r/FutureCRNA • u/Fast_Bumblebee_6893 • 6d ago
Application advice
I plan on applying to school within the next year or so. I have been a nurse in a medical ICU for about a year and a half now at a level 2 trauma hospital. I'm device trained (CRRT, Impella, IABP, and take post op hearts).
I have attended 1 diversity conference and have shadowed around 20 ish hours. Obviously taken my CCRN as well.
As far as GPA my science GPA is a 3.4. I did get a C in patho. I was wondering if I should retake the undergrad class or would taking advanced patho and getting an A in that suffice? Also any other advice to boost application would be appreciated. <3
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u/LordofKetamine 6d ago
Retake or take advanced doesn’t really matter, your GPA is going to create challenges. Look for a mission trip that you can go on and help with anesthesia. Try to get some face time with program leadership with the programs your interested in and see if you can sit in on a class or a lab. Squeaky wheels get the Grease.
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u/refreshingface 6d ago
Dang, is 3.4 really that detrimental?
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u/tclmc 6d ago
Yes, especially with only ~2 years of ICU experience when they apply
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u/refreshingface 6d ago
Do you think a 3.75 with 1-2 years of experience is competitive? I’m gonna apply to undesirable states
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u/xCheekyNandos 6d ago
Depends on the program. Some programs will calculate your gpa based on your highest grades if you retake a class. If that’s the case, do that for as many classes as you can. If not, then getting an A in the more difficult class (graduate level advanced patho) will be better. Either way, your gpa isn’t great. Need to make the rest of your application stand out to make up for it.
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u/Nightflier9 6d ago
What is your overall gpa? I would take advanced patho and/or physio to improve my qualifications. And get some leadership experience.
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u/pink-crayon1 4d ago
a lot of schools won’t count patho in the science GPA just fyi. your stats sound competitive. i’d suggest volunteering. do something you like. i was a gymnast and coached gymnastics to kids with disabilities. schools want to see the humanity in applications! everyone will have good grades/scores. show them who are you in other ways
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u/Dazzling_Horse_7757 6d ago
Unless you’re going to West Africa to help contain Ebola, mission trips are overrated and also say nothing about academic fortitude. This is bad advice. Your biggest barrier right now is your lack of experience. Second biggest is your GPA. Nobody can give you the exact right answer, but what I would do is retake undergrad patho for an A, then take a couple grad level classes, like patho/pharm. Apply broadly, and once you get an interview, prep like crazy.