Honest Opinion

rockabye06 · Dec 27, 2003

In my honest and humble opinion, it sounds like you have GREAT experience, just the kind that nurse anesthesia programs are looking for. However, I think your academic scores are weak. A 3.0 GPA and 800 GRE will probably not get you in. If you are really serious about becoming a CRNA, then by all means take some graduate level courses (perhaps at your first choice school) and GET ALL A'S. This will show the admissions board that you can handle the rigors of a CRNA program, (which will be the hardest thing you've ever done.)

That is my honest opinion.

athomas91 · Dec 27, 2003

i think your background is strong - perhaps the gre and 3.0 will hold you back - but MAYBE not - try it - be honest - most of us weren't planning on crna school while in undergrad - most of us were partying our a#% off.....and it is not uncommon for some to do poorly on standardized tests -

Sheri257 · Dec 27, 2003

I have a question which, if it's been asked before and answered, I apologize:

Let's say you bust hump with a 3.5 or better, score well on GRE, get your additional ICU experience for 2 or 3 years, etc. etc. etc.

You've met all of the of the requirements, even exceeded them, but you can still bomb on the interview? Right?

Are there any stats on this kind of situation?

DelightNP · Dec 27, 2003

Your experience is great, but your academic record is not. How competitive is the program you're applying for?

I'd try to increase the GRE scores if at all possible... and if, for whatever reason you aren't accepted, I'd take a few higher level classes as suggested by another poster.

Good luck.

XIGRIS · Dec 27, 2003

i know of someone who didn't do well in the GRE, has a 3.2 GPA but got in. What got this person in is the extensive experience ( a very strong team leader in CVICU for 14 years ) and the interview which she aced ( she knows her stuff).

she just finished her first semester and has all A's.

so, good luck.

Trauma Tom · Dec 27, 2003

My advice is to take a course on the GRE. Even though the GRE is a standardized test it is not an intelligence test and good preparation should translate into higher scores. I did not do great on my SAT's however, I scored very well on my GRE. I took the Kaplan course. I would not recommend the inclass course as I did not feel it was worth the cost. However, the online course is half the cost and provides access to the same on line course material as well as the course review books. They have great tutorials that give you tricks that no one else gives in their test prep material. I also think you should not cram for the GRE. Plan on studying and preparing a few hours every other day so the material will be familiar and you will learn the strategies so well they will come naturally. In my humble opinion your grade point average and low GRE will make it harder to get an interview. I also would recommend applying to more than one school. Different schools look for different things so give yourself the most chances you can get and good luck. I think perserverence is what ultimately gets you in and gets you though school.

mommyof2grls · Dec 28, 2003

My scores are not that great either, aced the analytical, but mid to high 400's on the others. GPA 3.25.

I have talked to several Directors, most said that I was still a very competitive candidate, but that I would need to do really well in the interview. One said that not doing well on the quantitative, but having good math grades, and English grades would be taken into consideration and that doing so well on the analytical showed good problem solving and analytical thinking.

They all suggested that I go ahead and enroll in some graduate level classes to make myself a better candidate, but to hold off re-taking any classes unless specifically requested after the interview and denial.

I have talked to several CRNA hopefuls as well as CRNA students and while it is very competitive scores wise, they do look at things like Charge, Trauma, taking the initiative, teaching etc etc. Just make sure you point those things out to them when asked, or given the floor and know your basic answers very well.

Just my inexperienced 2 cents, but I ask a lot of people allot of questions.

I wish you Luck.

Where did you apply?

Hope everyone had a very Happy Holiday!!!!

WntrMute2 · Dec 28, 2003

CRNAHopeful, honestly, you SEEM a bit lacking academically. So that needs help. You really need good GRE scores and to pull that GPA up a bit in order to be truly competative. The things you excell in are relativly easy to achieve with enthusiasm. But you do not seem to excell in those things that requrire one to "grind it out" such as classwork or studying for the GRE. Keep working on those aspects.. You'll need a lot of grit your teeth and slogging it out in anesthesia school. Good luck though, you may well fit what some school is looking for, only the acceptance committee knows for sure.

ktwlpn, LPN · Dec 28, 2003

Originally posted by CRNAHopeful
I need an honest opinion about my application to CRNA school. I am applying for the fall 2004, and here is a quick background on me:

BSN 6/01, undergrad GPA 3.0
3 years experience in CTICU/Heart & Lung Transplant ICU (charge nurse, flyout nurse for organ harvesting, nursing student preceptor, new hire preceptor)
ACLS, PALS, CCRN
Great recommendations

My main concern is my GRE score - I have never scored well on standardized tests, and I have taken the GRE twice in the last three months in hopes of increasing my score. My combined score is approximately 800, with an analytical score of 5.0/6.0. I know that these are extremely borderline, but do I have a shot, or am I wasting my time?

I am waiting to hear Are you REALLY sure that you want an honest opinion? Or do you want trite phrases of support? (just kidding) Self doubt is natural-you are taking a very big step and your feelings show that you are taking it very seriously....Good Luck....