SRNAs, How important is GPA vs Standard Test for the application?

apaisRN, RN, CRNA · Aug 30, 2004

I hope they consider GRE over GPA, personally. It's a selfish consideration; I have a 3.4 and 1410/5.5. I have always been the smart kid who didn't work hard and I hope the schools will see that I am more mature and ready to realize the potential shown by my GREs.

My understanding is that while you can improve standardized test scores with practice and instruction, you can only improve to a certain point. Therefore, there is a certain validity to them because without cheating (if it were possible) people theoretically have a set high score.

I agree that GPA is big too though - evidence of past dedication and ability is obviously very important.

b_m_prosepct · Aug 30, 2004

apaisRN, best wish to your application.

I felt a little bit different on how much a person can improve the score on standard tests.

I took GRE in late 90s. I scored 2220 in the old test format, which is 97%, 99%, 95%. It took me one year to feel fully confident to take the test, after first three-months' study, I only got around 1800. A couple of my classmates/friends took GRE twice, because they did't give enough time to prepare for the first one. Their second scores were all very good. My understanding towards standard test is that you need time to memorize all these words, and practice again and again and improve your test-taking skills, then you will see a dramatical improve on the test results. I am not familiar with the new GRE test contents though.

apaisRN, RN, CRNA · Aug 30, 2004

apaisRN, best wish to your application.
I felt a little bit different on how much a person can improve the score on standard tests.
I took GRE in late 90s. I scored 2220 in the old test format, which is 97%, 99%, 95%. It took me one year to feel fully confident to take the test, after first three-months' study, I only got around 1800. A couple of my classmates/friends took GRE twice, because they did't give enough time to prepare for the first one. Their second scores were all very good. My understanding towards standard test is that you need time to memorize all these words, and practice again and again and improve your test-taking skills, then you will see a dramatical improve on the test results. I am not familiar with the new GRE test contents though.

I studied for about a month, and not more than 5-8 hours per week. I wonder if I'd have done better with more study? I tend to get a little complacent with standardized tests because I have some sort of weird ability to ace them.

I don't know that I could have done better, really. I got a 660 in math, and I believe that's close to my limit. I struggle some with math. I got a 750 in verbal, and another 50 points doesn't seem like it would make an enormous difference. I doubt I'd have gotten above a 5.5/6 on the writing, I'm a good writer but not terribly polished.

b_m_prosepct · Aug 30, 2004

I studied for about a month, and not more than 5-8 hours per week. I wonder if I'd have done better with more study? I tend to get a little complacent with standardized tests because I have some sort of weird ability to ace them.
I don't know that I could have done better, really. I got a 660 in math, and I believe that's close to my limit. I struggle some with math. I got a 750 in verbal, and another 50 points doesn't seem like it would make an enormous difference. I doubt I'd have gotten above a 5.5/6 on the writing, I'm a good writer but not terribly polished.

It is really amazing to get that score with just a month's study. I think some improvement doesn't make much difference if you already have a very good score, maybe spend the time on other aspects to improve your application is more effective.

It took me so long preparation since I need to memorize all these words. I looked at the math sections of a couple of sample exams, found it was very easy for me, so did not really spend any time on it, and I got 790 on math.

apaisRN, RN, CRNA · Aug 30, 2004

It is really amazing to get that score with just a month's study. I think some improvement doesn't make much difference if you already have a very good score, maybe spend the time on other aspects to improve your application is more effective.
It took me so long preparation since I need to memorize all these words. I looked at the math sections of a couple of sample exams, found it was very easy for me, so did not really spend any time on it, and I got 790 on math.

What I need to do is bone up on clinical stuff for the interview! Assuming I get one. I should really study Swans, since I get so few, and vasoactive drugs since it seems many people get questioned on those.

I'm jealous of your math skills, and you are probably of my verbal strengths. Ah well. I'm sure the anesthesia schools need us both! Good luck.

b_m_prosepct · Aug 31, 2004

What I need to do is bone up on clinical stuff for the interview! Assuming I get one. I should really study Swans, since I get so few, and vasoactive drugs since it seems many people get questioned on those.
I'm jealous of your math skills, and you are probably of my verbal strengths. Ah well. I'm sure the anesthesia schools need us both! Good luck.

Thanks, Good luck to you too!

JJRN · Sep 1, 2004

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apaisRN, RN, CRNA · Sep 1, 2004

Be warned...ApaisRN, your post seem to display some arrogance. Program directors do visit these forums. Displaying such arrogance with statements such as "I have always been the smart kid", and "I'm sure anesthesia schools will need us both," will only hurt your chances for admission. I know this is just a chat forum, but beware what you say in interviews that might be misinterpreted. Schools desire confidence, not big egos. I think you will find the experience of interviewing and attending anesthesia school to be extremely humbling. Programs will not accept students who portray themselves as if they are all knowing and full of themselves. Just some advice from someone who knows...yes, this happened to me...I was not aware of how I came accross until I was told it was why I was denied admission. I did get get accepted to a better program in the end. Best of luck!!!

Wow, that is interesting. If you met me you'd be surprised . . . I've been told in the MICU that I'm doing well but I need confidence. I'm actually pretty self-effacing in person. I have a hard time selling myself. I don't mean to be obnoxious saying I was the smart kid. I meant, my GPA is mediocre and my GREs are high, obviously I didn't apply myself in school.

As for "anesthesia schools will need us both" - it's the kind of thing you say to a fellow applicant, like "here's hoping we both get in!" I was trying to point out that both our different skills are valuable. I don't feel at all sure I'll get in, as my many anxious posts will attest!

I appreciate your input, but I think I gave a misleading impression or you misread me. I believe personally that I need to work on being more assertive and confident. I don't think I'm the greatest thing to happen to CRNA schools since morphine. I've said many self-effacing things in this thread, like that my writing's not polished and have a hard time with math. I think that tempers my expression that I think I am intelligent.

Karen_tn_37211 · Sep 1, 2004

I didnt get the impression that you were cocky or obnoxious like the previous poster indicated. I understood what you were saying.

apaisRN, RN, CRNA · Sep 2, 2004

I didnt get the impression that you were cocky or obnoxious like the previous poster indicated. I understood what you were saying.

Thanks for the support! I think there might have been a bit of projection going on.

cnmtocrna · Sep 2, 2004

Thanks for the support! I think there might have been a bit of projection going on.

I for one can attest to the fact that you have expressed more doubts than you have expressed exuberant self-confidence. Your test scores are in the stratosphere, I think some people may be a little envious, and they may be wondering why you are worrying at all about admission. Maybe for more personal stuff you should use the private message option. I almost quit posting here after someone accused me of pursuing anesthesia as a "hobby" because they had read in a previous post that I am married to a doctor. It really infuriated me, but I realized that it probably had more to do with that person's issues than with me. I mean, come on, I MARRIED him, I didn't merge with his being!!! Anyway, I won't go there. You are fine.