Pre CRNA GPA (I know you've all seen this before)

Nursing Students SRNA

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I have looked some but haven't found just what I am looking for. Hopefully you all can help. Will you please reply with, or point me to in the forum, your GPAs before you got accepted to your programs? Also, what was the biggest thing that you think helped you in your acceptance to your CRNA program. I called Texas Wesleyan and asked what their AVERAGE accepted GPA was and the lady replied "about 3.1". I don't really see this as being a problem as I don't have a problem getting good grades (thankfully). Also, if I'll not be too much more of a burden, is a CRNA program something to be intimidated by? Things like medical school and MCATs and whatnot are something that I think most people see being so far out of reach that they might as well not try. I understand that CRNA programs are difficult and require a lot of effort but is it something that some might just panic and forget trying for altogether? Thank you for your replies.

Joel

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Dear Joel,

If it is any help to you, I have applied to three programs and have been invited to interview at all three schools. I made the alternate list at one of them, I'm waiting to hear if I will get into the one I just interviewed at last week, and am considering not interviewing at the third due to location.

My GPA overall for undergrad was 3.6. My nursing and science GPA was 3.8. My GRE scores were 600/600 and 5/6 for analytical writing. I have 18 months experience in a small ICU. I am 46 years old and can write a well reasoned purpose statement.

As far as intimidation is concerned...yes it is very intimidating! I felt very intimidated starting down this road. My first day back in college after 20 years, I cried in my remedial math class because I couldn't remember how to add fractions. I have cried after work more than once because a fellow nurse gave me a hard time for not knowing something I "should" have known.

I still have days when I think, "oh my god, what have I gotten myself into! I'm not smart enough to do this!". The only thing that keeps me going is the thought that I would not have been invited to interview if I wasn't smart enough to do this. I also keep in mind that since I feel this way, there must be others with the same fears because I am not that unique. I have read these same thoughts on this board.

The only thing you can do is put one foot in front of the other and take the next test or the next class. Write the next paper. Don't think too far ahead or you won't start. Then, when you have that grade or that diploma in your hand, give yourself a minute of self praise. Realize that you did something you didn't think you could do. That moment will prove to you that you can do hard things.

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OH MY GOSH........

Thank you to ICUDUCME. I am 45, have been an RN for about 18 years now. Started in ICU/SICU, now ER. I am finishing my BSN because I am finally taking the plunge and getting things in order to apply to CRNA programs. When you were talking about remedial math I just had to write you. ME TOO. Now I'm doing fine, when I first started back, getting chemisty etc. because all my science courses are more than 5 years old, I not only had to take the prereqs for these but get tutored too. My 21 year old son tutored me in algebra--how sad is that:) I completely relate. It will be worth it all in the end. My goal is to be a practicing CRNA by the time I am 50. I'm going to be 50 anyway, I may as well be doing something I really enjoy. No one pays me to redecorate my house or design my garden:)

Good luck to you

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Dear Joel,

If it is any help to you, I have applied to three programs and have been invited to interview at all three schools. I made the alternate list at one of them, I'm waiting to hear if I will get into the one I just interviewed at last week, and am considering not interviewing at the third due to location.

My GPA overall for undergrad was 3.6. My nursing and science GPA was 3.8. My GRE scores were 600/600 and 5/6 for analytical writing. I have 18 months experience in a small ICU. I am 46 years old and can write a well reasoned purpose statement.

As far as intimidation is concerned...yes it is very intimidating! I felt very intimidated starting down this road. My first day back in college after 20 years, I cried in my remedial math class because I couldn't remember how to add fractions. I have cried after work more than once because a fellow nurse gave me a hard time for not knowing something I "should" have known.

I still have days when I think, "oh my god, what have I gotten myself into! I'm not smart enough to do this!". The only thing that keeps me going is the thought that I would not have been invited to interview if I wasn't smart enough to do this. I also keep in mind that since I feel this way, there must be others with the same fears because I am not that unique. I have read these same thoughts on this board.

The only thing you can do is put one foot in front of the other and take the next test or the next class. Write the next paper. Don't think too far ahead or you won't start. Then, when you have that grade or that diploma in your hand, give yourself a minute of self praise. Realize that you did something you didn't think you could do. That moment will prove to you that you can do hard things.

The only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time.

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Dear Joel,

If it is any help to you, I have applied to three programs and have been invited to interview at all three schools. I made the alternate list at one of them, I'm waiting to hear if I will get into the one I just interviewed at last week, and am considering not interviewing at the third due to location.

My GPA overall for undergrad was 3.6. My nursing and science GPA was 3.8. My GRE scores were 600/600 and 5/6 for analytical writing. I have 18 months experience in a small ICU. I am 46 years old and can write a well reasoned purpose statement.

As far as intimidation is concerned...yes it is very intimidating! I felt very intimidated starting down this road. My first day back in college after 20 years, I cried in my remedial math class because I couldn't remember how to add fractions. I have cried after work more than once because a fellow nurse gave me a hard time for not knowing something I "should" have known.

I still have days when I think, "oh my god, what have I gotten myself into! I'm not smart enough to do this!". The only thing that keeps me going is the thought that I would not have been invited to interview if I wasn't smart enough to do this. I also keep in mind that since I feel this way, there must be others with the same fears because I am not that unique. I have read these same thoughts on this board.

The only thing you can do is put one foot in front of the other and take the next test or the next class. Write the next paper. Don't think too far ahead or you won't start. Then, when you have that grade or that diploma in your hand, give yourself a minute of self praise. Realize that you did something you didn't think you could do. That moment will prove to you that you can do hard things.

Outstanding post. I was pushed through high school with a C-- average (partied too hard), never took the ACT or SAT and found myself in the ARMY. Found out the hard way that an education was needed to succeed in life, got out of the ARMY and was conditionally accepted to college. Had to start in remedial math and made a D in my first paper in ENG 101. At that point is where I found some determination. Graduated from UAB with a 3.5 GPA overall and a 4.0 in math and sciences. I know I can do this, but not a day goes by where I don't think, "who am I kidding, I'm not a rocket scientist...I'm going to embarrass myself!" I think 90% of new SRNAs feel this way and will be the ones helping each other in group study and clinical experience. It really is about taking that next step no matter how difficult or improbable that step may seem.

Joeld311: Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it....including yourself.

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Hello,

I am fairly new to this site. It has been really helpful to read about everyones' experiences with getting ready for, and applying to CRNA programs. I have been researching programs all over the country. I think I am settling on North Carolina. They have a variety of programs, the climate is tolerable, and the family situation there looks pretty good. I have also been considering Charleston, West Virginia. Now these programs are VASTLY different. Duke or UNC vs Charleston. Does anyone out there have any input? My husband and I sold our home here in San Francisco for a very nice profit and are seeking a kinder, gentler place for me to go to school. I have a very supportive family and the benefit of not having to work for at least the next 4-5 years. I have about a 3.75 or so GPA and have been a nurse with much varied critical experiences for about 18yrs but am just finishing my BSN. I am in the awkward position of needing to move before I am in the position to apply to programs so I am seeking all the in-put I can find. I'd hate to move my family twice and I want to move back east and flash thru my BSN. It is so expensive to live here that I feel I'd be throwing my profits from my house away if I finished here and then moved after being accepted. Also, I reallly DON'T want to work while I'm finishing my BSN--do you think this could count against me in an interview. Your thoughts please.

Thanks,

91CRN

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My thoughts on this are not based on experience but I have done a lot of research into several programs and I seem to recall that they want recent ICU experience. Some programs specify that you have it within the last year of applying to their program. I would think that it would be helpful to call the schools or email the directors and ask these specific questions of them.

It may be worth taking a trip out to the prospective state and going to all the schools. Back East has the highest concentration of programs for sure so you probably wouldn't be too far from a school no matter where you live.

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Thanks for the reply, I have visited 3 schools. Samuel Merritt in Oakland, CA; expensive but comparable--the real killer is living in the East Bay congestion, cost of living. That is the only program near me which is why my family and I are deciding to move. UNC Greenboro, Charlotte. North Carolina seems to have a lot of schools.

It's disappointing to hear about the recent ICU experience. I really feel that with all my experiences I would be an excellent candidate, even though the actual ICU experience is historic. My ER can be pretty high functioning. It's good advice to call programs but I tell you---I have, and they're pretty scimpy with information. I really think that most programs get so many inquiries that they just wait until you apply. I was really excited when I contacted Wake Forest/Baptist in Winston Salem and they offered to mentor me, advice etc--then all I got in the mail was an application packet--I'm NOT ready to apply yet. That was kind of a let down. Anyway, I'm finding that the real thing to do is get everything in order the BEST I CAN--apply to programs then wait and see. Even the information on this web-site varies so markedly that it's difficult to form a course of action. This is what I've concluded from all I've heard and read. What I need to get ready for school is: A BSN, some sort of critical experience (negotiable), good standing in my science courses, recommendations and a KILLER interview. I'm going to go thru with my plan and just get thru my BSN then apply. I really don't want to slave away in anyones ICU anymore, this will make me sound 'itchy with a bad attitude, (and nothing could be further from the truth), but I am SOOOOOOO over that. Hey-- maybe I'll volunteer for a few shifts in exchange for a recent good report!!:) I do have a lot of contacts. It pays to be an old nurse! I think I'll get my CCRN, that may help too, it's really the only certification I don't have besides neonatal stuff.

Thanks again,

91CRN

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Do you think the schools take into count not only your GPA but what classes you took? I've got about a 3.6 GPA but I majored in Biology in undergrad and took heavy loads each semester.

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25 yrs old, 3.2 under grad gpa, took 21 credits in grad gpa 3.7, gre 1020, ccrn, bsn, 4 yrs rn experience (graduated @ 21, 2 yrs in icu). finaly got accepted!!! im intinimated by reading all the blogs of srnas studying 12 hours a day...but then i think about it, thats how long i spend @ work. plus i wont be working while in school, its school will kinda be like my full time job. when i thinkof it like this it doesnt sound so intimidating. Most people say its one of the hardest things theyve ever done, but they still say its do-able. I have a co worker how went to crna school while pregnant!!!! i look @ her as an inspiration, telling myself if she could do with a child, then i have NO excuse without any kids!!! well good luck, hope all goes well!!

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Congrats on the acceptance. Did you have a difficult time getting into a program? Had you applied multiple times?

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