Should I keep applying?

Nursing Students SRNA

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I have a 3.01 cumulative GPA across two degrees. My BSN GPA was a 3.27. I have my CCRN and 4 years of ICU experience. I have applied to one school and have been rejected, no interview. I have a B in Organic Chemistry after receiving a C the first time I took it. I am avoiding the GRE. 

It seems everyone who does apply has a far greater GPA than I do. Also, when I read these posts, a lot of people also have higher GPAs than me when accepted.

Am I out of my league? Should I even keep applying? 

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Specializes in CRNA.

Why avoid the GRE?

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I’m worried it will make me look worse once I take it. 

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Specializes in SRNA.

OP -you need more confidence...like a LOT more! Yea, your GPA sucks, but no use in complaining about it. Go take some graduate courses (I.e., pharm, patho), along with all the hard sciences courses like biochem, physics, organic, etc.  Make sure to get an A in all your courses and do good on the GRE, if you plan on taking it. That should help boost your GPA and score you an interview. 

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Specializes in oncology.

You do not have to send it until you know the results.

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Specializes in CRNA.

Are you worried about passing the certification exam? 

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I just have to keep it real.  You have not done too well in your courses up until this point.  Only you know why that is, but I can tell you, the work needed to complete a CRNA program is exponentially more difficult.  If you gave your school work your honest, best shot, than CRNA is probably not the best direction for you to expend your time, energy, and MONEY. At the very least, take two upper division or grad level sciences courses, ideally at the same time, and see how you do.  Give yourself your best effort, and let these courses decide for you.  Good luck.

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36 minutes ago, BigPappaCRNA said:

I just have to keep it real.  You have not done too well in your courses up until this point.  Only you know why that is, but I can tell you, the work needed to complete a CRNA program is exponentially more difficult.  If you gave your school work your honest, best shot, than CRNA is probably not the best direction for you to expend your time, energy, and MONEY. At the very least, take two upper division or grad level sciences courses, ideally at the same time, and see how you do.  Give yourself your best effort, and let these courses decide for you.  Good luck.

I fear this is how they see me. Unfortunately, I have never given school my honest, best shot a 100% of the time. When I have, I make great grades. I just don't do well with having to work, juggle friends and family, and school all at the same time. Too many distractions to be honest; which is why I'm applying out of state. And the fact that I CAN'T work while in CRNA school, coupled with the fact I have saved so much money to go to CRNA school, is also one of many reasons I want to go to CRNA school. But I think a lot of you are correct - I need to take some graduate level courses and ace them. 

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22 hours ago, loveanesthesia said:

Are you worried about passing the certification exam? 

Are you referring to the GRE? 

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a strong GRE score may support some your OK academic performance. you can retake GRE until you get a satisfying score as you want. Also, NEVER JUST APPLY one school. Every school looks at your package in different way. If you worry about so much about taking exams, how could you pass all the exams during the CRNA three years?

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Specializes in CRNA.

No, I’m referring to the certification exam you need to pass to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. If you don’t pass you aren’t a CRNA. 

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Specializes in CRNA.

definitely give up now. 

kidding. 

Look. How bad do you want to be a CRNA? This is not an easy road, by any means. If you don't want to take the GRE, don't. Plenty of schools don't require it. You have your CCRN, which many schools require, or really like to see. It's not a bad idea to take a couple of graduate level science classes to see how you do. The worst thing about CRNA school is the amount of info you get and the time frame you get it in. Drinking from the firehose is a common analogy and I would say that it is an accurate one. Plenty of people that have lower GPAs, have been successful. I had a high GPA and it still took applying to 6 different schools for me to get in. But here I am, 4 months away from graduating and currently filling out credentialing papers for my first job. 

If you want it, go for it and give it your best effort. Best of luck to you! 

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