Do I apply this Fall?

[cortrn]

Please tell me what you all think.....my local crna school, rather an admissions person, encouraged me to apply this Fall for the class starting July 2005. I wonder if I should. I just completed an RN program and am getting ready to plow through the BSN program. I think I will be able to complete the BSN by late April, with a conferral date in June.

My overall gpa is 3.75, however my science gpa is 2.5. ARG! I took those science courses MANY years ago...back when a "D" didn't shock my pants off. I plan to work at a level I trauma center here that hires new grads into critical care areas.

When I asked what I could do to make myself a more attractive candidate, she said that two of their professors also teach advanced patho and pharm at a university here.....it would be great to take these two classes from them. Well, the transfer admission date for this univ. has passed already for this Fall, so I wouldn't be able to take them before next Spring anyway. That wouldn't help my chances of getting in Jul '05.

Would you scramble to raise the science gpa and get a great gre score and shoot for application this Fall, 2004? Would it be too much to shoot for?

BTW, the person I spoke with said they had several students with only a year cc experience by the time their srna classes began. And overall, they only turned away 20-30 applicants this past Fall. Is that a good sign?

Your collective opinions are much appreciated :)

cortrn

[UCDSICURN]

I would concentrate on getting the science GPA up. 2.5 is below the minimum for most schools, most schools stating a minimum science and overall GPA of 3.0 and the science GPA usually being much higher than tha. Retake what you can and nail the GRE. I don't think this will be doable by Fall '04.

Also look at getting the best experience you can and get some certs if you can squeeze them in. (CCRN for example.)

Donn C.

[cortrn]

Thanks, I can concentrate on getting good work experience and raising the science gpa this next year, not to mention finishing the BSN.

I appreciate your honest opinion.

Cortrn

I would concentrate on getting the science GPA up. 2.5 is below the minimum for most schools, most schools stating a minimum science and overall GPA of 3.0 and the science GPA usually being much higher than tha. Retake what you can and nail the GRE. I don't think this will be doable by Fall '04.

Also look at getting the best experience you can and get some certs if you can squeeze them in. (CCRN for example.)

Donn C.

[jbro]

i say apply and see what happens, if you don't get in they'll tell you what you need to improve and you'll have you application packet ready for the next year. not getting in the first time around isn't the end of the world, it may actually put you a step ahead, you may get a better feel for what they're looking for in a candidate, and give yourself some idea of what needs to be done, and a time line to do them.