I'm graduating from college in a few months with a 2.6 GPA in Bachelor of Arts in Biology. I've decided to try to go to Nursing School at this point. What should I do to increase my chances of getting in? Is it likely that I would be accepted?
When I graduated from high school I set my goal to go into dentistry. Throughout my undergraduate years I've struggled with keeping my grades up. The main reason why is because after seeing how much I struggled with just passing my first semester of college, I immediately started doubting that I was smart enough to make the right decisions as a doctor, learn fast enough to get through school, or even be competitive enough to get accepted. After my second semester as a freshman I was sure of it (after doing so bad in General Chemistry) and changed all of my classes for the next semester to basics so I could change my major and do something else. But as I was looking at different majors I felt guilty of leaving Natural Sciences not because I wasn't interested in it (which I definitely am) just because I thought it was too hard; and all of my friends and family were persuading me to stay in and just work harder. So I decided to be more optimistic and stay in. Things got a little better, I was studying more and being more optimistic but my grades were never where they needed to be. And after awhile of telling myself "This semester I'm going to get awesome grades!" and then ending the semester with B's and C's I started to feel like a failure. So the motivation to keep trying soon dwindled down to just trying to graduate on time, which is why my final GPA is going to be so bad. Anyway, after talking to my significant other (who is doing awesome in school and is going to med school; succeeding in everything I planned to do with great ease) I realized that it's not that I'm stupid, I just keep doubting myself and letting the success of others make me feel inadequate. And to be honest I've never actually studied as hard as humanly possible to get my grades up and I've never actually failed a class which says a lot about how I don't know my true potential. And most of all, I don't have any motivation because I lost track of my goal. So I'm ending my undergraduate career with a goal in mind to get into nursing school (my Plan B just in case Dentistry didn't work out). Because my GPA is so low, I know I'm going to have to take a year or two off to become more competitive (getting in some shadowing or an internship and taking extra classes at a community college to improve my GPA) But does anyone have any advice on what I specifically need to do? Or should I even try to make this happen? Or maybe just some advice on how to stay mentally strong when I feel doubt? #nursing #registered-nurses #higher-education #counselling
5 answers
Jared’s Answer
I agree with the first two posts. I recommend retaking a class or two at a community college and doing a lot of shadowing and such. Volunteering for health organizations like red cross or hospitals and everything will be good too. The main reason schools want you to have a high GPA is because the applicant pool is competitive so they must have exclusion criteria to reduce the size of the pool and to trust that you have the ability to hang in for two (or maybe less in your case) years of very hard work. Some schools have an accelerated program for individuals who already have college degrees. These programs are usually around the 14-18 month range in length. Also, I think we have all been where you have been with the self-doubt. Nursing school will make you feel that way too. The important thing is truly learning how to study that works best for you. I have found I learn better when I approach something more casually, as if I am reading for recreation and my own interest. I retain information better this way instead of focusing on the volume of information to be known. Definitely contact area nursing schools and ask them as well. It is a good idea to get your name in their minds.
Teresa’s Answer
Desarae,
It is such a great thing that you got your degree and I'm happy to know you are interested in becoming a nurse- I have been a nurse for 28 years and LOVE the diversity of jobs within the field- There are so many choices!
I understand your struggle through school, I think many people change their fields many times before settling on the one they really are meant to do! I think you will need to complete some applications and speak to some school conselors to decide on the best school for you to begin to become a nurse. I think you have more options because you already have a degree and could actually take some online courses to see if nursing is going to be the right fit. I am currently enrolled in an online program to complete my bachelor's degree as an RN. It sounds like you have the drive to complete your education and become what you desire-- I encourage you to keep on your pursuit. Best of luck!
Teresa
Heather’s Answer
I would take some classes at a community college. You can get your RN there and enroll regardless of your GPA from your bio major. You won't have to take time off. Be sure to speak to a counselor and bring you transcripts to see what classes you can already get credit for based on your degree. Also, in some states, science classes can "expire", so if you decide to take time off, be sure to talk to an advisor and make sure you'll get credit for the classes you've taken. Once you have your RN, there are plenty of options for continuing your education to get a BSN or MSN and several of them are online. At that point, you'll have your GPA from your RN program. The RN, the GPA, and the experience at the community college will open up new scholarship opportunities that you don't currently have available to you.
Just remember, there are plenty of people in your situation. Don't let your past performance determine your future. You'll start with a clean slate and move forward. Good luck!
Y’s Answer
Hi there,
Hang in there. It is normal to doubt one's self. It has happened to all of us at some point. What matters is how we decide to react to that insecurity. When I first started college I had high expectations for my grades. When my exam grades would come back graded at a grade less than I expected, I would feel devastated. After a few semesters I realized that you get what you put in. You can do it. If good grades don't come easy for you, go the extra mile. Study more. If you want to get in the nursing industry your GPA for program prerequisites such as Eng 100, Math 120 or higher, Bio 189, and Bio 223 should be a higher combined GPA to increase your chances of getting into the Nursing program. The Nursing program is based off a points system. Talk to your local school Nursing program director. They will give you all the details. Wish you the best of luck in your journey!
Troy’s Answer
Nice name by the way, it's unique and has a fun spelling to it. From experience, I went to business school not medical however I can tell you this. My first test in college I failed, I didn't prepare or have the date of it in a calendar/planner, but I kept moving, learned from it and did the best I could in other classes. I was not a straight "4.0" student but I noticed when I approached any professional adults at my university the results I got always worked through these simple steps:
1. Smiling and having sincere care
2. Making solid eye contact and listening
3. Having confidence in myself and doing my best to be in a good mood with a solid attitude.
Now, I may not of always heard what I liked, but more times than not these college faculty/coaches/advisers would guide me in a direction that would that me towards accomplishing that goal even if it wasn't instant.
With those major ideas from above, staying focused and positive and confident you will get into somewhere that will allow you to achieve the success that you're after.