Thomas Jefferson 2020

Nursing Students SRNA

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Thought I’d start a tread for those of us applying to Thomas Jefferson CRNA program starting in 2020. Just submitted my application. Fingers crossed for an interview!

Specializes in SRNA, ICU and Emergency Mursing.

I don’t think reaching out will make a difference, but it will not hurt. They may even be able to tell you why you were not selected (maybe).

I would imagine you are a strong candidate except for the GPA. You definitely have enough experience, more than me.

To be completely honest, that GPA is not very competitive considering the amount of applicants. I have a friend that actually earned a MSN in order to boost his GPA, and that may be a consideration.

I think that the personal statements and the GPA are what set people apart from other candidates. We are all ICU nurses, we all have those certificates, and I know for sure that the size of the hospital doesn’t matter. However, the personal statement tells them who you are and how well you compose an essay, while the GPA tells them how you can handle an intense nursing program (you passing/failing looks good/bad on them too).

Not that you have a bad GPA, but when there are 400 people applying for 26 spots, the lower-end GPAs will get pushed out quickly. I stressed hard over A’s in school. So much that people tried to council me about it, but I knew (more than they did, apparently) how difficult getting into my desired grad program would be. I got 3 Bs my entire undergrad (3 completely separate degrees), and those were tough to get over... I thought they were the end of my career. It’s sad, but that is the reality of the SRNA applicant pools that are so crowded.

Furthermore, even with a 3.96, I only got an interviews from 2/3 applications and got waitlisted at my choice school. I had to sell my home and relocate from Long Beach, CA to the east coast because this is where I was finally accepted. The struggle is real, and you have to be willing to do it. I think I’m rambling now... but maybe you should take some more courses to boost your GPA? That would definitely help you

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42 minutes ago, RNKatie said:

I still haven't heard back about even getting an interview, and I applied well within the priority deadline (Sept 15). I have 3 full years of ICU experience including MICU, SICU, NSICU, CVICU. I also have ED experience. I have my BLS/ACLS/PALS, NIH, TNCC, CCRN. I am getting SO discouraged and I don't understand. The only thing lacking was my GPA which was 3.36 for my BSN.

Should I reach out? Is that inappropriate or would it show that I mean business? SOS ?

I feel the same way. I applied early November, haven't heard anything. My BSN GPA is 3.8, but undergrad is 2.93 because I got a D in organic chem freshman year of college... boyfriend cheated on me and I lost track of a midterm date. 18 year old mistakes I wish I could take back... My grades ever since that year have been all A's and a few B's, and I retook all my lower grades except that organic chem one. If that D wasn't on my transcript, I would have a 3.3 undergrad science and this wouldn't be an issue ? I can't even submit a GRE because they don't accept them anymore. I've been retaking chem classes so I don't go into organic cold, but man it sucks.

I've been in contact with Jeff for the past three years and they said that since my BSN GPA is strong that it shouldn't affect me too much, I just can't be first round consideration. Other than that, I have my CCRN and all the other certs, lots of experience in neuro and SICU, etc etc. I had tons of eyes help edit my essays, but my gut feeling is that I won't get an email again this year.

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Specializes in ICU Float RN; BSN RN-BC CCRN.
5 hours ago, TreeKitty said:

I feel the same way. I applied early November, haven't heard anything. My BSN GPA is 3.8, but undergrad is 2.93 because I got a D in organic chem freshman year of college... boyfriend cheated on me and I lost track of a midterm date. 18 year old mistakes I wish I could take back... My grades ever since that year have been all A's and a few B's, and I retook all my lower grades except that organic chem one. If that D wasn't on my transcript, I would have a 3.3 undergrad science and this wouldn't be an issue ? I can't even submit a GRE because they don't accept them anymore. I've been retaking chem classes so I don't go into organic cold, but man it sucks.

I've been in contact with Jeff for the past three years and they said that since my BSN GPA is strong that it shouldn't affect me too much, I just can't be first round consideration. Other than that, I have my CCRN and all the other certs, lots of experience in neuro and SICU, etc etc. I had tons of eyes help edit my essays, but my gut feeling is that I won't get an email again this year.

Ugh I may end up having to retake some sciences. Do you know if I have to take them at the same school I originally took them at for my GPA to improve? How does that even work?

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Specializes in SRNA, ICU and Emergency Mursing.

You do not have to take them at the same college. They will be averaged cumulatively. It only may be easier to take them at a previously attended college so that you they are on the same transcript, but it makes no difference in cumulative GPA.

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Specializes in SRNA.

Diversity CRNA is a great resource for making connections in the field. They do a few information seminars and airway workshops every year. Most who attend are RN's interested in gaining accpetance to CRNA school but the great thing about it is CRNA's and SRNA's also attend and help mentor you through the process. Kind of off subject but for those looking for an extra edge and more insight it really helps. The seminars take place within different CRNA programs across the country and always have program directors, SRNA' and current CRNA's in attendance.

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I attended one in October and it was amazing! I feel like you do and love to spread the news about it too!!

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I so feel your pain RNKaitie. I was denied last year at UMiami because I had a 3.37 GPA. They told me if I took one or two more courses it would help increase my GPA and show them I am determined. I took an organic chemistry and medical biochemistry course because CRNA schools typically suggest those courses. I raised my GPA up to 3.41 and science GPA to 3.26. Still not sure if it’s enough but I guess we will see. I just applied to Thomas Jefferson on the final priority date December 15th. Hopefully I’ll hear something!

side note: thanks LouDogg reading your posts were very helpful and encouraging

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Specializes in SRNA.

One other thing that I would recommend to people who are applying or trying to boost their GPA is to take graduate level nursing courses. There are courses such as advanced pharm, advanced health assessment etc. that are standard across all programs and can be taken before begining CRNA school. You will not only be taking grad level courses to help boost your GPA but also most CRNA programs will allow you to transfer in between 2-3 non anesthesia courses. I had a few class mates who did this and they did not have to take those courses making their course load much lighter which helps alot when your trying to focus on the anesthesia specific courses. Jefferson allows two courses max to me transferred in and applied toward your DNP.

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Specializes in SRNA.

You guys can all do it, I had a undergrad and science GPA of <=3.5 or so, CCRN and 3 years experience as Neuro ICU nurse when I was accepted. I can not stress what networking and seeking mentors in the field can do for you though, especially if you do not have the perfect GPA. You may not get your choice school and you may have to make sacrifices to realize your dream but if you really want to get in you will.

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Specializes in SRNA, ICU and Emergency Mursing.

I agree vitone...

Where I got help from my GPA, I was severely lacking in experience, size of hospital I’m coming from, no O-chem, only 1 semester of lower level chem, no GRE and Stats almost expired.

GPA can be boosted if needed and should not be a complete barrier to getting in. Sometimes it’s not an issue and you get in anyway—depending on where you’re applying. A lot of places are more interested in you than your GPA.

My shortcomings also made my possible choices very limited, but I applied to the first three schools that I qualified for. I was insanely lucky to be chosen in my first round of apps, but I had to sacrifice big time. I had to sell my home and move across the country, from beautiful warm Long Beach, CA. I am going to one of the most expensive schools in the country and my wife had to quit her job to come with me, so we will be in a good amount of debt when finished.

You do what you gotta do, to do what you gotta do...

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How did they contact you for an interview? Via email or phone?

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Specializes in SRNA, ICU and Emergency Mursing.

For me, all communication was through email.

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