Question on science grades

[MinnyRN]

Hello everyone!

I am about 5 months in to my new grad at a Level I cardiac surgery ICU. Given that this is my second bachelors/career, I come with some minor "baggage":

I was pre-med when I got my BA, but decided I just didn't want to really study any of my sciences. I ended up with a D in Bio II, C+ in Orgo (after a re-take), and a C- in physics. I eventually got my act somewhat together and graduated with a BA with a 2.9.

Now flash forward a few years when I actually have found a career that suits me and am driven for. As of right now I graduated from a very competitive acc BSN program with a 4.0 (which included about 15 credit hours of DNP level courses, including adv pathophys). I have since retaken bio and received an A, as well as an A in all my other pre-req sciences (basic chem, micro, anatomy, phys). My current overall GPA stands about a 3.3/3.4.

Other stats:

1210 GRE

Will have approx 1.5 years experience at the time of application, 2.5 by start if I get in. Will be taking CCRN beginning of next year.

Have I proven I can handle science class yet? Or should I retake physics (I HATE physics) and maybe take biochem? I feel like my application will be solid except for the ochem/physics grade. Any thoughts are much appreciated!

[ahSICURN]

My advice to you would be to research the programs you are intersted in and determine how important your science grades factor into their admission decision. I have learned some programs view applicants as statstics while others are more interested in your entire profile.

I was not even called for an interview the only program I applied to last year. When I made an appointment with the head of the program she told me I was disqualified completely based on the two low science grades I achieved my first sememster of college, despite the fact I went on to double-major, acheive excellent grades, 5-years of ICU experience, and induction into two different honor societies upon graduation.

I would start by contacting department heads. My new target schools have been very open about their requirements and have been very curteous to me. The decision to go to CRNA school is 2-sided, you owe it to yourself to make sure the schools you are appying to care about more than your grades and view your application holistically. As many have said, It takes more than perfect grades and certifications to become an excellent CRNA.