So after reading countless posts on getting into CRNA school...here is my info:
Stats:
1st Degree: 3.2 (have 2 Fs Sciences)
2nd Degree (BSN): 3.55 (All Bs & As)
Worked 2.5 yrs in a CTICU
CCRN, Preceptor, PI committee, experience with IABP, Swans, all the other stuff.
GRE Verbal:154, Quant:160, Writing:3.0 (WOW....bad)
Applied to 4 schools, interview at 2 (both are great schools). My first interview was bad (had family issues), second interview went well and I got in!
All I can say is that if your grades are not great... do other things. Committees, CCRN, etc. Apply to as many schools as you can and make sure you get good recommendations.
I got an interview at the first school I applied to. Even with my 3.1 cGPA. I've been working as hard as I can to stand out in other ways. A's in grad level classes, 318 on GRE, leadership in unit, committees, and certs. Now I have to do well on the interview! Thanks for the encouragement!
Those of you with GPAs around 2.5 should not worry , there will be openings for anyone who applies . Some schools don't even interview. It will be as easy to get into as a CNS or generic MSN program soon . Be patient ,the standards are dropping. Fast to fill the slots that are opening.
Where exactly do you get this information that the standards are dropping?! They have high standards for acceptance because CRNA school is difficult and want people to succeed and finish school. I highly disagree with you that they will lower the standards just to fill spots.
Where exactly do you get this information that the standards are dropping?! They have high standards for acceptance because CRNA school is difficult and want people to succeed and finish school. I highly disagree with you that they will lower the standards just to fill spots.
Don't let bitterness of others make you feel like te professional is being lowered.
Bitterness? Not really . The fact the OP was granted an interview with a 3.1 GPA and marginal GRE scores supports my position. As soon as 10 years ago no reputable school would grant an interview. I'm hardly bitter . I'm simply telling people getting in is not as difficult as it has been in the past. Been a CRNA a long time?
I'm not a CRNA, I start school this fall. And while I do agree with you that some can get in with lower GPAs I don't think it is a drop in standards. Those with lower GPAs more than likely shine in other areas, I.e. experience, CCRN, leadership, and so forth. In saying that I still don't think schools will lower the GPA requirements to a 2.5 overall, when most schools, at least the ones I interviewed at require you to hold a 3.0 throughout and A "B" starts at 84% anything less is considered a C. Now in saying this I don't have a 4.0 nor did I do perfect on the GRE, but I had/have a mix of all the above mentioned. I don't want to discourage anyone with a low GPA from trying to get into this field I just want people to know every perspective and encourage them to retake classes they make have done poorly in and gain all the experience they can in an ICU.
Bitterness? Not really . The fact the OP was granted an interview with a 3.1 GPA and marginal GRE scores supports my position. As soon as 10 years ago no reputable school would grant an interview. I'm hardly bitter . I'm simply telling people getting in is not as difficult as it has been in the past. Been a CRNA a long time?
No. I'm new so I'm sure I'm not a very good example either. The OP had 3.55 BSN and 3.2 other degree. Is it the best? No. But let's not discount the advance pathos class and other things they did to look better. I do not see schools lowering their minimum GPAs to 2.5. That seems like a sarcastic statement from someone who doesn't even want to be a member of the AANA. Yes it seems you are bitter about something. To speak with such sarcasm about something someone is trying to achieve seems bitter. To belittle them getting into school seems bitter. And of course you don't think you are bitter but your attitude speaks volumes.
You seem to be pretty defensive . I have belittled no one . I am simply saying the career is opening to people who could not have done it in the past. I make no judgments , I am simply stating my observations about the subject aquired over the last 20 plus years of doing this for a living . I have no idea what my AANA membership status has to do with anything.
I am glad you are a member of the AANA and are happy with that. I feel differently about the organization . It is, after all , optional to belong.
I know many schools have the minimum of a 3.0 and couple are 2.75 GPA. Are these lower than in the past? I'm sure the avg of those taken are much higher than the minimum.
I know many schools have the minimum of a 3.0 and couple are 2.75 GPA. Are these lower than in the past? I'm sure the avg of those taken are much higher than the minimum.
Think about what you posted. Unless ALL applicants have the minimum acceptable it is a mathematical certainty the majority have a higher GPA . Why are you so upset that I am telling people it is easier than ever before to get it. You will find very few with any experience who will disagree with that . The proliferation of programs nationwide in and of itself makes that a fact.
Think about what you posted. Unless ALL applicants have the minimum acceptable it is a mathematical certainty the majority have a higher GPA . Why are you so upset that I am telling people it is easier than ever before to get it. You will find very few with any experience who will disagree with that . The proliferation of programs nationwide in and of itself makes that a fact.
I was asking if there is a trend of lowering GPAs. You stated that a 2.5 will be good enough. I am asking you bc you have been in the field for a while if you have seen a trend of standards being reduced?
JSBSN
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I got an interview at the first school I applied to. Even with my 3.1 cGPA. I've been working as hard as I can to stand out in other ways. A's in grad level classes, 318 on GRE, leadership in unit, committees, and certs. Now I have to do well on the interview! Thanks for the encouragement!