How Competitive are CRNA schools actually...

m1lkofamnesia · Feb 13, 2017

You're fine! I had a few B's in undergrad, ended with a 3.72 GPA. I know people who've gotten into CRNA school with lower GPAs. It's all about the "whole picture"...not just GPA.

Be sure to meet and/or exceed the other requirements: 2+ years of great ICU experience, pass your CCRN, decent GRE scores (> 300 is a good goal), and excellent rec letters.

Neuro_gassed · Feb 13, 2017

Don't freak! Your GPA of a 3.8 is still stellar. The big thing is that GPA is only one aspect of what the admissions committee looks at. I truly believe its about the bigger picture. Get your good ICU experience, certs.(CCRN,TNCC) extracurricular activities(mission trips,research), Committees,GRE score, I believe charge nurse on your unit says a lot, and more importantly a great interview! Myself and plenty others were admitted with a GPA less than what you have, but I know people with higher GPA's that have not been accepted. Become a overall great applicant that's humble but confident and you will be fine.

lasvegasnurs · Feb 16, 2017

Good enough GPA, now don't worry about it. Go get a job and and look to progress to an ICU since few are lucky enough to start in the ICU. It's great to have goals but sometimes things change. I graduated from nursing school several years ago planning mostly to be an acute care NP but eventually decided to change it up and do the CRNA route instead after being exposed more to the different positions in the hospital.

Jcurious · Feb 17, 2017

I am kind of in the same boat. I only want to go to the top CRNA schools. But I have a few A- and my GRE is only 318. I might end up in a Level 2 SICU after graduation. All things seem not ideal which makes me worried.

Do I have a good chance at one of the top CRNA schools? Like VCU, Baylor, Duke, or U of Pitts?

NYNewGradNurse · Feb 17, 2017

CRNA schools are far less competitive than the hype would have you believe. Your stats are great. Get some quality experience and have some solid extracurricular activities (join committees at work, volunteer, be active in professional organizations, shadow, things like that) and you will get an interview wherever you want.

lasvegasnurs · Feb 17, 2017

I am kind of in the same boat. I only want to go to the top CRNA schools. But I have a few A- and my GRE is only 318. I might end up in a Level 2 SICU after graduation. All things seem not ideal which makes me worried.
Do I have a good chance at one of the top CRNA schools? Like VCU, Baylor, Duke, or U of Pitts?

Dont let us news and report or whatever you saw for rankings fool you. There is little those rankings are based on. Look for a program that fits YOU best when you are ready to apply. The application process can also be very expensive especially if you interview at many places. Also depending on how quick you are getting in the only option is DNP but most the programs have recently changed or in process of changing and the transition has been rocky from what I have heard from other students. To me the most important (recent and historical trends of) attrition, board pass rates, travel for clinical none or little, does the school want random prereq's that I dont already meet, cost of living in area, class size preference. Then once you interview at places the schools will usually have other students that you can talk to as well as talking to faculty and determine if the school will be your best fit.

Also you may need to ask yourself if you really have your heart set on say going to U of Pitt (or anywhere) is it worth not getting accepted and waiting another year to hope to get in vs going to another program that you may still excel at.