r/ABSN

Hey everyone. I just finished applying to the schools of my choice, and this waiting period has me a bit nervous. I’m curious if anyone has been able to get into an ABSN program or direct-entry masters program without stellar grades or a high GPA. Here are my stats:

Undergrad GPA: 2.4 (graduated in 2007)
Prerequisite GPA: 2.9
TEAS: 73%
15 years of experience in healthcare, govt, and social services

Prerequisite Grades:
AP1: C (took it twice and got the same grade)
AP2: B
Microbio: A
Statistics: C
Dev. Psych: B

I applied to two ADN, two ABSN, and one direct-entry MSN program. I already got rejected from one ADN because I missed their TEAS score requirement by 1.8 points. My top choice school is one of the ABSN programs, and I know they take a holistic approach to the application review. I’m feeling a bit nervous that I won’t get into any schools, despite being 40 y.o. now, my work experience and time between my first degree and now.

Have any of you had success with getting into a higher degree/ competitive nursing program with below average grades? What worked for you and what advice can you share?

I have a mediocre GPA (3.0) from my first bachelors degree. I was going through a tough time but also never developed proper study habits. Fast forward to present day: I’ve worked in HR for about 5-6 years and decided to make a career shift and pursue a degree in nursing. I’m targeting ABSN programs near me and am taking all prerequisites at my local CC - happy to report I’ve received all A’s so far and plan to continue the trend, but I’ve also gotten EMT certified hoping to gain valuable clinical experience prior to applying to bolster my application. The issue I’m finding is that I can’t seem to find a PT/PRN gig
:( everyone wants either FT or prior experience. If I could leave my current role I would, but financially I need to keep my day job until I’m accepted into a program.

I know it’s not required to apply, but I really was relying on this type of experience to make me a more competitive applicant.

Anyone in a similar situation trying to be competitive with a less than stellar starting GPA? I’m going to continue applying, but what else can I do to improve my chances and make my application stand out?

Any ideas are welcome, I am willing to try most anything to make this work!

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for advice on ABSN programs that may be realistic for my current stats and situation.

My background:

• Undergraduate GPA: 2.98
• Prerequisite GPA: 3.7
• Previously admitted to a community college nursing program
• Dismissed after failing Fundamentals of Nursing on the first attempt
• Based in NYC, but I’m open to moving out of state if the program is good and financially reasonable
• I’m especially interested in programs with a first-time NCLEX pass rate above 90%

I know my stats are not competitive enough, but it is what it is. I’m not looking for an “easy” program. I want a program that is fair, organized, supportive, and has strong NCLEX outcomes. Any suggestions will be helpful. Thanks in advance!

Edit: if NCLEX rate is not all important, I want to find a program that looks my application holistically, is organized and supportive.

What are some good ABSN programs in Texas that you would recommend?

I’m looking for a career change and want to do an accelerated nursing program. I have my BA in psychology. I was wondering if there’s any programs you recommend in the Orange/Riverside/LA county areas. I’m not sure If it’s an option to take a test rather than doing prerequisites but I want to expedite this process as much as possible.

Any tips/suggestions/etc is appreciated, thanks!

I have given up community college in NYC because they are so competitive so I went to private school. I have been accepted by NYU for their Fall 2026 cohort and I have commited already. My only problem is how the hell am I gonna pay their tuition??? I know there are other school's out there but either they require more prereqs - which you can't take online, or the school is not properly accredited. Anybody patiently waiting for 1199CPT to open applications for RN program again?

I originally applied to one ABSN program in my state and i’m making plans to move because it’s 3 hours away, all in-person classes. However, I recently found another ABSN program that is an hour away at a neighboring state (I didn’t think to look at schools in my neighboring state until this week). Although I plan to submit my application ASAP, the application for this upcoming Fall ends on July 1st and it’s rolling admissions. Is it too late to apply and have a good chance of getting admitted?

Hii! I recently got accepted into a 15 mnth absn program . My school only gave me a a couple thousand for scholarship. however the tuition is like 90-100k. Ideally I would love to go to a school cheaper didn’t get accepted into any other school because of the deadlines . I’m trying to find a way to pay without gain to take out huge loans !

Any help would be helpful !!
I’m am thinking about reaching out the financial director

Does anyone have any advice for absn programs? I am coming fresh off a smp. I tried to do med school but I just couldn’t lock in. I got into an absn. What is some advice? Should I prepare for weekend classes? How crazy is an 11 month bsn?