[JessAnn]

Hi all...I'm applying to CRNA school for 2009 admission...I am currently taking a masters-level patho class to help my application look better(re-cap of stats: gre-1180, 700 quant, 480 verbal; 3.57 nursing gpa; 3.8 pre-req gpa-2 chemistries, currently 9 mo ICU exp. will have 1.5-2 at admission; ACLS). My problem is that I may end up with a B in the patho course. I'm wondering, if it is from a different school than any other of my courses, should I even include it in my app. transcripts? Do you think having the class but having a B will still help or could it hurt? Thanks soo much for your input, this has been a pretty big dilemma for me lately!

[NurseCutie]

I think with everything else going on a B is not bad at all. Good Luck!

[neurogeek]

Many programs will accept no other adv. patho than their own, so you will still have to retake it anyway if that's the case. Speak to the schools you plan on applying to about this. Seems that if u have to retake it anyway it would be a waste of time unless u just want to better prepared for when u take the program patho.

[JessAnn]

Well, I am taking the class because it is a pre-req for a certain school (UAB) so I know I will have to submit that transcript to them. I was told by the rep at another school that advanced classes like that are somehting that can help set yourself apart even if they aren't pre-requirements. I was just wondering what other people's opinions were on whether it would be helpful even if I ended up with a B.

[neurogeek]

If it's required for UAB then u r certainly doing the right thing! Have u asked UAB how a B will look to them? That's where I'd start if I were u. It certainly will prepare u if u have to take it again in another program. One thing...is this the only class u are taking right now? My fear would be that it could backfire...meaning, say you r only taking this one class and make a B...what if the schools view it as "made a B while only taking 1 graduate class, how will this person handle a full load of grad classes?" Of course, working FT too should make a difference to the committe's when looking at the grade. But also, on the other hand, making a B in grad school is like making an A in undergrad so it is certainly nothing negative!!!!! I wish u the best of luck!!!!

[KaeRN]

Originally Posted by JessAnn

Well, I am taking the class because it is a pre-req for a certain school (UAB) so I know I will have to submit that transcript to them. I was told by the rep at another school that advanced classes like that are somehting that can help set yourself apart even if they aren't pre-requirements. I was just wondering what other people's opinions were on whether it would be helpful even if I ended up with a B.

I too am applying for UAB. I think depending on your other sciences the B can play either way. To get an interview your last 60 hours GPA and science GPA average have to be a 3.3 period. Unfortunately for some, this is the strictest part of UAB's application process, and no matter how good your reference letters or experience they will not interview you without the 3.3. I had a 3.25 avarage for last 60 hours and sciences and was sent a "thank you for applying" letter, was advised by UAB staff to take a patho class (not requires by my BSN program) before interview time and I could boost my GPA to a 3.3. As soon as I turned in a transcript I got accepted to the interview process. Although the patho class does not have to be a masters level patho (because we will be taking an anesthesia patho class during the program) it may help you in your interview. One question they asked me is, "how can you be sure you will succeed in the front heavy coursework portion?" (which I still feel is a weird question because that seems to be the only thing they have guaranteed themselves by only interviewing people with 3.3 or higher GPA's.... but that's another story) But on questions like that saying something to the extent that you have only made A's & B's in sciences including master's level sciences shows that your record already speaks for its self. Good luck!!!