This is my first time posting here, I've been following a lot of the threads for a while but tonight I decided to give it a go & hopefully get some reassurance or advice.
I'll start off by saying this is my second go around with college. My first time was when I was 17, & honestly wasn't as ready as I thought I was so school took the backseat & I failed horribly.
Last fall, after 11 years I decided to go back & persue my dream of becoming an RN so I registered at our local CC & was granted academic renewal so none of my previous crappy grades would be recognized (thankfully!).
Our school requires you to take Intro to Psych, English 101, Algebra, & both A&P lecture & lab before applying for the nursing program. I started out strong & held a 4.0 both Fall & spring (I was so proud of myself). The only classes I hadn't taken yet were A&P lab & lecture because my advisor was convinced I couldn't handle that & Algebra at the same time, so I was forced to take it during the summer if I wanted a chance to apply for the nursing program this fall.
Unfortunately, I'm carrying high B's in both classes & our finals are Monday. I'm studying obsessively for both classes, but I know with an 86 in lecture the chances of me pulling it up to an A are virtually impossible.
I'm beating myself up over it because I wanted it so bad & was trying so hard to keep my 4.0 but somewhere along the way I fumbled. My school requires at least a 2.7 to apply, & with just my nursing pre reqs I'll have a 3.7.
I'm taking the TEAS in July, & just needed advice as to whether I should go ahead & apply for the nursing program if i do well on it. Or retake the classes before I even try.
Specializes in Pulmonary & Cardiothoracic Critical Care.
Bottom Line: Go for it! Past failures are a part of life and sometimes we're not as mature academically as we'd like to be. Since your past GPA isn't reflective of your true potential, I'd say don't sell yourself short, work your hardest and apply. I'd like to share my story with you.
I was in a similar situation, I went to the University of Delaware where I majored in clinical lab science and was advised to take 20 credits per semester in order to graduate on time. I wanted to go for nursing but at the time - it was not viewed favorably for guys to enter in nursing (or at least that was my thought - I was worried my parents wouldn't approve). The clinical lab science major qualified as pre-med & pre-nursing. I had done well in HS but not great. Ultimately, I felt than at the age of 18 - I wasn't quite ready for college. I did horrible, got a GPA of 1.1 and academically dismissed.
I was always a great student in HS, I got a 3.8 in and took honors and AP courses so the hardest part was letting my parents down. After much soul searching after my dismissal, I decided to try again, this time at a community college to work on my requisites courses. I did "okay" then got admitted barely with a 3.2. When applying, I wrote an essay about something along the lines of "failures are a part of life and can be guideposts can for future successes." Being at the bottom, makes you work that much harder to get to the top. I applied and got in to a 4 year nursing BSN program and did well in nursing school, went to work for a high acuity university hospital. It was when I working there that I really regained my confidence back that I deserved to be there. I still find I wish I could find that first transcript and burn it because it's like a criminal record following me around. But I think schools realize when your young - you mess up and may not be as mature as your full academic potential.
Translating my story to your situation, I'd apply - I know your reeling from feeling that your not a strong candidate. But you have to pull yourself up and realize your different now and your not going to make the same decisions as before. I think a lot of people will see themselves in this story too - plus failure makes you approach life a little different and for the better. At some point, everyone trips up. I also would say that GPAs are a lot like credit scores, one your receive a "excellent" credit score the more higher it goes is mearly just for show. So don't get obsessive in maintaining a 4.0.
Anyway, hang in there don't sell yourself short. Remember the past is the past, as long as your demonstrate your a successful student now that's what matters. When looking at transcripts, college admission committees do place more emphasis on recent work generally. They'll still ask about past mistakes so it is important to address your failure in your essay when you apply. It is far worse to not address the problem and sweep it under the rug, that being said, do not dwell upon it too much. Mention it, rationalize it and then move on.
mrphil79
154 Posts
Depending on how soon you are applying, I don't know if I'd wait until July to take the TEAS.
Generally you get 3 attempts to take it - and they must be 30 days apart.
If you wait to take it, you might not have enough time to retake it if you aren't happy with your score.
If your July plan won't give you 30 days to retake it, take it right now - like literally tomorrow so you can have time to retake it if needed.