Lower GPA for CRNA school

Trauma Columnist · Apr 8, 2019

Moved to SRNA forum

DreameRN, BSN · Apr 8, 2019

totally depends on the school. I had a terrible prereq GPA, something like 2.8. I goofed off a bunch prior, but got serious in nursing school. But my BSN was a 3.6ish. My science GPA was (after I retook two of four classes) a 3.1, the minimum to be considered at my school. So it really depends. If you can meet their minimums and sell yourself at the interview, then you are good.

Know yourself and what you can do. I know my bad grades were from lack of effort. I'm currently in my 3rd semester of CRNA school with a 4.0 now.

ptier_MNMurse, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2019

Agreed, definitely depends on the school. But it seems generally speaking they want greater than a 3.1-3.3 in math/science to be competitive. I think you are have some strong stats as far as GPA, but do be aware that the applicant pool is getting more and more competitive, and people I have worked with, who have awesome experience and grades and all, still have retaken classes to improve their chances of admittance.

I am taking a bunch of graduate math/science classes now due to my previous engineering studies (heavy math/science weighted) which I did not do as well in, also from a lack of effort. My suggestion to you would just be to bust your butt in school in those math/science classes because they do make a difference! I wish I had someone telling me that when I was still in undergrad.

Other thing, have you shadowed a CRNA? You should look into it if you haven't. Many schools are asking about this on applications and want to see you have done some (sometimes multiple times) to make sure you know what you are getting into. It just says you have actually researched the field.

Read up on the schools' websites what they are looking for in an applicant, but generally they seem to want:

-high acuity ICU experience at a large facility with high volumes of patients and a surgical background (SICU/CVICU/CTICU), minimum 1-2 years but more is often appreciated

-chem/stats/bio classes with good grades

-3.1-3.3 math science GPA, 3.0 minimum cumulative, >3.4 cumulative to be competitive

-some like the GRE but many in my area seem to be moving away from it

-BLS, ACLS, PALS

-CCRN, TNCC (good additions)

-shadowing experience

-references: nurse colleague, charge nurse, manager, MD/MDA

Just my take I guess. Also, apply early and keep applying. Many people do not get in on their first attempt, however, many schools do seem to like people who reapply. It testifies to your dedication to getting in. Some people get in on their first attempt, but most don't, so do not be discouraged if it doesn't happen right away. I was really bummed when I didn't get in right away, but I have learned so much in my wait, and feel really confident and ready to advance now. At the time I had no idea what I was missing, and I appreciate the time I have had to prepare (financially, academically, and clinically). So, moral of the story, be patient with yourself if it takes longer than you would like, and keep striving forward!

Here is a great website for preparing for school:

http://www.all-crna-schools.com/

Do your research and keep your head up buddy! Know that your stats are good, but keep working hard in school now because it does matter! Good luck!

ICU2SRNA · Apr 11, 2019

I agree with the aforementioned. My GPA is lower than yours and I'll be starting school this fall. The field will definitely be more competitive by the time you are ready for school but there are multiple ways to improve your odds. I would do your best to knock the GRE out of the park. True that some schools don't require it, but the majority do. I did well on my GRE and every school that I interviewed with made it a talking point for me and I was able to explain why my GPA was not sky high. I would follow all the points made in the previous points but also be open to where you go. If you are set on one school it will make your odds of acceptance much harder. If you are willing to move for school you increase your odds vastly.