Published May 8, 2007
klynette
19 Posts
So from what I've been picking up on this forum, most schools tend to look at GPA, GRE scores and the interview and if I'm wrong, please correct me. However, I'm kind of curious if the actual school you went to is also factored in?
I was accepted to Howard University in Washington, but if the actual school a person attends is considered, I'm debating transferring into a different school close by like Georgetown or George Washington. Granted, it'd probably be easier to get a higher GPA at Howard than at those schools.
I guess what it comes down to is, what's better? Getting a high GPA in an alright school or getting an alright GPA in a better school?
Thanks guys.
goinforit
27 Posts
I guess that depends on what you mean by alright and better. Is it that it just doesn't have the notoriety name appeal of the others, or is it truly inferior to the others in how they will teach you? I attended a smaller school, less well known, but with the highest NCLEX passing rates in the city. Also they were not stringent on their grading system so I ended up with a great GPA as well as a great education. If your not compromising on your actual nursing education, I would stay where you are.
My 2 cents
What I mean is notoriety, I suppose. Being prestigious and getting a lower GPA based on a harder classes versus getting a good GPA at a school that's not as prestigious and easier to go.
I don't know. Like going to UPenn versus some other school or something.
You make a really good point though.
It kind of makes me think of high school. Is it better to get B's or C's in an AP course than to be in a regular class and get an A?
Michigan Man 09
17 Posts
Good question. As a student, I'm obviously not qualified to make a hard true statement on the topic, though I would like to offer my perspective. I believe that you NEED to have all the test scores and grades in order to meet the 'minimum standard' though if that and the interview is pretty much equal across applicants, then yes, going to a more prestigeous school might be the differentiator that may put you 'over the hump' so to speak.
Also, I wouldn't just consider notarity, but the entire experience at the school. Part of the reason I chose U-M Ann Arbor, aside from being one of the top 5 ranked nursing schools year in and year out nationally, is the culture and experience of diversity that it offers. U-M Health System is a level one trauma center and my clinicals are at "The U" as well as other nearby hospitals. The resources available on campus, the student life, the support Offices the SON has to offer, as well as the academic/research rigor, and great faculty...ALL factored into my decision on where to attend school. You may want to consider the campus layout, city, population, etc. all being factors.
I had a soft spot for Georgetown, being a Hoya is an experience I would one day like to have, but right now I'm proud to be a Wolverine! :) At the end of the day, do whats best for you, and which school fits your learning style. You cannot go wrong whichever school you go to. If you truly belong in a CRNA program, you will get in (maybe not on the first apply) at some point if dedicated and committed. Best of luck deciding where to go and in your nursing career!
LeavingTeaching4RN
465 Posts
So from what I've been picking up on this forum, most schools tend to look at GPA, GRE scores and the interview and if I'm wrong, please correct me. However, I'm kind of curious if the actual school you went to is also factored in?I was accepted to Howard University in Washington, but if the actual school a person attends is considered, I'm debating transferring into a different school close by like Georgetown or George Washington. Granted, it'd probably be easier to get a higher GPA at Howard than at those schools.I guess what it comes down to is, what's better? Getting a high GPA in an alright school or getting an alright GPA in a better school?Thanks guys.
I'm just curious to know why you think so poorly of Howard's Program? Is there nursing program seriously flawed? Are the NCLEX passing rates low? Or is it just because it is an HBCU?
Just curious.