What to do next...

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I am planning on applying for CRNA school this coming November and I'm a borderline applicant...

GPA:3.46

(Science:3.4, BSN 4.0)

It was basically my ADN that I didn't do very well in. It was an extremely difficult program, and I won the top "Excellence in Nursing" at the end of my ADN program - but the GPAs were ALL very low for the program. Also, when I was taking A & P, I got B's - I was 18 and did not study at all. I got all A's in my BSN program.

GRE: 1290

ICU Experience: 16 months of Surgical/Trauma ICU experience in large teaching university at time of application. Will shadow CRNA before applying.

Certifications: Will take CCRN and TNCC before applying

Since I am clearly not the most competitive applicant (esp. in the GPA department), I am trying to figure out what will be the best classes to take next.

Options:

1) Biochemistry/Organic Chemister

I have noticed that there are a considerable amount of programs that don't require Organic chemistry and those are the only ones I plan on applying to. However, I'm still considering taking the course. My only concern is that I think I'll probably only be able to obtain a B in the class and this won't really help my GPA.

2) Graduate level physiology

3) Graduate level statistics

4) Graduate level pharmacology

I am fairly confident that I can get A's in any of the graduate level classes and this will help my GPA. What do you think will be the best next step for me to get into CRNA school and make me a more competitive applicant?

Any general words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

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You got a 4.0 in your BSN!!! I don't think you have anything to worry about there ~ it was your most recent degree and the one theyre going to care about the most. Most schools do prefer a stats class so that may be a good one to take or one of the science courses that you feel will help you better understand the material in school (like the biochem). Advanced pharm, physiology you most likely will get in the actual program (depending on school you apply to, so you can wait on those probably- unless you really want to take them). Awesome GRE score and CCRN will definitely help. Good luck~

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With your GRE scores, I bet you will get an interview everywhere you apply, and the ccrn will not only look good, but the studying may help with the interview. I wouldn't bother taking any classes other than those required to fulfill prereq's

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I took an elementary statistics (144) course - but it seems that a few schools want inferential statistics. My course description doesn't say anything about inferential statistics but it was rather vague in general. Probably a good idea to take a grad level statistics just to be sure?

Thanks - just trying to figure out what class would be best to take next.

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Try calling the school to see if they will accept~ If unsure, wont hurt to take the grad course.

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Sorry one more question - do you think I should retake A & P I & II (got B's originally) - this will bring my science GPA up to 4.0 or take biochem (and probably get a B).

Do you know if you retake classes does the new grade cancel the last grades?

Sorry, but I'm trying to figure out how to make my GPA better and what will be best to help me get in.

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Specializes in CVICU, CCRN, now SRNA.

If you have a 3.4 in sciences, how would retaking A & P bring you up to a 4.0? Theoretically, once you slip below a 4.0, it should be impossible to get it back.

Also, don't go into a class saying you're going to get a B (biochem). If you do, that's what you'll get or worse. ALWAYS go for the A.

Don't worry about your GPA until you've applied and failed at least once. Get your CCRN and TNCC with kick-butt scores and apply. If you want something else to focus on, I would challenge yourself more clinically. You only have 16 months' experience, which isn't much beyond the minimum. If you're offered interviews, you're going to have to overcome your lack of experience with a lot of knowledge. :twocents:

Good luck! :D

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Specializes in CVICU.

Maybe try asking someone from the schools to which you're applying to see if that would be worth your time. A 4.0 science GPA sounds nice and all but I think you would be better off taking some higher level classes than A&P I and II. Or maybe spend studying time working on a CCRN or something that would be more worthwhile than A&P classes.

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Thanks - you guys are right. I'm just getting nervous about figuring out what to do next. I am so nervous about my GPA because it's not nearly as competitive as many I've seen post on this site and I've just been trying to rack my brain to figure out what to do next. I've decided to go ahead an take the biochemistry next semester and work really hard and just see what happens. The only thing that will give me more experience is time - and I can't really change that. I'm just going to work hard on studying for my CCRN and in the process have a bigger knowledge base. Thanks for your help.

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