ABSN Science Prereq GPA
Nursing schools care about Anatomy and Microbiology far more than your past bachelor's degree. Calculate your 'Big 5' Science GPA.
The 'Big 5' Prerequisites
| Requirement | Course Name | Credits | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anatomy | ||||
| Physiology | ||||
| Microbiology | ||||
| Chemistry | ||||
| Nutrition / Stats |
Most ABSN programs only require a minimum 2.8 or 3.0 here to pass the initial filter.
Prereq Science GPA
3.56
Based on 18 science credits
Previous Degree GPA3.15
Highly Competitive
With a Prereq GPA of 3.3+, you are highly competitive for ABSN cohorts, assuming you passed the TEAS/HESI exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ABSN science prereq GPA?
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs are for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field. Admissions committees heavily weigh your GPA in 4-6 specific prerequisite hard sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Chemistry) rather than your overall cumulative GPA from your previous degree.
Do nursing schools look at overall GPA or prerequisite GPA?
While they check your overall GPA to ensure it meets a minimum threshold (usually 2.8 - 3.0), the Prerequisite Science GPA is the primary deciding factor. A student with a 3.1 overall GPA but a 4.0 Prereq Science GPA will usually beat a student with a 3.8 overall GPA but a 3.0 Prereq Science GPA.
What happens if I retake a nursing prerequisite?
It depends heavily on the specific nursing school. Some programs will 'grade replace' (taking only your highest attempt). Others will average the two attempts together. A few strict programs explicitly state that if you fail Anatomy once, you are permanently disqualified. Always check the specific program's retake policy.
What is a competitive GPA for Accelerated BSN programs?
A highly competitive Prerequisite Science GPA is generally a 3.3 or higher, with A's in Anatomy and Microbiology. Most programs require a hard minimum of a 'C' (2.0) in every single prerequisite course; a C- (1.7) will usually disqualify you from applying.