BSN & 4 LPN). All of the LPN programs start in Jan 2011. BSN program starts Jan, March, & Aug 2011 here in Chicago. West Suburban College of Nursing has a guaranteed admission if you have a cumulative gpa of 3.0 and a cumulative science gpa of 3.0. You can also turn in your application with 3 out of the 4 science prerequisites completed. Minimum of 80% on the TEAS exam, submit letters of recommendation, personal essay & so on. I have a current CNA & CPR certification, but not working as a CNA. I do understand just because you have a high gpa and good test scores does not mean you will get accepted into a program and vice versa. Realistically, I know those with the best grades and scores are more likely to be accepted.

My question is, should I take a 3rd class this summer to boost my cumulative gpa up to a 3.0. This will only happen if I get ALL A's in those three classes which I believe I can do. On the other hand, do I just take the 2 classes & have a cumulative gpa of 2.98. I really want to get into West Suburban BSN program because it's only 17 months & starts Jan 2011. I'm scared that my low gpa will hinder me, and my application won't even be looked at. I want to take a third class this summer, but as you know, "things happen" and I don't want to take on too much. The LPN programs are 11 months.

The programs here in Chicago have no wait list. They are based on gpa, entrance exam scores, letters of recommendation, personal essays, interview, and having all of the necessary documents completed and turned in on time. A little about me: live alone, no kids or boyfriend and will be 28 next year. I set my own work schedule, but sometimes that can get crazy. College advisors have advised me not to do it. Friends say go for it. My parents say it will be ok, you'll figure it out. I'm saying somebody please help me!!!!!! :confused:

Any suggestions??????

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What would the third class be? If it is something easy, i would say go for it. It all depends on what the class is, and what all else you have on your plate. If it were me, I would probably suck it up and do it. I am taking 3 classes over the summer, A&P I in the first summer session along with a one credit, Intro to Nursing, and A&P II the second summer session. I am already accepted into my nursing program, but decided to get my A&P's out of the way before the fall. I am doing all this, plus I have a two year old little girl. Luckily I don't have to work...If I did, I do not think I would be able to do it.

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I had the same issue that you did. My overall gpa was 2.98, my science gpa was 3.64, my pre-reqs(non-science) was 3.43. I decided to take 3 classes to boost my overall grade this spring '10. I applied in Jan for a BSN program in August '10 and was accepted into the program (full admissions not waitlisted).

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Specializes in icu/er.

at all cost get into rn program over lpn if possible.

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Do a basketball theory of coaching or a communication class. That's what I did one summer got 4 easy A's. Boosted my gpa from a 2.1 to a 2.99

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Well first let me start by thanking those that responded to my post. Secondly, I would like to say I am very fortunate to live in a city where there is a variety of nursing programs. After reading a number of posts on here, I think it's unfortunate to read some of the stories of the students who are trying so hard to get into their program and the stiff competition they are facing :redbeathe.

I feel some of these schools are putting their students at a disadvantage because now you have students doing "whatever it takes to get the grade":mad:. Are students learning/retaining the material? Are students cheating & so on. To those going into new schools beware. These schools are new, and who knows where their accreditation or program will be by the time you graduate. You don't want to end up spending thousands of dollars for a degree that's useless & classes that are not transferable to another program. I know the pressures of application deadlines, taking the right classes, cost, and thinking about how life will change once in a program. Some of you need to RELAX. There is no need to go crazy. My dad always told me, "If you do your best, what more can you do?"

I'm still thinking about my decision.......

Will let you all know soon

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You can boost your Cumulative GPA easier by retaking the classes you did poorly in rather than taking more classes and getting A's. As a matter of fact it will be almost twice as beneficial to your GPA than taking another class and getting an A because it erases the poor grade and you have already taken it so it will be easier than the first time.

Look at this (hypothetically 3 credits each):

A+A+B+D=3.0GPA (hypothetical current gpa)

A+A+B+D+A=3.2GPA This is if you take 1 more class and get an A.

A+A+B+A=3.75GPA This is what happens when you improve your D to an A.

A+A+B+B=3.5GPA This happens if you bring it up to a B.

In either of these cases you get at least double the Cummulative GPA bump than if you just took a different class and got an A

Remember you already took the course and it will be easier the 2nd time.

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I missed the deadline to drop out of my classes once semester and received all F's, got a D in another class & some C's other semesters. You made a really good point and thats what I did. I went back and took those classes and received 3 A's and 1 B. I'm thinking maybe I could take English 101 over and get an A (got a C many years ago). On the other hand, I'm thinking of taking a physical fitness class to get it to exactly a 3.0, but that's still low.

The application deadline is this Sept 1st. The information package that my school of first choice (west suburban) said the average student they accept has a cumulative gpa of 3.2 and cumulative science gpa of 3.6. My graduation gpa will be about a 3.10 because I'm going to transfer my associate's degree over. I have a 3.66 cum in science. I'm still nervous. I just really want to do well on entrance exam. If I start studying now, I'm sure I will be ok come the end of august when I'm scheduled to take it.

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