Do not know where to being to make my app better

[PediatricCTICURN, BSN, RN]

Hey all!!

I am overwhelmed with the idea of retaking numerous classes in order to be a competitive applicant for CRNA school. I really want to pursue CRNA and really want to take the steps to make my application more competitive - the only thing I struggle with where exactly to begin.

I have my BSN with a cum GPA of 3.25 and a science GPA of 2.83 (I know I struggled with core sciences right out of high school) I got a 309 on the GRE and have with in the Pediatric CTICU at a level one trauma center and teaching hospital for the past 3.5 years. I am VAD, CRRT, Preceptor trained, I have been involved in numerous evidenced based projects on the unit, have been the chair of out unit based counsel for the past 2 years. Additionally I have been on 2 medical mission trips, as well as a clinical instructor at nursing program at a local community college. I have done several days of shadowing - gone to numerous information sessions and I am so excited about pursuing this career path.

I applied last year and rightfully got declined - for mostly what I believe is my GPA. I just struggle with how to go about improving it - two of the schools said undergraduate science courses (per my undergraduate program they will only allow me to repeat of of the courses that I did the worst in - but that will only improve my science GPA to around 3.05 which I believe isnt quite enough). I have read alot about retaking courses on other forums and idk which was works best for most people. Online at UNE? OSU? or is it better to trying and get on a waitlist for a community college in my area and get into one of their classes?

Any advice anyone has for me would be extremely appreciated!

[cassdevo11, BSN]

I’ve had some success with BYU online. They have various science classes completely online where you just have to have your tests proctored at a local college. 3 credit classes are only $750 and are self-paced, so you can start at any time. I’m in anatomy right now, and it’s very doable. I would also look into taking a graduate pharmacology or pathophysiology class because many schools will allow you to apply the credits towards the DNP classes, and it shows you can handle the graduate level classes. I’m also taking a graduate level pharmacology course right now through University of Massachussets. It’s completely online including exams, but it’s a bit pricier at $1800 for 3 credits.

[DreameRN, BSN]

I don't have experience with the east coast but I am midwest and I was similar to you. initial science GPA of 2.7. I retook anatomy and chemistry at the community college and that brought my science GPA up to 3.2. I was then scheduled to retake a couple other classes (to replace those Cs in the sciences) but I got into school and didn't have to. I'd talk directly TO the schools you are applying to and see how they factor your GPA. Many if not most, will accept a grade in place of the previous bad grade, no matter where it is from. I got Cs in undergrad at community college, I got As when I re took them at community college and they just swapped it. I have heard of some schools merging all of the grades, thus I suggest you talk to the schools you are interested in so if you don't have to pay more money for a 4 year school, you don't have to.

[ptier_MNMurse, BSN, RN]

Same boat here, taken multiple undergrad and grad classes, multiple leadership roles, etc, I feel for you! The advice I received from schools has been that if you didn’t do well at an undergrad level, you should prove you can succeed at that level or higher. Community college classes don’t really show that. They’re definitely cheaper, and I believe generally cover the same material, but schools look at them differently. It makes sense that in preparing for graduate school you should show you can succeed at least at the undergrad level before taking the next step up. Contact your school yo see which classes they prefer, or you can infer a lot of that information from schools’ websites as well. Best of luck!

[loveanesthesia]

Taking the GRE can show your ability. Programs don’t want to admit students who fail.