NEED ADVICE (sorry for the long post)

pilateschick7 · Aug 7, 2008

I have heard good things about the Kaplan in class GRE prep course. It is pricy (aprox $1000) however they cover alot of standardized test taking skills. The Kaplan books worked well for me but I think the class would have been a better investment for my learning style.

Have you thought about taking the CCRN?

Hope this helps

CaslaMCGsrna · Aug 7, 2008

Mercer will probably need your GPAs to be higher. As far MCG, I think they look at the total candidate and not just one aspect. You need to really do well on the GRE, MCG suggest that your score be above 1000. Also shadow a CRNA for as many hours as you can. Sell yourself through your application essay.

Good luck!

jls189 · Aug 8, 2008

I am currently a RN with 8 years experience 2 years of SICU/MICU and 3 years NICU. I was planning to apply for CRNA school (class of 2011) but first of all I have a 3.38 GPA and 3.5 Science GPA. I am not good with standerdized test so I am sure that my GRE scores are not going to be the thing to sway the decision of the admission board. I am planning to take my GRE's in a few days but I am so worried. The nearest school to me is 2 hours away. I have a family (4kids) so I can not leave the state of Georgia to go to another school so I have to pray that the two schools in Georgia will accept me. Am I CRAZY can it work with my nearest school being so far away? Will these schools even look at my application with a low GRE score. (I have taken many pretest and I bearly hitting the minimum GRE score requested as a requirement. I just need some reassurance that this is possible and any advice is well appreciated.

zetanicu,

I personally think your grades are more than adequate. A 3.5 GPA in sciences is great. The schools don't expect a 4.0 GPA, and most people don't have that. If you are worried, you could always take a graduate science class to show that you can handle graduate level work. I took the GRE last year, and it really wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I am good w/ the math and bad w/ the verbal. I got a 400 verbal and 560 math. Not real bad for little studying (just looking at a GRE prep book). I took the Kaplan review class and it was awesome. They not only reviewed the content but taught the test-taking techniques. In my opinion, it was well worth the $1100. They also have some classes that are cheaper and only last a weekend. I learn better in a classroom setting than just looking at a book. I used the book the first time. I will be re-taking the GRE this September, and I am sure my score will increase since taking the Kaplan class. The book they give you for the class is so much different from any book you can buy at a store (even the book they sell to the general public). I definately think it you will get accepted. You have a ton of great ICU experience which does go along way. The GRE is just a part. Don't be discouraged. The only reason that I think you are crazy is that you have 4 children. God love ya for that one. If you can be the mother of four children, you can do anything. Don't ever forget that. Being a parent has to be the most challenging thing that anyone can/will do. And this is coming from someone who doesn't have children. I commend you :yeah: and bow down to you. :bow:

Good luck.

zetanicu · Aug 8, 2008

Thank you for all your positive advice I needed that encouragement. I will definitely look into GRE classes. (lol about the 4 kids there are a set of twins in there)

jls189 Thank you for being so positive

I will research all your suggestions. I am very passionate about becoming a CRNA and will give it my best shot.

Please keep the opinions coming.

jamieblu · Aug 8, 2008

You should definitely consider taking the CCRN. It will give you brownie points for sure. As for the GRE, if you don't do well the first time, study and take it again. The second time I took it I did 50 pts better without even studying. Maybe because I was less nervous? Who knows... I also would call the director at MCG to ask what you can do to make yourself a better candidate. It's a good way to find out exactly what they are looking for while making your name known. When application time comes around the PD will know your name. Good Luck:twocents: :up:

Savin'Em · Aug 8, 2008

Do all you can to make yourself a better applicant. Take the Kaplan course, it'll be worth the money if you get in. Get your CCRN and any be involved in anything you can to make yourself more rounded and to make up for something else that may not make you seem like a strong applicant (even though you probably are!). You have to sell yourself to them!

jls189 · Aug 9, 2008

zetanicu,

You're Welcome!!!!!!!!