CRNA: Will my stats qualify me?

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Specializes in MICU/Tele RN.

Hi guys. So I have aspirations of becoming a CRNA and I am well aware of how competitive it is to get into the program. My plan to apply to some programs next year for the school year starting in 2022. My stats are currently

  • Overall GPA of 3.28
  • I currently work as a MICU and will have over a year if ICU experience by the time I apply
  • I plan to take the GRE at the end of this year and the GRE at the beginning of next.
  • The one science class that I got a B- in, I retool and got a B+ (I know its not an A) & I am currently taking a grad level advanced patho.
  • Shadowing a CRNA is also on my to do list.

With that being said, do I have a chance at getting into CRNA school and what else can I do to strengthen my application?

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Specializes in SRNA.

Sure you have a chance. GPA is the hole in your application. Don't let yourself have any more holes. Do well on the GRE. Get an A in this grad class you are taking. Get your CCRN when you can. For your own sake, don't be heartbroken if you don't get a call for an interview the first time you apply. A sub 3.3 GPA with only 1 year MICU doesn't necessarily jump out at the adcom. The difference in 1 and two years ICU experience is huge. I say all this to prepare you for the worst, which is just a "not right now." And I say this to encourage you to push on if you do get a "not right now."

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Specializes in MICU/SICU.
11 hours ago, Defibn' said:

Sure you have a chance. GPA is the hole in your application. Don't let yourself have any more holes. Do well on the GRE. Get an A in this grad class you are taking. Get your CCRN when you can. For your own sake, don't be heartbroken if you don't get a call for an interview the first time you apply. A sub 3.3 GPA with only 1 year MICU doesn't necessarily jump out at the adcom. The difference in 1 and two years ICU experience is huge. I say all this to prepare you for the worst, which is just a "not right now." And I say this to encourage you to push on if you do get a "not right now."

I think this is great advice. I’d piggy back to say, find some leadership opportunities. This could mean unit/hospital policy and involvement. Research. Precepting. Charge nurse. You may not have all of those opportunities as a baby nurse, but the committees like to see interest and effort in leadership roles. Find some organizations you can be passionate about to get involved with! They don’t necessarily need to be healthcare related either. Apply to more than one school—I applied to 4 and was accepted to 2. If you don’t get in the first year, don’t be discouraged! You’d be surprised what can happen for another year of experience. ?

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Schools really look at three GPAs: your overall, your science, and your last 60 (nursing). Look at your grades and see where all of these land. If you notice weak areas think about retaking any class that you got a C or B in and get an A. This will boost your GPA the fastest. I have friends who have gotten in and become successful CRNAs with GPAs lower than yours. Long story short don’t give up and keep applying and you will get your shot one day. Also apply to multiple schools.

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Specializes in MICU/Tele RN.
On 8/3/2020 at 9:08 PM, Defibn' said:

Sure you have a chance. GPA is the hole in your application. Don't let yourself have any more holes. Do well on the GRE. Get an A in this grad class you are taking. Get your CCRN when you can. For your own sake, don't be heartbroken if you don't get a call for an interview the first time you apply. A sub 3.3 GPA with only 1 year MICU doesn't necessarily jump out at the adcom. The difference in 1 and two years ICU experience is huge. I say all this to prepare you for the worst, which is just a "not right now." And I say this to encourage you to push on if you do get a "not right now."

Thank you! It’ll definitely sting if that does happen, but I won’t give up

On 8/4/2020 at 8:45 AM, brookalyn said:

I think this is great advice. I’d piggy back to say, find some leadership opportunities. This could mean unit/hospital policy and involvement. Research. Precepting. Charge nurse. You may not have all of those opportunities as a baby nurse, but the committees like to see interest and effort in leadership roles. Find some organizations you can be passionate about to get involved with! They don’t necessarily need to be healthcare related either. Apply to more than one school—I applied to 4 and was accepted to 2. If you don’t get in the first year, don’t be discouraged! You’d be surprised what can happen for another year of experience. ?

I was def thinking about joining a unit council, but with COVID, everything is just not the same.

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Most all applications can have one hole in them, if the rest is outstanding. You currently have two holes, both GPA and experience. Go spend the next couple of years being the very best ICU nurse you can be. Have four years for when you apply. You cannot do much about your GPA, but take a graduate class or two, and do well. Show that you are capable of actually doing the work.

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Specializes in PICU, CTICU.
On 8/3/2020 at 12:36 AM, Shygaby said:

Hi guys. So I have aspirations of becoming a CRNA and I am well aware of how competitive it is to get into the program. My plan to apply to some programs next year for the school year starting in 2022. My stats are currently

  • Overall GPA of 3.28
  • I currently work as a MICU and will have over a year if ICU experience by the time I apply
  • I plan to take the GRE at the end of this year and the GRE at the beginning of next.
  • The one science class that I got a B- in, I retool and got a B+ (I know its not an A) & I am currently taking a grad level advanced patho.
  • Shadowing a CRNA is also on my to do list.

With that being said, do I have a chance at getting into CRNA school and what else can I do to strengthen my application?

Hello! I'm kind of on the same boat but at full speed ahead! ? in my case just like you I have a hole called BSN low GPA 3.14 to be exact, I'm trying my hardest to take Chemistry as I'm currently a travel nurse. I'm taking my CCRN in 2 weeks. I've been an ICU nurse (PICU/CTICU) for 4 years now and by the time I apply I would be at 5 years all in Level 1 trauma centers (3 total). will take the GRE once I take the CCRN. I'm thankful I was able to shadow a CRNA and I'm pending to shadow 2nd CRNA. I was part of two unit councils at my home hospital. so I'm hoping everything else other than my GPA, help me make a point that I can be a successful CRNA. with all that said, move forward only! remember when you were applying to your BSN or AA and now look at you ?

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Specializes in MICU/Tele RN.
On 8/9/2020 at 6:56 AM, TRVL.RN said:

Hello! I'm kind of on the same boat but at full speed ahead! ? in my case just like you I have a hole called BSN low GPA 3.14 to be exact, I'm trying my hardest to take Chemistry as I'm currently a travel nurse. I'm taking my CCRN in 2 weeks. I've been an ICU nurse (PICU/CTICU) for 4 years now and by the time I apply I would be at 5 years all in Level 1 trauma centers (3 total). will take the GRE once I take the CCRN. I'm thankful I was able to shadow a CRNA and I'm pending to shadow 2nd CRNA. I was part of two unit councils at my home hospital. so I'm hoping everything else other than my GPA, help me make a point that I can be a successful CRNA. with all that said, move forward only! remember when you were applying to your BSN or AA and now look at you ?

You got this!!

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Apply anyway! Certain universities have a strict cut off. If that's the case, they'll tell you if you don't interview/get in. But you never know if the other universities you applied for will be more lenient. 

Best of Luck!

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Specializes in Dialysis.
3 minutes ago, RN1234 said:

Apply anyway! Certain universities have a strict cut off. If that's the case, they'll tell you if you don't interview/get in. But you never know if the other universities you applied for will be more lenient. 

Best of Luck!

Its not always that easy. Some of these programs have a costly application process, and when applying to multiple programs, makes the costs even higher 

 

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By all means, I completely understand! This is merely a recommendation. While it may be costly to apply, this could provide you useful information or a chance at getting admitted. 

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