<p>I went to UT in 1981-82, and it being my first time away from home, let's just say my priority was not school. The problem is that now I would like to go back and get a nurse practitioner license. My GPA was in the toilet by the time I finished the debacle, and my current GPA is short of the 3.0 that this program requires. What should I do? I have been a nurse for 30 years, and it seems silly to have them to depend on my GPA from 30 years ago to decide if I will be able to continue in my goal. What can I do? Do I explain the debacle in my essay, or not? I wrote a great essay, but it used up all 500 words that I was allotted. If they really just look at the last 60 hours, I should be able to do it, but my transcripts are including the last 65 hours.</p>
<p>if you’ve worked as a nurse, it means there ought to be a “bridge” program for professionals. Also, mature applicants (21+ or 24+, check) don’t have the exact same requirements - you do need to show all your transcripts, but your current career will matter more than your transcript 30 years ago.
Call the school and explain that you’re currently an (LPN?) trying to become a (RN?), you have 20+ years of experience, etc, etc.</p>
<p>Your story (youthful low GPA, mature academic focus/goals) is pretty common for returning students and the colleges you approach will likely consider this. You need to convince them you can perform in the classes (be there, prepared, complete the work, etc.). Explain it all. You can make this happen. </p>