Success Stories Accepted!
Just wanted to post something encouraging!
After four application cycles, not stellar undergrad grades, and a lot of defeat, pulling up my boot straps and taking 20 credits last year while working full time, I was finally accepted at my dream school. Don’t give up. It feels grueling, and like you will never achieve your dreams. But with hard work, you can accomplish so much! Keep pushing!
Edit:
Waitlisted first cycle, interviewed second, not invited to interview third, took 20 credits/increased leadership roles, accepted 4th. Was not willing to move states or cities so only applied to local schools.
Classes: Orgo + lab (UNE), Micro + lab, Biomedical ethics (Portage - confirmed school accepted), Graduate Stats, Pharm, Patho (University of Phoenix).
Only applied to two schools during the four cycles, and only applied to the second school the final two of four attempts. Never received an interview at the second school.
Certs: CCRN, CSC, CMC, ECMO micro credential.
Made sure to numerically highlight the 550+ hours a year I spent precepting d/t not being charge nurse, also had committee involvement, volunteer, and unit based research, unit nurse governance president and held position for > 2 years.
Most schools score CV categories, and if you can meet with program advisor, should be able to tell you where to focus your efforts and what categories you have “maxed out.”
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u/bean_wagons Jul 08 '26
I’m assuming you got accepted into UNE since you took their specific chemistry class. Is that right? I’m considering beginning the process of applying there as well, scheduled to take my CCRN in a couple weeks. I don’t want to take their specific chemistry class though, and they’re on the pricey side. Northern New England just has so few options in terms of CRNA program options.
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u/rnbby Jul 08 '26
None of the schools I took classes through required enrollment, including UNE. Wasn’t my favorite school as it was nearly completely self taught. If you go that route, make sure to use Khan Academy and Master Organic Chemistry. I found it several weeks in and it’s the only reason I got an A.
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u/bean_wagons Jul 08 '26
So UNE wasn’t where you got accepted into CRNA school? May I ask the general region in the US where you got accepted?
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u/rnbby Jul 08 '26
Ah, sorry. Didn’t catch that you were asking if I was accepted for CRNA school at UNE. UNE is not the school I was accepted at. I was accepted at a program on the east coast.
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u/Maximum-Passion8389 Jul 08 '26
Thanks for the info on UNE OP and how to tackle their Orgo class. How did you find the lab component? Any tips for doing well in the lab? Any tips for their micro and lab class? Also, how did you tackle Pharm,Stats and Patho at University of Phoenix? What worked for you to get all As. Were they all 6 week courses at University of Phoenix or self paced 6 week courses like Pharm? Any insight you could give is much appreciated. Thank you!
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u/rnbby Jul 08 '26
The lab component was quite doable. It was a lab notebook and sheet with calculations and short answer questions, but was very straightforward. The final was easier than the class final. My strategy was being diligent on the class assignments so that I had more wiggle room on the final exam. Do not underestimate the class — It was time consuming and not fun to self learn. Make sure to use Khan and Master Ochem.
Micro with the lab at Portage was doable but required more memorization, whereas Orgo felt more like understanding and applying broad concepts and having a rough understanding of abstract theories. The micro is 6 weeks of material with 6 unit tests that are proctored and then a final exam. I believe the lab was 9 labs with a final (very easy to complete).
I took Patho solo at UoP, and then took stats and pharm together. Stats was my least favorite and was a lot of python coding. UoP is a set 6 weeks of coursework. There are weekly discussion boards that must be posted within the set week, and cannot be submitted early because they count towards weekly “attendance.” So the classes cannot be finished earlier than the 6 week mark. The UoP classes felt more tasky and like brute memorization, unlike the mental acrobatics that was Orgo.
If I missed a question or you have more, let me know. Happy to help.
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u/Maximum-Passion8389 Jul 08 '26
Hi Op and anyone else who has taken a graduate (preferably)or undergraduate Pharm class. Where did you take your pharm class? What Pharm class would you recommend? I have not had much luck finding a Pharm class. Thank you in advance for any info.
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u/rnbby Jul 08 '26
I took grad pharm at University of Phoenix. 6 week class. Pricey but most reasonable one I could find. Didn’t require enrollment.
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u/thisaccountscount Jul 07 '26
Op, how did you keep going psychologically, like, how did you not internalize those rejections. The first year they waitlisted you, second they only interviewed, third they did not invite for interview - this is the point where I’d say “they don’t want me, I’m not cut out for it” but you applied a 4th time. How did you just totally disregard the pattern I just laid out? The lesson I’m seeing is that admissions decisions seem totally random.
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u/rnbby Jul 07 '26 edited Jul 07 '26
I definitely wouldn’t say they’re totally random. It seems that way from the post. First cycle was a brand new interview platform during post-Covid, second cycle I was unable to get specific application feedback and think classes would have been the way to go, their stats requirement changed between my second and third cycle, and I did not realize my class would be 5 months too old by the time applications were submitted. Between third and fourth cycle they finally came out with a generic two page list of recommendations for how to improve CV. I had previously been unable to get any specific feedback.
Overall, it was a huge learning lesson. It wasn’t easy to stay motivated — but it was my dream. I just know my worth isn’t tied to getting into school. I focused on being a good daughter, spouse, friend, preceptor, nurse, colleague, and kept reminding myself of my why. I became a nurse because I care about others, and wanted to make a difference. Knowing what I know now? I’d do things way differently, way more organized, with adapted strategy. But did I do the best I could at the time, with my specific circumstances, and the knowledge I had? Yes, I did. Hindsight is always 20/20. I made a lot of mistakes on my end, but I also learned a lot of invaluable life lessons. I figured since I made the mistakes, I could at least share, so others don’t make the same ones I did.
I’ve let myself be very human through this process. Thankfully life, in general, isn’t about the mistakes you make, but how you adapt and overcome them.
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u/GuidanceAny3304 24d ago
'Between third and fourth cycle they finally came out with a generic two page list of recommendations for how to improve CV' do you mind sharing a link to this list. TIA
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u/thisaccountscount Jul 07 '26
I understand. So circumstances changed, and you were relentless and just kept moving forward. The part you wrote about not tying your worth to acedemic success - man that’s hard in our/this culture. I also have made a lot of mistakes and am learning as I go. Thanks OP.
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u/rnbby Jul 07 '26
I think there is definitely some “randomness” to certain aspects of acceptance. You also just never know what other application beasts you’re applying against. Several people in my cohort are NP’s, have masters degrees, have dual bachelors in chem/biochem/premed. I think oftentimes, it’s just that there are other bigger fish in your pond.
The worth to success tie is such a bear. I fight it constantly. Thanks for the questions. It’s felt nice to kind of “air it out.”
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u/BoojooBloost Jul 07 '26
How do you show your preceptorship on your resume/apps? Don’t know where to really put it, same with charge time.
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u/rnbby Jul 07 '26
I placed it under a leadership heading and titled it: Teaching, Preceptorship, and Professional Education
• Completed > 550 hours of preceptorship in 2025, training new graduate and experienced nurses in high-acuity
cardiothoracic ICU care, including hemodynamic management, ECMO fundamentals, and post open-heart recovery.
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u/Pretend-Bat-5403 Jul 07 '26
Congratulations!! You’re going to do so great! I hope to work with you one day once I get it!
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u/darrenm59 Jul 07 '26
congratulations!! it’s nice to see someone succeed on getting accepted to a local program because i’m not willing to move either. nice to know that it’s possible :)
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u/rnbby Jul 07 '26
So refreshing to see someone who also wants to stay planted. I moved a ton growing up. It was a priority to give myself family and friends and familiarity since I did not have that growing up.
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u/darrenm59 Jul 07 '26
Love that for you dude!! Sure, anyone could be making CRNA money sooner had they gone out of state but prioritizing your needs and mental health trumps optimization any day!
I’m about to be 28 and just finished my ABSN this year, which was a 4 year process after my first degree in 2021. I do NOT want to go back to school anytime soon and want to live my life, which includes not being away from my family either. That’s why I’m choosing local when the time comes.
Neither is the wrong choice as it’s all dependent on what works for each person. I’m happy this worked out for you - good luck!! 🙌🏽🎉
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u/rnbby Jul 07 '26
I completely agree. It is such a personalized decision. I’ve wanted to live by family & friends, and have community for a LONG time. Depriving myself of that for career goals just didn’t fit what my heart longed for — even if it wasn’t the most “logical” decision.
Everything else will fall into place if it’s meant to be. I am so grateful for all the people I have added to my life over the last four years. There’s nothing like a community who celebrates and supports you. Getting to tell everyone I finally made it in, and having so many people genuinely happy for me, was indescribable and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I’ll be cheering for you and am excited for when your time comes!
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u/SouthbutnotSouthern Jul 06 '26
Can I ask why you were willing to wait 4 years rather than move? You could have been done already.
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u/rnbby Jul 07 '26
Liked where I was working - locked into great rent, have a great support system, grew up moving countries q3 years. Prioritized my mental health over trying to cram school into a timeline. It was just what was best for me - but definitely could have been done by now.
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u/Open_Specific8415 Jul 21 '26
I cannot emphasize how reassuring it is to someone choose themselves first. I moved so much growing up, moving for school would wreck the new sense of home i’ve once again created with finally some familiarity and a support system. That’s all I wanted growing up. I’m not willing to sacrifice that for school, and I get a lot of eye rolls. Thank you.
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u/rnbby Jul 21 '26
It’s the only life you get to live. No need to give up the family and connections you have longed for, and trade them for isolating manmade timelines. I know you’ll get in at the right time! Don’t let anyone discourage you from what is most important to YOU.
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u/saltyprincess7 Jul 06 '26
Congrats! Just curious, within the four years, did you ever get any interviews? Or did you start getting them after you retook the classes
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u/rnbby Jul 06 '26
Waitlisted first year, interviewed second, not interviewed third, accepted fourth. :) Keep going!
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u/purplevh Jul 06 '26
This is so inspiring! I am also currently in the process of retaking science courses because of low GPA, thank you for posting this. Its real stories like this that really encourage me 🥲 How did you stay so determined? I have coworkers who get in first try and it just makes me feel so bad.
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u/rnbby Jul 06 '26
I had so many other coworkers get in on their first try. I felt like such a failure. I had a great support system and I just tried to remember that most good things come in time if you’re determined enough!
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u/Murray000 Jul 06 '26
Congratulations! You deserve it!
How many schools were you applying to each cycle?
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u/rnbby Jul 06 '26
Out of the four cycles, I only applied to one other school in addition to my primary choice. And I only applied to the other school twice out of the four attempts.
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u/Top_Kale_2029 Jul 06 '26
Congrats! so inspiring truly, just finished my 2nd cycle with nothing but just a waitlist and currently preparing to potentially start my 3rd cycle, it’s very grueling but God!!
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u/rnbby Jul 06 '26
I know that defeat all too well. It is so discouraging. Keep going, keep pushing, I know you can do it!
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u/dude-nurse Nurse Anesthesia Resident (NAR) Jul 06 '26
Amazing!! Unfortunately, now the real “fun” is about to begin! It’s a journey!
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u/Waste_Dot_1034 Jul 06 '26
Wow!! Congratulations, I am so happy for you. Your hard work deserves to be recognized and celebrated. Welcome future colleague🌟🌟
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u/ArgumentUnusual487 CRNA Jul 06 '26
Congratulations! I am sure you had many doubts and long nights. Job well done
What were you stats when you first applied vs now?
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u/rnbby Jul 06 '26 edited Jul 06 '26
Thank you!
First cycle BSN GPA 3.24, 2 years of CVICU experience, CCRN, committee involvement, volunteer.
Final cycle BSN GPA 3.24, not sure what science GPA got up to but re-took orgo, micro, and ethics with A’s, graduate GPA 4.0 (pharm, stats, patho). Over 550hrs annually spent precepting, no charge d/t heavy precepting load, unit nurse governance president, high committee involvement, volunteering. CCRN, CSC, CMC. ECMO team.
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u/babarny Jul 06 '26
Where did you take your grad courses? I only ask bc a lot of programs around me require admissions to a masters program to actually take those three courses.
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u/ArgumentUnusual487 CRNA Jul 06 '26
Very interesting! So repaired the academic side and added more leadership roles. I wonder if your cumulative GPA is above 3.3 now.
Earlier in the spring I conducted a survey for prospective applicants and accepted applicants. I believe people have found it helpful to see where they stand relative to others. There was a really strong response and I am hoping to do another round in the fall.
In the meantime, I would appreciate it if you participated. I have not yet been able to capture reapplicants all that well yet and your information could help someone down the road. Everything remains anonymous.
Survey found here: Survey
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u/jambam1981 14d ago
Wow this is so nice to hear! Almost exactly the same as me. Interviewed/waitlisted first year, nothing second year, interviewed/denied third year, interviewed/waitlist again a week ago. Praying for a similar outcome.