How to get into grad school...planning ahead

[Go Knights]

Hi everyone!

Right now I am in undergrad, finishing a BSN nursing program. I am pretty sure that I would like to continue to grad school shortly after graduating (perhaps a few years after some work experience) either nurse practioner or CRNA route. I understand that grades, GRE, and other aspects are vital to graduate school applications, but how essential is undergraduate research? We are required to take an undergrad research class, but some instructors are pushing that we complete research and write a thesis our last year of the program as well. I know that research is vital in graduate school, but how important is it that we have some experience in undergrad? Would not doing this program eliminate me as a potential applicant to grad school?

I don't mind the hard work, but I don't want to overwhelm myself either if it isn't vital. I've done really well grade wise and would hate to damage my chances of grad school by dropping my GPA because I was attempting Honors in the major, or completion of a thesis and defense in addition to my courses and clinicals.

I appreciate all of your help and advice!

[serenitylove14]

I would say just get the highest GPA you can. Also I dont think most schools look and see if your courses were honors or not just what grade you got in them. I took a research class in undergrad but did not write a thesis. That sounds like uneccessary work for an already stressful curriculium.

Just my opinion.

[tigerlogic]

I don't know what it takes to get into nursing grad school but I spent tons of time in undergrad research in my first degree and it was an incredibly shaping experience. It teaches you to think of problems and get an idea of how the culture of research works. Your ability to decide what a good sources and methods will serve you in any future leadership (which is why you'd go to grad school, right).

I say do it. You'll be a lot clearer about the types of things you'll be interested in for the future. Plus writing and defending an undergrad thesis, sets you apart to some eyes.