How to Explain Poor GPA to Interview Panel

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This goes out mostly to students who have participated in the interview process, but I'll take advice for those who haven't as well. Let me give my background first.

My first BS degree was in Health Fitness (useless for CRNA I'm aware) with an outstanding GPA of 2.6. It was a period in my life where partying and hanging out was more important than school and going to class. I failed chemistries multiple times, not because I was dumb, but because I would not go to class at all. When I met my future wife, she helped me realize I was going down a path that was unsustainable. She helped me get back on track and eventually I graduated with my BS, although it was not something I wanted to pursue anymore. I became interested in nursing and immediately went back to school and retook all my science prerequisites, which I got all A's in, including A&P, Chemistry, and Pathophysiology. I got into school and eventually graduated with my ADN and a GPA of 3.36. I then immediately went into an RN-BSN program and graduated with my BSN with a 3.97 GPA. Since then, I have taken an Advanced Pathophysiology course in Graduate School (in which I got an A), I just finished an Organic and Biochemistry course (in which I also got an A), and then this summer and Fall, I am taking NURS 6080, NURS 6081, and NURS 6082, all of which are core graduate nursing classes that are part of the CRNA curriculum.

During my interview last year, my overall GPA and my low science GPA were brought up (of course my science GPA sucks, because failed chemistry courses from over 10 years ago are being included). I don't think I made myself look better than my GPA paints me to be, if that makes any sense.

To sum it up, since 2010 I have gotten 4.0 in all sciences, both undergraduate and graduate, and my nursing school GPA is a combined 3.65 I think. Based on my story, how would you present yourself to the interview panel when asked about my "low" GPA?

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bummpp

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Honesty is the best policy... they can tell when your BS'N! If they gave you an interview they view you as a qualified candidate! Just be yourself and tell he truth!

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From what I have read so far, everyone says to turn it into a positive, how much you have grown, how motivated you are, what you have done to prove yourself. Honesty is the best answer. If you don't mind me asking, were any of the additional science courses you took online? I am looking to take science courses to boast my science GPA as well and am having a hard time finding ones online. Even just a statistics course online. The school I want to apply to requires an updated one within 5 years and I'm past that.

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I think this is a really common problem. I am in no way qualified to answer this question (never been on a CRNA interview) but I always think that honesty is the best policy. Soooo many people mess up their first few years in college or flunk out entirely because they are immature kids experiencing freedom for the first time. You are an adult now and probably more motivated and dedicated than someone who might be used to only seeing success. You took a negative situation and you've turned it around! Be proud and honest!

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I already got into school, and I basically said "I had a lot of growing pains transitioning from high school to college." This is entirely accurate, but it just goes to show that honesty can be the best policy.

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Woops I probably should have looked at the date. Congrats on your acceptance!

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Specializes in CRNA.

I'm going to have to tell them the same thing. I am not now who I was at 18-20 during my first time through school. I started with a 2.25 and should be up to a 3.18 when I finish my BSN in December. 3.8 science GPA. 3.6 since I started in 2013. I have made all A's and B's except for one C in my first major nursing class but I was also transitioning from the paramedic (medical) mindset to the nursing (holistic) mindset.

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Specializes in RETIRED Cath Lab/Cardiology/Radiology.

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