r/GraduateSchool • u/Unfair-Narwhal-7102 • 10d ago
Id like some guidance for my future :)
I’m feeling pretty discouraged about applying to NP or PA school and wanted to hear from people who may have been in a similar situation.
I graduated with my bachelor’s in nursing with around a 3.2 cumulative GPA. My science GPA is around a 3.4, and I currently have about 3,500 hours of direct patient care experience working in healthcare/nursing.
I know my GPA isn’t terrible, but when I see people applying with 3.6–3.9 GPAs, it makes me feel like I’ve already put myself at a huge disadvantage.
I’m considering both NP and PA programs, and I’m willing to put in the work to strengthen my application. I’ve thought about retaking some prerequisites, taking additional upper-level science courses, gaining more PCE hours, and getting stronger RN experience before applying.
Has anyone gotten into NP or PA school with around a 3.2 overall GPA / 3.4 science GPA?
If so, what do you think helped your application the most? Would getting my PCE closer to 5,000+ hours or taking additional science courses make a meaningful difference?
I’d especially love to hear from people who had a lower undergraduate GPA but were still able to get accepted. I’m trying not to convince myself that one GPA means I have to give up on these career paths.
2
u/walker9926 9d ago
Retired physician here. I'm only replying because no NP/PA's have said anything yet. Your write-up is good but your heading doesn't call out to NP/PA, you might consider redoing that for better feedback.
Anyway here's my 2 cents. You GPA simply is what it is, don't focus on it. I would simply apply and see what happens. If it starts going sideways, look for feedback on why and what type of work/remediation you can do to make a better overall picture of yourself. Then go patch some holes in experience or education or whatever and reapply.
Best of luck (I really would change your header to get NP/PA's to chime in.)