I have a 3.8 GPA, I don't know if volunteer/extracirriculars help but I volunteered at a hospital for about a year, volunteered 2 months with children in peru and am a member of Phi Theta Kappa. I don't have a job since starting nursing school. My last job ended 3 months ago which was babysitting children(I did that for a year). I really don't know what else to add so I'll start my questions. 1. How many references do I need. Obviously more the merrier but what is a good number to have. I don't know many people in the medical field except my cousins(which would be a useless reference since she is family) and my sister in law. Could I ask my sister in law? I don't know her very well but if it would add points to my resume why not. And what type of people should I ask for references from? 2. How far in advance should I apply. Lets say I wanted to be accepted in 2014, when do they start doing boards for then? 3. Would having my CNA help? Even if I didn't go out and get a job as a CNA would just having it help my chances? I have a little extra money I could go get it. Sorry for any typos, its already been a long day