What school is the easiest to get into?

lovegasRN, BSN, RN · Oct 3, 2008

Now I am not trying to be rude but I don't think it is wise to ask a question such as "What school is the easiest to get into?" on this forum. Most everyone on here has worked extremely hard to even be able to apply and be competitive and I don't think that you will get many constructive responses.

The other reason I am saying this is because I have heard of several schools that will accept more than they have spots for and people that have no business applying only to let them fail and be kicked out of the program. I am not saying that you aren't qualified, because you sound like you are. I'm just saying that these schools may seem easier to get into at first but it may not be to the applicant's benefit.

Good luck with your applications. I hope you find what works best for you.

LisaICU · Oct 3, 2008

Clearly that was not meant as a shot to anyone working to be accepted or someone already enrolled in a CRNA program. I also am not interested on going to a school that is inadequate or one that has a reputation.... Some schools may accept larger class sizes, focus more on interviews, etc. Sorry you took it the wrong way, that was not my intention. Just looking for some feedback. It was an honest question, not a personal shot at you. Now that you get what I'm saying, do you or does anyone else have any advice?

shandsburnRN-CRNA · Oct 4, 2008

Hey Lisa,

I personally don't know what schools are "easier" to get into. You said you meet the "minimum requirements" for the schools you applied to. Do you also exceed these requirements, that is what most admissions commitees are going to look at.

Having talked to some people on admissions committees this is what they have told me. They look to see what the applicant has done to "go above and beyond" the minimum requirements. This is used as a "gauge" to get a feel for really how committed you are.

So if you haven't already, get all the certs you can, BLS, ACLS, PALS, CCRN and get trained in instructor techniques for some of these certifications. Do well on your GRE, retake it if you have to. Shadow CRNA's, right a brief 1 or 2 page paper about your experiences with those CRNA's.

When you get an interview, be professional, dress to impress and come ready to be bombarded with questions and have a game plan to answer them. Interviews are different at different programs, some ask you a bazillion technical questions, some only a few, some none at all. In my program we took a written test and the interview was on a personal level.....i.e. why you over another applicant, plans after graduation, what can you bring to the profession, etc. Have answers to these questions in your head before you step foot inside the interview room. Also dont into the interview like you deserve a spot for your hardwork (even if you do). Be humble but confident.

I think LovegasRN was saying the same thing basically. That all of us that are currently in school, are applying or have graduated put as much effort into being accepted into our programs as possible. Don't cut yourself short by applying with only "minimum requirements", make yourself shine and stand out in the crowd.

One other comment, don't look for the "easiest" school to get into. I know you want in a program bad, I've been there. Look for a quality school with a good track record. Talk to recent graduates and currents students of the program, find out what the first time passing rate is for boards from that school. Look at the clinical sites for the different programs you are interested in. You want to graduate "knowing anesthesia", able to rattle of answers to questions in your sleep and "know" you are correct and can defend your answer. CRNA school is a world all in its own and is tough, get into the "best" school you can, so you can be the "best" CRNA.

Good Luck!!!! Let us know when you get accepted and where.

Matt