Classes to take before applying...Need some guidance/advice

KimQCRNA · Jul 8, 2009

Hey everyone. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and any advice is appreciated. I know this has been posted quite a few times, but everyone's situation is a little different. I'm looking for some advice about classes to take. I'm well aware that not all classes are going to transfer to different schools, and that I don't necessarily care about...
My GPA is 3.05, 1.5 yrs experience large level 1 trauma center med/surg icu, 3 months travel icu contract level 2, and the last 8 months in the icu float pool at a large level one trauma center with great experience. I'm looking to get a job in a permanent icu right now so when I apply my last 8-9 months will be in a steady icu environment and it won't leave any questions for the admissions committee...moving on.....
I have my CCRN, ACLS, PALS, TNCC..This summer I took general organic chem which I'll end up with an A. All my other science grades are an A- in micro, a B in A & P ll, and a B in general chem, and a C in A & P 1. My science gpa is right around a 3.05 as well. If I retook the A & P undergrad this fall and got an A to replace the C it would boost my "science GPA" to about a 3.5 which is a huge jump....I just don't know what to do....
Should I go ahead and take organic chem 1, should I retake A & P l undergrad, should I take take a grad level course?? I can only take 1-2 classes at minimum because along with this I need to be studying for my GRE's. Taking a grad level sounds great, but I'm nervous I won't have any time to study for my GRE's...
To those of you who took a grad level course and GRE's....are these doable together? I mean to have to study both at the same time?? I know with my undegrad GPA my GRE's are very important. I'm just not sure which path to take....
Again, any advice is appreciated and thanks for taking the time to read this. I just feel like my GPA is going to haunt me forever.
Brooke :heartbeat

Brooke:

it sounds like you've been doing everything possible.....keep working!! I believe experience is very important...when I decided to go back for my CRNA I had been a nurse for 20 years....and my GPA was great.....like 3.8....didn't do so great on the GRE, but I did fabulous on the MAT....some schools required that instead of GRE. When I decided to apply, I went to the local community college where I had done my RN years before and signed up for a Physics class.....there's actually more physics than chemistry at least in my anesthesia courses. Check out http://www.aana.com and there are links to every anesthesia program in the US and admission requirements, etc. I see it's been a while since you posted this....and I just re-discovered this site...hope you have some good news about being accepted! God bless, Kim

BSN06 · Jul 10, 2009

One thing to consider is that the schools you apply to will most likely factor all your science grades, they will not replace the new AP grade with the old one. Instead, they typically factor both of them in, which does not boost your GPA quite as much since you will still have the C from the first time around. I have found that most programs I looked at were more interested in how you are doing now - like taking a couple of graduate level classes instead. Doing well in those might outshine the older grade you are worried about.

As for the GRE, I took it while taking one other class. It just takes the discipline of sitting down and studying regularly until the test date. I did not take more than a month to prepare for the GRE. The material is not something you use every day (like geometry) so I found it best not to drag it out, fearing I would just start forgetting what I had been studying. Good luck to you! Sounds like your experience is really going to weigh in your favor, and your GPA is still above a 3.0.

MB37 · Jul 16, 2009

I don't think I'd would retake a nursing prerequisite to improve a graduate school ap. Instead, I'd attempt a grad level course, or at least a different undergrad science. As BSN 06 said, I don't think most programs would replace your grade anyways - but definitely check with the schools you're considering. Also, it's only July. When does your semester start? I'm still a couple years away from applying, but I'm taking the GRE this summer before I start grad classes in the fall. I'd register for one grad school course, then buy some GRE study materials. Take a practice test cold and see how you do. Spend two weeks studying, and then evaluate how much you've improved, and how long you think it will take to get the score you think you'll need. I've done well on my practice tests so far, but I'm not bad at math (it's just been a while) and I'm an avid reader with a decent vocabulary. Only you know where you need help, but there are tons of books/practice tests/classes out there.

Riversurfer · Jul 16, 2009

Take a graduate level pathophysiology class and pull an 'A'. Maybe retake the A&PI and pull an 'A'. Prove to the schools you apply to that you have the determination to buckle down and get through the rigorous program.

jls189 · Jul 17, 2009

I wouldn't retake any classes that you have already taken. Waste of time. Take graduate level classes. That's what I did and am doing. UMASS-Boston has and Adv. Pathophysiology class online. I'm taking it now, and love it. You will learn so much more from graduate level classes than re-taking classes you have already taken. Plus, it will look better to the admissions committee. My undergrad GPA was 2.49. YUK! Young and didn't care at the time. I've taken the following grad level course: neurobiology, cardiovascular physiology, and stats. Plus, currently taking the advanced patho class. Have a 4.0 in grad school. Looks much better than a 2.49. Plus, I have CCRN, PALS, ACLS. Did fairly well on GRE. Been a nurse 13years (5+ in MICU/CCU/CVICU). Will apply this fall. When I started getting interested in applying, I called the schools I was interested in and asked them what they would suggest, and they said to take grad level science classes. Hope this helps

peebee · Dec 1, 2009

Hi Jls,

did you take the Advanced patho with H. Lee or another instructor at UMass?

Thanks for the input.

iLovemyJackRT · Dec 3, 2009

I took the class with ****. Let me know if you want more info.

Brooke

Edited by traumarus: Please don't include instructor's names. Thanks.

peebee · Dec 7, 2009

yeah more,info will be great. pls email, thanks a lot

mod note, please do not post email addresses as per terms of service

iLovemyJackRT · Dec 7, 2009

I sent you a pm.

Lajimolala, BSN, RN, NP · Dec 8, 2009

By any chance, does anyone know where I can find a grad level online course? Also, do you have to have your BSN already by the time you enroll?

peebee · Feb 24, 2010

Hi, Brooke!

Sorry it took me awhile. I m now taking that Advanced Patho class with H*** at Umass and i find it so overwhelming. I have been reading the things the prof gave us plus the thick book and even more research on my own and just not knowing whether I have studied or read anough bugs me. Im also finding it hard to make nots as I do not know where to focus my attention. Any tips on how I can make this less stressful? Your help will be greatly appreciated.

peebee