Keep getting rejected

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What can I do To be more competitive. I have My year of ICU. (I know The more years the better). I’m CCRN, ACLS, Pals..the norm. I have A masters degree with the last 60 hours of 3.9. I have An A in statistics. B in chemistry. I have all the advanced sciences in my masters degree. I’m retaking the GRE for > 300. Ive had someone look over my CV and Personal statement and said it was great. I’m going to try and take a couple more undergrad sciences. Shadowed 40 + hours. A preceptor. What else can I do?

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Specializes in MICU/SICU.

Have you asked for specific feedback from the programs you have applied to? It may be that you only have one year of experience. Is your BSN GPA low? If your science or nursing GPAs weren't good, that could possibly hold you back too. All of your other stats sound great! It certainly sounds like you are on your way to success otherwise! Maybe volunteering somewhere or getting involved with your unit or hospital governance? I'd definitely ask for feedback from the schools you applied to.

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7 minutes ago, brookalyn said:

Have you asked for specific feedback from the programs you have applied to? It may be that you only have one year of experience. Is your BSN GPA low? If your science or nursing GPAs weren't good, that could possibly hold you back too. All of your other stats sound great! It certainly sounds like you are on your way to success otherwise! Maybe volunteering somewhere or getting involved with your unit or hospital governance? I'd definitely ask for feedback from the schools you applied to.

Most have said “take” graduate classes. However, I already Have taken those. I volunteer at a women’s shelter. The hard part is getting any feedback. Only 1 school has responded.

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Specializes in MICU/SICU.

I definitely think you’re on the right track! Your stats to me show that you are capable of putting in the work. If you get another year in the ICU and get that > 300 GRE, I think that will help your odds tremendously. Don’t. Give. Up!

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I feel like “overall GPA” will often (but not always) carry more weight with most programs. So although your most recent/graduate degree GPA is a 3.9... what is your overall GPA? Unfortunately graduate degrees are often only 45-60 credits/hours versus 120ish for your first undergraduate degree. NursingCAS breaks down GPA and let’s schools see a snapshot of your cumulative GPA, science GPA, and BSN GPA. If your overall/cumulative GPA is lower (< 3.0 or so) you will often get weeded out based on that alone.

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Specializes in critical care.

Can I take a look at your personal statemrnt? I find that the personal statements are often the deal breakers for a lot of people.

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11 minutes ago, hoiboy said:

Can I take a look at your personal statemrnt? I find that the personal statements are often the deal breakers for a lot of people.

Sure. Can I dm?

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Specializes in CRNA.

It’s your 1 year of experience and possibly overall GPA.

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Specializes in CVICU.

I agree with loveanesthesia. Soak in as much as you can in the ICU, get some leadership experience (charge, preceptor, work on the local AACN board, join a committee, join unit council), and continue to take classes. Average accepted applicant has 3-5 years of ICU experience. On paper, everyone looks similar, so you have to keep working to stand out. The previous masters degree will help, but don't rest on your laurels. Showing continuous development will help you stand out! Keep working hard! Do not be discouraged by not getting in on your first round either, it shows commitment to apply again in subsequent years!

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Specializes in SRNA.

What do you mean by all the advance sciences in your master's degree? What classes are those? Like the standard MSN classes? Your B in chem is not awesome but not terrible. A lot of people probably get in with that. It may simply be just a matter of another year. Just reapply for the next round. It may not help you to keep spending time and money on undergrad classes unless you have some bad science grades. It could be your cumulative GPA too. Also, a GRE <300 doesn't look good but people do get in with 290s. The best strategy is to limit your weaknesses. Lots of people get in with a 3.2 gpa (not saying this what you have) or a B in chem or <300 on GRE or 1 year ICU - but practically never with all of them combined. You don't want to have more than one bad mark. Especially on things you can improve. You can do better on the GRE with studying. Keep your chin up. Many people don't in the first application round and then get in next round.

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Specializes in SRNA.
19 hours ago, S3682 said:

Most have said “take” graduate classes. However, I already Have taken those. I volunteer at a women’s shelter. The hard part is getting any feedback. Only 1 school has responded.

Also, don't be afraid to email the program director directly to get feedback on your application.

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Thanks everyone. Trying to reach out to programs and get feedback

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