What's The Deal With A 4.0 Gpa?

Tx-top nurse · Apr 21, 2004

Well I think the economy does play a part but this has been a problem that I have been aware of even when the economy was "good". People see all those nursing jobs in the paper and decide that is what they want to do for a steady job (nothing wrong with that really). But even with our economy improving the nursing shortage will not improve and the shortage doesn't just affect working nursing, but also the schools since there are not enough nurses to teach (who wants to take a pay cut?). It goes way beyond an economy problem unfortunatly because the nursing shortage and fight to get into nursing school is nothing new.
And when you have 300 people applying for only say 50 spots (or less, my school only accpets 20 students) they are going to pick the best and the brightest of the bunch.
But I know for a fact that not every school is like that (though most are), my friend decided for her (she has a "low" GPA of 3.0, of course 3.0 is not terrible but you know what I mean, it just doesn't cut it for a lot of places) she applied to a school that is an hour drive each way just to become a nurse. It will be a pain for her, but totally worth it in the end. So make sure you check out *all* the schools in your area (even if it is an hour away) because they will all be different (different requirements, different ways they accept students, etc). Dental Hygene profession is a lot worse/competitive than nursing in most places btw, another friend of mine just got accepted into a program where she will be driving 2 hours each way because she could not get into any dental hygene programs (she had been trying for over 3 years) near her.
Anways, even with the economy on the rebound the nursing shortage and problem with nursing schools will not get any better, it will probably get worse.
Good luck, hang in there and if this is something you really want to do you will find a way to do it, don't give up!! Or what about starting out as a LPN?
Marilyn

Thanks Marilyn for your advice, I am not giving up even if it takes relocating. I absolutely love the quote at the end of your page, it describes me to a "T"...

Tx-top nurse · Apr 21, 2004

I'm guessing your in Texas. UT being University of Texas, and TWU being Texas Weslyan Univ. (spelling). But anyways which UT are you applying to? If its UT-Austin then yes they do receive A LOT of 4.0 gpa's considering A LOT of people want to go to that school (I know my prior major was Business and they have a top 10 business school). I think your in Dallas or Austin area (just guessing from the univ. your applying to). Have you thought about UT-San Antonio? In that school you take pre-req.s at UT-SA then transfer to UT-health system? (its like there medical school it has a combination of medical, nursing, pharmacy etc.)
Also UT-Tyler (and I think Arlington) have a nursing school A LOT of univ. in San Antonio have nursing schools (mostly private schools which means more money but don't think you care since you applied to TWU). Also theres Midwestern Univ. in Wichita Falls TX and theres a university in denton, TX its mostly female univ. (google it cause I don't want to give you the wrong name). Theres many colleges in texas that don't look at gpa. The bigger the school the more likely you will need a 4.0 (UT systems usually accept the most qualified applicant which they base on academics, volunteer work, consistency of courses-school, etc.). I know your highly upset but admissions doesn't know people personally so everything is based on papers, grades, awards, etc. unless your interviewed. I hope some of those colleges I named help you. I think Texas A & M has some nursing programs, and in waco Baylor Univ. Also a little secret but Tarleton State Univ. has a program and not a lot of people know about them so check that out too. Wish you much luck on your nursing career (don't give up, I see your going BSN maybe ADN to BSN would work if you don't want to wait 1 1/2-2yrs for acceptance). Good LUCK!!!
:)

Cherish, Thanks so much for the great advice. relocation is something I may seriously have to do. I have taken all my prerequisites and I hate to stop for fear that I may never go back...

The schools were twu- Texas Womens Univ. and UT-University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston branch...

Some School out there wants a top nurse and I guess it's my job to find that school... Thanks!!

Tx-top nurse · Apr 21, 2004

At Rogers State University in Claremore, OK, the admission criteria for the ADN program is not that tough. I had a 3.2, and even failed one gen-ed class (made it up later though) and got in the nursing program, which they insist is the one of the best in Oklahoma. I do know that you have to have five prerequisite classes (General cellular biology, anatomy and physiology, dosage calculation, composition, and college orientation) to get in the program, and some classes held more weight than others, like the dose calc class was a one credit hour class and held more weight as far as if you got in the nursing program or not than the five credit hour a & p class. So it may be something like that, or they just have hundreds of applicants for fifty spots, in which case, find a smaller college. I reccommed RSU!

nurseambra, I wish you much luck with the program! I may consider relocating in order to finish my degree...

BabyRN2Be · Apr 21, 2004

Tx-top,

There are possibly other factors which decide about whether or not you get into school. You are absolutely right in that the best nurses are not necessarily the ones who have a 4.0.

Suggestion: How about posting this in the Texas Nursing Forum? Go to U.S. Nursing Forums, and scroll down to Texas. You might be able to ask someone there who knows about the specific schools you are applying to and their requirements.

As someone else said, check into the ADN option, and then go back for your BSN later on. At least you'll get a foot in the door as far as nursing goes. You can usually do that in a community college in your area.

Hopefully the economy will improve soon and those who are applying to nursing school just for the job security will have other options. I hate to say that, but that is the truth. My boyfriend, an engineer who just about faints at the sight of blood and absolutely shakes that the sight of syringes (aimed at him or someone else) looked at the paper and the openings for nurses and told me, "It looks like I'm in the wrong field." I told him, "No hon, you absolutely are not." I tell ya, he'd die when he found out some of the things nurses do to earn a living. :)

LauraLou · Apr 22, 2004

I am enrolled in an ADN program in Dallas. The lowest GPA they took was a 3.77. If you have a 3.8, you should be able to get in. You can always do a RN-to-BSN program after you graduate.

Good luck!

flowerchild · Apr 22, 2004

Here's a trick that worked for me. I was placed on the waiting list. I waited and waited and did not get called. So, on the last day for enrollment, I called the nursing admissions and asked if there was any openings. One of the accepted persons decided not to start, leaving one space open. They gave me 15 minutes to get down to them and enroll in the nursing classes before the closing of enrollment. I drove as fast as I could and got there with 2 minutes to spare. She plugged me into the computer and I was IN! Worked for me! They perferred to take me rather than let the spot go empty but it was only my perserverance that got me there and got me in with no time to spare. Lucky me!

co_gai_viet · Apr 22, 2004

I read an article in the Houston Chronicle about nursing school. Eventhough there's a shortage of nurses, and there's many students going into nursing, universities and colleges still turn away a lot of students. This is because the school doesn't have enough space,teachers, or fund?!! Last year UT-at Houston turned down around 400 applicants and Texas Women University in Houston turned 200+ applicants.

Sorry about your sad news, again. CHEER UP! Everything is going to be alright!!

MyReign1 · Apr 22, 2004

Tx, don't waste your time, repeating C classes. You have a 3.8. Expand your options, APPLY, APPlY, APPLY!! There are many schools willing to accept you with your GPA.

Tx-top nurse · Apr 22, 2004

Tx-top,
There are possibly other factors which decide about whether or not you get into school. You are absolutely right in that the best nurses are not necessarily the ones who have a 4.0.
Suggestion: How about posting this in the Texas Nursing Forum? Go to U.S. Nursing Forums, and scroll down to Texas. You might be able to ask someone there who knows about the specific schools you are applying to and their requirements.
As someone else said, check into the ADN option, and then go back for your BSN later on. At least you'll get a foot in the door as far as nursing goes. You can usually do that in a community college in your area.
Hopefully the economy will improve soon and those who are applying to nursing school just for the job security will have other options. I hate to say that, but that is the truth. My boyfriend, an engineer who just about faints at the sight of blood and absolutely shakes that the sight of syringes (aimed at him or someone else) looked at the paper and the openings for nurses and told me, "It looks like I'm in the wrong field." I told him, "No hon, you absolutely are not." I tell ya, he'd die when he found out some of the things nurses do to earn a living. :)

Hello babyrn2be, Thanks for the advice you gave...

I wish you luck in nursing school.. yes I hope the economy will improve soon also because so many lives are hanging on the edge right now...

Tx-top nurse · Apr 22, 2004

Here's a trick that worked for me. I was placed on the waiting list. I waited and waited and did not get called. So, on the last day for enrollment, I called the nursing admissions and asked if there was any openings. One of the accepted persons decided not to start, leaving one space open. They gave me 15 minutes to get down to them and enroll in the nursing classes before the closing of enrollment. I drove as fast as I could and got there with 2 minutes to spare. She plugged me into the computer and I was IN! Worked for me! They perferred to take me rather than let the spot go empty but it was only my perserverance that got me there and got me in with no time to spare. Lucky me!

Lucky You Flowerchild!! wow! Hey I am so glad for you and wish you Good Luck with your classes... I am reapplying and also trying other schools this time so relocation is obviously in the making for me..

Tx-top nurse · Apr 22, 2004

I am enrolled in an ADN program in Dallas. The lowest GPA they took was a 3.77. If you have a 3.8, you should be able to get in. You can always do a RN-to-BSN program after you graduate.
Good luck!

LauraLou, Thanks for your advice-- I feel like a change in programs, and a chance that relocating may be the answer, not to mention trying till they get tired of seeing my name on the applications.I wish you all the luck in your program and hope that everything go as planned...good luck!!

manna, BSN, RN · Apr 22, 2004

I had no problem getting in with a 3.8 whatsoever - at a BSN program in Mississipi. Even got some scholarships to boot. Good luck, Tx, and hope you find a school that fits for you! :)