Tried but failed...

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Specializes in Telemetry, CCU, MICU.

Hey all. I have a problem that I need some answers for. I'm an RN with 5 years nursing experience, 3 of which in MICU in a large teaching hospital. I have CCRN. I have awesome references. I have 1160 on my GRE. All in all, my requirements are fulfilled, except one: I have low grades from undergrad. I have 2.69. I'm planning to retake maybe organic chem (5 credits - got "D") and maybe some other classes. I took grad pharm and got B+. I applied to 1 CRNA program last year, but got rejected. Will apply to 3 or 4 starting Jan. of 2011. Anything else I can do to improve my chances. Any suggestions appreciated.

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Specializes in Cardiac, Pulmonary, Anesthesia.

With that GPA, you have a long road bad you need to pull out all the stops. Take more grad classes like patho, assessment and make A's. You do not need Bs. Community service gets you bonus points at some schools. Also take leadership positions like charge nurse or clinical instructor for a nursing school. You need to retake the classes you made anything less than a B in. You also need to apply to many more than 4-5 schools. I would apply to no less than 15. If you haven't gotten interviews by the 3rd cycle of applications I would start rethinking career options.

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Specializes in ICU.

join committees, volunteer... I think anesthesia programs also favor SICU and CTICUs so see if you can transfer... a big thing is if you're going to take grad classes they want to see A's.

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I think you've got the right idea, retaking some classes you didn't do so well in.

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Specializes in critcal care, CRNA.

From your GPA, it sounds like more than just one science class is holding you back. Retake your sciences and get A's. There are a few schools that require a 2.75 GPA, but most are 3.0 and I am sure the average person selected is probably around 3.5 or so.

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All you need to do is take upper level classes to show you can do well in them. Poor undergrad grades can be explained away.... show you can do the work now. Volunteering is worthless in light of a poor GPA.. CRNA school is unlike anything you have ever done.. you have to demonstrate to the AdCom you will finish the program if they let you in.

Forget the nursey nurse stuff.... this is a different world.

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Specializes in Telemetry, CCU, MICU.

Thank you all for responding so promptly. I appreciate the truth. I will be retaking Org.chem in spring. I know it's long hard work ahead,, but I have to do it. I am looking for CVICU/SICU position now - so hopefully that will help. I'll just keep at it. I'm going to give myself 5 more years. If i'm not getting in - I might have to go a different route.

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Specializes in CRNA.

In my experience, taking grad classes like assessment aren't going to help. With that GPA you need to have A's in anatomy, physiology, and chemistry. Most importantly taking those classes will help you stay in a program, not just get in. The goal is to graduate.

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