Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) CRNA 2024 application

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Specializes in ICU.
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) CRNA 2024 application

Hey everyone,

This form is for all VCU CRNA 2024 applicants to discuss the upcoming CRNA cohort. Everyone introduce yourself and give a little background about your experience. Tell us what campus you are applying to and ask any questions about the application process. If you have applied previously, please share your experiences that you had during the application process.

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I'm a current student and will check back periodically if people have questions. Cannot recommend the program enough. I had the option to go elsewhere, and am so grateful I chose VCU.

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I noticed that in their latest admissions video, they said the average GPA of applicants is 3.8 to 4.0. My overall GPA is 3.57 and my nursing GPA is 3.4 (even though in post-grad classes I have a 4.0 average). Should I even bother applying to such a competitive program? It does sound like such an amazing program, just don't want to waste my time.

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This is entirely anecdotal, but my understanding is that they have admitted applicants with less competitive GPAs who distinguished themselves in other ways.

You mentioned post-graduate coursework, which I'll assume means college courses after your BSN. Were they graduate-level courses? How long ago did you earn your undergraduate degree? How have you grown/changed as a student and professional since then? What made the difference that you averaged a 4.0 GPA more recently?

If I were you, then I would answer these questions in my cover letter and highlight my postbaccalaureate academic achievements along with anything else that I've done to stand out. Based on my personal experience and the make up of my class, my impression is that admissions takes in a holistic view of applicants.

All that being said, the didactic content in this program is very challenging. While we have phenomenal faculty and staff who are without exception invested in students' success (versus "weeding out" people), they set a very high bar. So, I'd take some time to reflect upon how confident you are that you're up to the task. If you're satisfied that who you are as a student today is prepared for it, then I hope you'll apply!

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Specializes in CVICU.

Anyone having trouble finding the application on NursingCas? I can only find last years which is no help. It's been two weeks and still no luck LOL. Let me know if there is anything specific I could search. 

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11 hours ago, KingOfPrecedex said:

Anyone having trouble finding the application on NursingCas? I can only find last years which is no help. It's been two weeks and still no luck LOL. Let me know if there is anything specific I could search. 

You may be logged into last year's application. Select "Summer 2024" as your start date right before you log in (you can use your current login info), type in Anesthesia in the search bar and it'll be at the end of the list.

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Specializes in MIICU.

Hello everyone,

My name is Katie, and I have been a nurse for a little over 6 years with both ICU and ER experience. This is my second time applying to VCU for the Abingdon site. I’m currently working on my personal statement. I’m somewhat confused as to what I should include because this time there is a question asking how you could address a problem or question in regards to a system change in health care, educational services, and/or policies in your role as a CRNA. The statement is 500 words max; however, my question is, do I also need to include my reasons for wanting to pursue a career as a CRNA as well as my strengths and weakness, and why I believe that I am a great fit for the program or is it strictly answering said question? I sent an email to Amanda Alley, but I do not expect an answer until after the Thanksgiving holiday. I honestly wanted to see what others thought about it. 

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No, just answer the question they’re asking. If you want to highlight some of those other items, then you can use your CV’s cover letter to do that.

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On NursingCas there are 2 short answer questions (describe the role of a CRNA and describe your leadership experiences) that have a 250 character limit. Does this seem right? That's roughly 40 words so I'm wondering if it's meant to be a 250 word max and something is wrong with the app?

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Specializes in MICU.
SaraRN14 said:

On NursingCas there are 2 short answer questions (describe the role of a CRNA and describe your leadership experiences) that have a 250 character limit. Does this seem right? That's roughly 40 words so I'm wondering if it's meant to be a 250 word max and something is wrong with the app?

Did you ever find out anything about this?  It is still the same, 250 characters instead of 250 words. That's almost impossible!

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rehutchinson said:

Did you ever find out anything about this?  It is still the same, 250 characters instead of 250 words. That's almost impossible!

No I didn't, I meant to try and call (MODERATOR EDIT OF NAME) because I haven't gotten any email response from her but I decided to just answer it short and sweet because I have so many things left to do. I thought maybe short and sweet is what they're looking for? I did ask a couple people that applied last year and they didn't have to answer those questions, so not really sure ?

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Specializes in MICU.
SaraRN14 said:

No I didn't, I meant to try and call (MODERATOR EDIT OF NAME) because I haven't gotten any email response from her but I decided to just answer it short and sweet because I have so many things left to do. I thought maybe short and sweet is what they're looking for? I did ask a couple people that applied last year and they didn't have to answer those questions, so not really sure ?

I think that is what I will do as well. Thanks so much and good luck to you!

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