what am i doing wrong?

kjt2004,
First of all, you must be doing something right because you did get 4 interviews, some people don't even get that. Secondly, you did make alternate at one of the schools, which is also a plus. Did you feel like you did well in the interviews? Were you able to answer the questions you were given? Don't give up, some people get in as an alternate because someone else chooses not to take the spot they were offered. And you still have 1 more school to hear from, so good luck!! I know how you must feel because I will interview in January and am quite nervous about getting accepted. Again, good luck!!

I believe in absolute fairness. If this happened to me I would want to know what objective criteria was used to allow someone in over me. Was it grades or what? I would ask and I would be specific. But that is me.

kjt2004,
Believe me, I know how you feel. Follow this link if you want to know some of what I had to go thru: http://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56482

There is hope! If this is what you want, never give up and never give in!
I didn't, and now I'm completing my first semester of Nurse Anesthesia School! It was a long row to hoe, but I made it (as well as many others) and you can too!

Keep the positive attitude!

Happy Holidays

-Gump

P.S. It is perfectly okay to call up the director(s) to find out what the deal is, just be cool about it.

I don't think it's a bad idea to call the schools that rejected you. You don't have to be angry or anything; phrase it that you want to know how you can strengthen your application.

Don't give up yet, okay? You have one more jury out still, and also I know several people who got in off the waitlist. The programs are small and most applicants apply to more than one; thus all programs will have holes and need to take students from the waitlist.

Just before my interviews I actually became really calm. I realized that if I didn't make it in that year it was okay, a lot of people wouldn't make it in. I realized that I wanted it so badly that I knew eventually I would get in. Schools often don't accept someone one year and then accept them the next, it shows how dedicated they are to becoming a CRNA. How many people do you think just apply to try it out? I bet there are quite a few. I would call the schools and talk to the director honestly, thank them for the interview and tell them how much you like that school and that you are willing to strengthen any weaknesses they have seen. There are a few people in my class that weren't accepted in last years program simply because there are soooooo many qualified applicants. Whether you believe it or not, getting an interview is excellent. One school I applied at had like 200 applicants and only gave 45 interviews, I felt greatful that my application was good enough to qualify an interview. The school I was accepted at had over 250 applicants with 80+ interviews. If you are applying to schools in the same area, so are other students, there is a lot of overlap. So I would give it some time. I'd say that if you don't get in this year you probably have a really good chance at getting into your alternate school next year. Maybe take a grad class, get a certification, pick up some time in PICU. Good luck and don't give up hope!

I also would recommend calling the schools and discussing the weaknesses in your application or interview. Many times there are simply many more qualified applicatants than spots and there is nothing you can really do. You're on the right track by applying to multiple schools.

Atleast you got an interview. I applied to Midwestern University for the class of 2007 and found out today my application did not qualify for an interview. I had a 3.6 undergrad. gpa, ccrn, have been involved on mult. comm. The people that wrote my reference letters let me read them prior to sending and were great. I have worked in CV-ICU for 2 yrs. The bottom line is right now nurse anesthesia school is very competitive. I'm sure you are very qualified yet frustrated. Determination is key right now. If this is what you want to do apply where ever you can and ultimately have confidence in your intellectual and nursing ability and you will get in. Thats what I have to tell myself. I know my own weaknesses and plan to improve them and otherwise its hit or miss. We each know what we can do to improve our profile. We just have to keep moving forward and not take it personally, yet be realistic......