GPA's and Such

srnamom · Oct 30, 2008

Generally, you need at least a 3.5 GPA to be competitive, but every school varies, and it's really the whole package--experience, GPA, GRE, recommendations--that matters. If you're working where I think you are, there are probably RNs in your ICU or others in your institution who are applying to anesthesia programs for next year. Talk to them, talk to program directors to find out the qualifications of the applicants who actually get accepted. It's a long haul, with lots of hoops to jump through, so make sure it's what you really want.

beedog13 · Oct 30, 2008

Erik,

It is what it is. You have to do other things to make yourself float up near the top of an applicant pool. You may get some mileage out of trying to offset your GPA with a stellar GRE score, as many scouting merit badges (CCRN, ACLS/PALS Instructor, TNCC, Burn Course etc), taking some graduate level courses with "A" grades, shoring up your clinical acumen (CRRT, precepting, lots of Swan's, balloon pumps, service on committees, QA stuff on your unit, etc.), shadowing some more CRNA's, re-taking esp. science courses to improve to "A's", and fostering good relationships with MD's/nurse-manager types for references. I read posts all the time on here concerning this issue and it is clear that people do it.

Beedog

krzysiu · Nov 1, 2008

I am a new graduate and will be applying to CRNA school hopefully within the next 3-4 years. In my BSN I was sure I did not want to do CRNA but then i shadowed an loved it. DO you know what GPA's schools are looking for, including science GPA's? Does it look bad if you have to retake your science classes? I am currently in the TBICU at large university medical facility in Michigan. What GPA's/GRE's did everyone have out there to get in? (if u want to share) What are the more lenient schools on admission if anyone knows. Any help would be great, Thanks!

The "minimum" GPA requirements will differ slightly from school to school. Search their websites for specifics. However, minimum and competitive GPAs are two totally different things. If it is any conciliation, I held a degree in Chemistry before I went back to pursue nursing. By no means did I possess a stellar GPA, however, the schools I had interviewed with appreciated the fact that I had good grades in the non-fluff courses and they recognized that the nursing program was accelerated and from a major university. In other words, they understood that the material came at you a little quicker than normal. Hope this helps.

Chris