How many CRNA schools did you apply to at a time per application cycle?
How many schools is reasonable to apply to? I am currently applying for two right now.
More about me... Overall BSN GPA: 3.75, Science GPA 3.4 (math classes not included). Certs: BLS, ACLS, PALS, CCRN, NIHSS. GRE 301, 4.0 writing.
1.5 years Level 1 MICU/SICU (preceptor and education classes here, no charge), 1 travel ICU contract, two months of ICU per diem work while getting married and moving for husband's military career. I am currently starting a full time job on a MICU/SICU with trauma, at a Level 2 teaching hospital.
I also have volunteer and shadow experience.
Where is the line between wanting to be selective on where you spend your time and money, but also not wanting to wait another year to apply again?
I would cast a wide net and see what happens. Those stats are fine, but everyone else applying has the same ones or better.
I think it is fine to have a plan for the school you really want but you need to have Plans B and C ready too. I did not get in to my first choice and was originally gonna wait a whole year and reapply cause it is a great program and the closest one to me.
I scratched that plan and spread out my search and will now finish nearly a full two years sooner than if I had waited and reapplied to the school I always thought I would go to.
Thank you for the advice. That’s awesome! Where are you going? How did you decide to not wait? I’ve been looking at different start dates. The whole process is so overwhelming sometimes because I’m just getting started. It’s also expensive, but I guess I better get used to that ha.
This is my first year applying and I’m casting a wide net. I don’t mind moving so that helps. I’ve applied to 7 schools total. My stats are good, but so are everyone else’s. Hopefully 7 schools is enough to get me in somewhere ??♀️
How did you stay organized to apply to that many schools? Have you heard back from any yet? I feel the same about my stats. Good luck! ?
I've thought about TNCC but we dont get much trauma in my unit to justify it right now. I will be applying to Tulsa unless I get into another school. Even if I get into another school I'll probably still apply to Tulsa. I would like to stay local but I know that moving is a big possibility and my wife is okay with that. She is a principal so she can get a job almost anywhere in the country.
The best advice I can give you is to research the schools that you want to apply as much as possible to know that they're right for you and to start applying as soon as possible. Your stats are great and they will get you an interview. Then it will be your time to shine and show them that you deserve a spot in their program.
It's great that your wife is so onboard. You aren't too far away from getting to where you want to be! I hope you do the same ? Thank you!
How did you stay organized to apply to that many schools? Have you heard back from any yet? I feel the same about my stats. Good luck! ?
I made a checklist for each school on paper and a file on my desktop to keep all my documents organized. The application process gets pretty quick after you have applied to a few schools and have all the documents you need in one place. I had 1 interview and was denied. I have another interview in 3 weeks. Most of the other programs application deadline is 8/31. So hoping to hear from those soon!
Also if the application is on NursingCAS then the process gets real easy after your first one. Two of my schools so far are on NursingCAS. One already submitted and another in progress.
Thank you for the advice. That’s awesome! Where are you going? How did you decide to not wait? I’ve been looking at different start dates. The whole process is so overwhelming sometimes because I’m just getting started. It’s also expensive, but I guess I better get used to that ha.
I’m going to Wake Forest. As for the decision to not wait, well, I figured it couldn’t hurt to see what a couple other schools said while I was waiting to reapply and if I got in to one - I would just go ahead and attend that one. Because it would get me in to practice sooner.
Also, the original program I looked at had already switched to DNP, so I was really honing in on Master’s programs to “catch up” to my original timeline that had been held up when I didn’t get in to my first choice.
Sorry about that! Thank you for your patience and thoughtful reply!
You're right, my post is confusing. I couldn't figure out how to delete or edit it again lol I was trying to ask how does one be selective and intentional about applications when you're excited for the next step, but don't want to limit yourself due to not having very many applications submitted. I was also looking for affirmation on if I could be somewhat selective in my applications from my stats. I'm not sure if that makes more sense? I should have been more
So you have 1.5 total years of ICU experience or more due to the added travel nursing ICU jobs? I ask because schools can be sooo picky about having two years experience by the time you interview. Ya one year experience and you can apply but I had 1.5 years experience during interviews and got pounded about it during almost very interview. If this is the case I would apply to a few more. I applied to five, got interviews for three, and got into one.
I’m going to Wake Forest. As for the decision to not wait, well, I figured it couldn’t hurt to see what a couple other schools said while I was waiting to reapply and if I got in to one - I would just go ahead and attend that one. Because it would get me in to practice sooner.
Also, the original program I looked at had already switched to DNP, so I was really honing in on Master’s programs to “catch up” to my original timeline that had been held up when I didn’t get in to my first choice.
Congrats! I wish you the best. I have the same sentiments when looking at some of the MSNs out there.
How did you manage letters of recommendations? I feel like it could get annoying to be asking the same people multiple times and reminding them to send their letters.
So you have 1.5 total years of ICU experience or more due to the added travel nursing ICU jobs? I ask because schools can be sooo picky about having two years experience by the time you interview. Ya one year experience and you can apply but I had 1.5 years experience during interviews and got pounded about it during almost very interview. If this is the case I would apply to a few more. I applied to five, got interviews for three, and got into one.
I have a total 2 years ICU full time experience, and ongoing now! I am sending 2 apps for the fall deadlines and I think I will send more for January deadlines. ? With less experience, how did you prepare for such intense interviews?
Really I focused on studying the conditions I saw most and talked my butt off during the interviews. Aka I made the interviews self directed ?. Uptodate was helpful in studying for this. I only had to talk about something I did not want to one time. Also, reviewing the CCRN material helped the second most.
I also took propranolol the day of the interviews which really helps if you have interview anxiety ?
Congrats! I wish you the best. I have the same sentiments when looking at some of the MSNs out there.
How did you manage letters of recommendations? I feel like it could get annoying to be asking the same people multiple times and reminding them to send their letters.
Sometimes getting LOR submitted is like herding cats. I have used the same 3 or 4 people for my apps so they know when I request for them to submit one they are pretty good about getting it done. Manager, Charge RN, CRNA, and Clinical Lead (if needed).
Really I focused on studying the conditions I saw most and talked my butt off during the interviews. Aka I made the interviews self directed ?. Uptodate was helpful in studying for this. I only had to talk about something I did not want to one time. Also, reviewing the CCRN material helped the second most.
I also took propranolol the day of the interviews which really helps if you have interview anxiety ?
Lol! Have you ever used the app Headspace? It has really helped me when I'm anxious too! Did you have to pay to use uptodate? I used to have access at one of my old jobs, but do not anymore. How did you learn to "lead" your interviews? I've heard about doing that, but I'm not really sure where to start. Sorry for all of my questions ?
9 hours ago, CowboyMedic said:
Sometimes getting LOR submitted is like herding cats. I have used the same 3 or 4 people for my apps so they know when I request for them to submit one they are pretty good about getting it done. Manager, Charge RN, CRNA, and Clinical Lead (if needed).
brookalyn, BSN, RN
110 Posts
Thank you for the advice. That’s awesome! Where are you going? How did you decide to not wait? I’ve been looking at different start dates. The whole process is so overwhelming sometimes because I’m just getting started. It’s also expensive, but I guess I better get used to that ha.