Less competative admissions

My_brain_hurts · Apr 28, 2009

I totally understand what you are asking, but you will probably get a lot of "nasty" replies with that subject heading. You are asking if there are school that, say, have a big class and can accept a large student body, or that are maybe in locations that a lot of people don't want to move to so they don't have as many applicants per slot. All good questions and smart, in my opinion, but a lot of people take it to mean you are looking for an easy way in.

Anyways, I'm not aware of a ranking of schools that shows application/class size ratios or things like that so I don't really know how to help you. However, I would say not to doubt yourself. I applied to a "really good school with a small class size" that I thought I probably wouldn't even get an interview at, and another "good school with a larger class size" that I thought I'd get into. Turns out I got in at the one with the smaller class.

Try and bring up your GPA. Get an excellent GRE score, get CCRN, ACLS, PALS, things like that. Get good work experience with lots of vents, drips, really really really sick pt's. Grades are a big deal, but only part of the package, and if you are above average in the other areas the GPA suddenly isn't such a big deal.

bucknangler · Apr 28, 2009

Its hard to say which school is less competitive than another. I have met individuals who got into UAB CRNA program but didn't get accepted into Our Lady of the Lake College CRNA program....UAB is a lot higher ranked and the application process is probably more competitive than OLOLC, IMO. I'm assuming it depends on the entire picture of the candidate at the the particular school...consuming the interview process, personal letter, etc.

gasmaster · Apr 28, 2009

Remember that the overall picture is what really counts. You may be weak in one area, such as GPA, but your experience, certifications, references, GRE, interview, etc can make up for that if the rest really shines. Don't get discouraged at all. Keep working hard & focus on the future.

silver1 · Apr 28, 2009

I would recommend applying to many schools. Make sure your statement letter is stellar. Make sure you let them know that your current experience and recent classes have proved you are can complete their program. I really think your statement letter will be the big factor in whether you get an interview or not. GRE can offset your low GPA. If you get an interview, you have a chance! But you will have to nail your interview.

Voodoo7 · Apr 28, 2009

Perhaps your thread title should have been "What Can I Do To Make Myself More Competitive". My advice is to get all the certifications you can, like get the CMC and the CSC to go along with your CCRN. Check out the AACN website for more info about these. ACLS and PALS are also a must. Good luck!

griffly · Apr 29, 2009

what is CMC and CSC?

Jdog19s · Apr 29, 2009

I'm in with a 3.3 gpa. I applied just for the experience of the interview process, so it cant hurt to apply now, if they turn you down you can ask the school specifically what you need to do to make it. You may surprise yourself and get right in!

putmetosleep · Apr 29, 2009

what is CMC and CSC?

Cardiac Medicine Certification and Cardiac Surgery Certification...both are sub-specialties of the CCRN.

Voodoo7 · Apr 30, 2009

what is CMC and CSC?

http://www.aacn.org/WD/Certifications/Content/selectcert.pcms?menu=Certification&lastmenu=divHeader_Select_Your_Program

Suen · May 6, 2009

Your BSN GPA looks decent. I think you should be ok esp. if your science GPA> 3.5. I would suggest looking at schools that consider lower GPA i.e