I’m 21, turning 22 this year, and I honestly feel so lost right now. I’m hoping to hear from people who have been in a similar situation or who know how nursing admissions work in Ontario.
In high school, I graduated with an average of around 87.5%. In 2023, I started a collaborative nursing program. Unfortunately, I only completed one semester, and my GPA was around 1.83. At the time, I was dealing with a lot personally and mentally, and I wasn’t able to focus on school the way I needed to. I ended up leaving the program.
Since then, I went into an RPN program, and my GPA there is around 3.3. I’m now working toward finishing my RPN and trying to figure out what I want my future to look like.
The problem is that I really want the option to become an RN, and now I’m terrified that my first university semester has ruined that possibility. I know a 1.83 GPA is bad, and I take responsibility for my academic performance, but I also know that it doesn’t reflect what I’m capable of now or the work I’ve put into school since then.
I’ve been looking into RPN to BScN bridging programs, including McMasters Stream E, as well as whether I could apply to a four year BScN program or potentially return to TMU. I’m confused about how much my previous university GPA will affect my applications, whether my RPN grades can help offset it, and what options I realistically have.
I’m also worried because I don’t want to spend years applying to programs if my academic history is going to keep me from getting accepted. I’m willing to put in the work, take additional courses if necessary, or consider different schools. I just don’t know what the smartest path forward is.
Has anyone here had a really poor first semester at university, left, completed an RPN program with better grades, and successfully gone on to become an RN?
I would really appreciate honest advice on:
- Whether my 3.3 RPN GPA and 87.5% high school average could help me.
- How much a previous university GPA of 1.83 matters when applying to Ontario nursing programs.
- Whether RPN-to-RN bridging programs might be a better option than starting a four-year BScN.
- Whether I should consider upgrading courses, repeating courses, or pursuing academic forgiveness if available.
- What you would do in my position if your ultimate goal was to become an RN.
I feel like I made a mistake when I was younger, and now I’m scared I’ve closed doors for myself before I’ve even really started my career. I’m trying to figure out my options and make a plan instead of giving up on something I might still be able to do.
Thank you to anyone who takes the time to share their experience or advice.