Competitive GPA for CRNA Programs

Nursing Students SRNA

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Hi All,

I am new to this site and I know this question may have been asked before, but what is a competitive GPA for the following CRNA programs: UPitt, UPenn, Duke, Columbia, and Case Western Reserve University? I know the minimum GPA requirement is 3.0 for all CRNA programs, but what is a competitive one? None of their websites really disclose this information, so any input would be greatly appreciate.

Thanks.

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Specializes in CVICU / Open heart recovery.

I would say at least a 3.5 GPA to be "competitive". However, your GPA most certainly isn't the only thing admission committees look at. If you don't already have it get your CCRN. Take the GRE and if you don't do great take it again. Get in on a research project. Do other certifications (like stroke scale certification). Take some graduated classes at a local or online university (graduate level stats and patho are good ones). I think when evaluating candidates if Student A had a 3.9 GPA and a few years of ICU experience and Student B had a 3.3 GPA, few years of experience, CCRN, and had taken and done well in a couple graduate classes there would be no competition, Student B would be the more competitive candidate.

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Anything above a 3.5 is "ideal." But anything between a 3.0 and 3.5 can be compensated for by a high GRE score (1100+), 3+years in a high acuity STICU/CVICU and science GPA above 3.5.

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Specializes in Intensive Care (SICU, NICU, CICU, VICU).

I also think that it has a lot to do with the applicant pool that you are competing with. For instance, if the average GPA is 3.9 (assuming that's the only thing we're looking at and not other factors) and you have a 3.2, then maybe your chances aren't so good. But if you're competing against people with similar GPA's, then you're chances are better. My advice is call the schools that you are interested in applying to and ask them what the average student statistics for the previous year(s). Univ of Pitt is a very competitive school and applicants tend to have higher GPA's. But that doesn't mean your chances aren't good. Especially if you have other things that make your application stand out. I agree with KuhRN.

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Thanks everyone! The information you all posted was very helpful!

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i find it interesting that certain schools look will consider you last 60 hours of classes where other schools look at your entire collegiate career. i was a complete f%^& up when i first started my undergrad pursuit some 20 plus years ago, but with some dedication and hard work my gpa has improved drastically. the bottom line is getting into crna school can be difficult.

recipe for crna school:

a lot of hard-work :banghead:

throw in good gre scores:specs:

take the ccrn,

get as much icu experience as possible,

practice good interviewing skills (confidence with humility) =

potential admission to crna school:yeah:

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