Some Advice before applying..

[mr.e01]

Hi,

I have been lurking on this site for years, I would really like some input on my crna application goals for the upcoming year. I am looking to apply to ten school in the tri state area (ny,nj,pa). My stats upon time of application are:

3 years CCU, MICU, SICU Full time experience in very acute urban hospital

1 year ICU per diem experience in urban community hospital

CCRN (1yr)

ADN ( 3.7 gpa) (along with critical care and nursing awards)

BSN (3.85 gpa)

All sciences- 'A'

Never took organic chem/biochem**

GRE- 147-Verbal 148-Quant. 4.0 - Analytical

ACLS PALS BLS

Shadowed CRNA/Anesthesiologists x 1 week

My concerns are as follows:

Should I take organic chem with my current stats? (I would need to do it online due to work and time constraints) and 7 of the 10 schools do not require it. Is it that important considering my stats? Should I just choose 3 different schools that do not require the organic chem pre req?

Should I retake the GRE with my current scores? (I would be able to retake it in June)- Looking to apply in August to all schools.

- please any and all advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks..

[Zaphod, BSN, RN]

I dont know if thats a good or bad GRE score-I took the old version, but everything else looks good. 1 semester of Orgo wont hurt-but you know there are ususally 2 Chemistry classes as a prerequisite to Orgo. Maybe youd be better off taking a master level pharm and patho that would transfer to some of your programs.

[mr.e01]

my GRE score = 1000 (combined) as per old version

- I will probably retake GRE because I do have the time, and can get a couple more points with some tutoring, its worth a shot.

- I was also thinking to take master level courses, although, different schools require different courses..I was thinking of just taking Orgo Chem over the summer online at UNE. It only requires 'intro to chem' as requirement.

[Zaphod, BSN, RN]

1000 is ok-you might still get in as you have good grades and good experience. Try to find a course thats common for most of the schools, like reserch and patho or pharm-it will make a differenc when everyone has 6 classes and you have 4. Good luck.

[mr.e01]

Thanks for the advice.. where do you reccomend I take these masters courses or look to take them?

[Zaphod, BSN, RN]

Try the universities you will be applying to. Some will allow you to take classes(limited #of credits) as a non-degree student.

[Epicureguy]

Your stats are looking good. Your gre is fine. I got in with less than 1000. Im sure you will get an invitation to interview. It's all about how you present yourself. Lot of applicants have really great stats but they screw their interview part.just know your Stuff in your IcU area in details. Taking grad sciences courses would make your application stronger. this would show to the admission committee that you could do grad studies.goodluck. Don't stress it out .you have a pretty stats.

[mr.e01]

Thanks for the feedback..

The only thing concerning me the most is that organic chem pre req for the 3 schools I would like to also apply to. Even though I would like to take the grad science course, those schools would not check my app due to that lack of organic chem.

[ckh23, BSN, RN]

I would also recommend you actually look into these programs and find out which ones will offer you the best education and best clinical experience, instead of just blanket applying.