I'm an "alternate " at Case, what the heck?!

***Bonita*** · Jan 25, 2006

No, I cannot imagine that. Are you applying to any other schools?

CaseAlum · Jan 25, 2006

I did not apply to any other schools. As you can see by my user name, I went to Case for undergrad. If I do not get in this time, I will reinterview in the Fall, but I may consider applying to Akron. I can't relocate due to husband's local business. So basically, Akron and Case are my only options.

Can anyone give me a description of what exactly an "alternate " is? Do I still have a shot? Do alternates get in??

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Jan 25, 2006

Here's some advice I was given: if you're ever waitlisted or told you're an alternate, stay on them. Call them about once a week or so to check on your status. Don't let them forget you. Don't be annoying, but just say, "Hi, my name is so-and-so, I'm an alternate for your Fall class. I was calling to check on my status on your list" or whatever.

TexasGas · Jan 25, 2006

DO NOT GET DOWN ON YOURSELF! I agree w/ Carolina, let them know how serious you are about getting into school for this fall's class. You can be noticed without being annoying. It sounds as if you are in close proximity to the campus, so dropping in once every three weeks, in addition to checking on your status by phone could be a great idea.

There is possibly a greater than average chance you may be moved into position due to other students choosing other schools.

For future reference, if you do not get in this year, apply again to the same school AND at least one other. Believe it or not, some schools see the prospect's interest in other school's as an indication of how seriuosly the candidate wants to be a CRNA. Info I learned from my interviewers.

badgernurse · Jan 26, 2006

I was also waitlisted. Yes, it is like living in limbo! I was told by a program director that he once had to call an alternate to fill a position the day classes started. I also know of one program that had a student drop out 3 months into the program and an alternate was called who had to catch up on a lot of material. It is a difficult position to be in but if other students are accepted to more than one school and choose not to go to Case, you've got a pretty good shot. Don't give up!

apaisRN, RN, CRNA · Jan 26, 2006

Can anyone give me a description of what exactly an "alternate " is? Do I still have a shot? Do alternates get in??

I did.:rotfl:

Focker, CRNA · Jan 26, 2006

I was also waitlisted. Yes, it is like living in limbo! I was told by a program director that he once had to call an alternate to fill a position the day classes started. I also know of one program that had a student drop out 3 months into the program and an alternate was called who had to catch up on a lot of material. It is a difficult position to be in but if other students are accepted to more than one school and choose not to go to Case, you've got a pretty good shot. Don't give up!

I would rather wait a year than to start crna school three months behind everyone else, that sounds impossible.

CaseAlum · Jan 26, 2006

yea, that's ridiculous. It's not worth it at that point. And having to quit your job or go PRN - you need to give them 2 weeks notice for that.

LLL123 · Jan 30, 2006

Hey Case! I am also an alternate for CRNA school at WFUBMC for this Fall. It is like living in limbo, but I am trying to be optimistic about it. They could have said NO WE DON'T WANT YOU!!! Plus it gives me a better chance to get in next year and to learn more in the process!! Good Luck, maybe you will get a call soon!!:)