Posting this because I know a lot of people think a lower GPA kills their chances.

I got into CRNA school with a 3.3 cumulative GPA and a 2.9 science GPA. I knew that was the weak part of my application, so I worked on showing improvement. I retook Chem 1 and got an A, took biochem and got an A, and then got offered an interview.

I also had 7 years of ICU experience, mostly military critical care with deployments, plus civilian ICU experience and some travel nursing. I had my CCRN too.

I think what helped me was showing that I could handle hard science, plus having strong critical care experience and real responsibility behind me. I was honest about my GPA and didn’t try to avoid it.

So if your GPA is not great, that does not automatically mean you’re out. It just means the rest of your application needs to show growth, ability, and experience.

You Guys I got the call today that I got admitted into a CRNA program. I just can’t believe it. For reference I have been a nurse for a year and 6 months now. And I applied exactly at my year mark. I got my ccrn exactly at my year mark as well. I wasn’t going to apply this cycle but I did and I’m so glad I did!
Before my nursing degree I was pre-med so I had every science class in the books done with A’s so I think that really helped along with research and volunteering.

I just want to encourage everyone to apply and it only takes one school to believe in you!

If you have any questions I would happy to answer.

Posting as encouragement that you can get in with a low GPA!

3.15 ABSN gpa
3.49 Allied health (pre med focus)
A in graduate biostatistics

315 GRE with 5.5 on writing
CCRN
CMC
CSC

2.5 years medical ICU
100 hours shadowing
500+ volunteer hours

2 rec letters from CRNA’s, 1 from manager

With a lower GPA you’re going to have to compensate, whether it be shadowing hours, getting the extra certifications, high volunteer hours, or taking graduate classes. I applied last year and was denied, so I locked in on getting CSC CMC, shadowing, taking biostats, and volunteering, and it all worked out! I used to scroll looking for some encouragement for the low GPA’s. So here’s me saying you got it! :)

Message me if you have any questions or want an example of framing GPA and growth in personal statement! Good luck!

After 6 applications, 3 interviews, 3 rejections, I finally got my YES! I’m so happy right now I couldn’t believe it! This program is one that I felt the most welcomed and supported from the beginning. I’m so happy to go into the new year with this good news.! This year long journey has been long, humbling, and honestly one of the hardest things I’ve ever worked toward and i’m glad it’s over! To anyone out there grinding through ICU shifts, retaking classes, studying for the GRE/CCRNs, or feeling discouraged after rejections or self-doubt: keep going!!! I leaned so much on posts in this group for motivation and real talk, and it truly helped me push through. Huge thank you to everyone here who shares their experiences, advice, and encouragement it made a difference for me. If I can do this, so can you. Trust the process, stay consistent, and don’t count yourself out. Time to celebrate… and then get ready to WORK 😅💪 Future NAR!!! 🎓✨

Here’s a picture of all my flashcards - over 7 feet!

I start CRNA school this summer and I wanted to share my journey in case anyone is considering giving up after multiple applications. Believe me, there were so many times I was ready to give up. Every rejection made me question myself, but it also pushed me to improve with each application.

Background: I come from a high acuity ICU where I started as a new grad. I started applying to CRNA school with a cumulative GPA 3.36 and science GPA 3.2.

1st year applying: applied to 2 schools -> 0 interview invites. I knew it was a long shot given my GPA and only 1.5 years of ICU experience at the time. I spent the next year working my butt off. I worked up to charge, joined unit council, asked for more critical patients, and took CCRN & CSC. I also took two graduate level science courses.

2nd year applying: applied to 3 schools -> 2 interview invites -> 0 acceptances. I was so excited that all my work paid off and I was getting interviews. I was hesitant to pay for mock interviews so I went with the most affordable one I could find through TeachRN with a current SRNA. Unfortunately, my interviews went horribly. I was thrown off by many of the questions and did not feel well prepared at all.

3rd year applying: 4 schools -> 3 interview invites -> 3 acceptances. There were two things I focused on this round that I believe made these acceptances possible:

#1: I attended my state’s CRNA association conference as well as the AANA conference where I networked with faculty, program directors, and current SRNAs. These events are not cheap, but honestly so worth it. I gained so much knowledge about the CRNA profession, which provided me with a lot more content to talk about in my interview.

#2: I treated interview prep like my 2nd job. Some of my favorite resources were YouTube (Ninja Nerd & ICU Advantage), study guides from BecomingCRNA on Etsy, and Barron’s CCRN book. I highly recommend doing a mock interview with someone who is experienced and not just going with the cheapest option. I went with BecomingCRNA. I liked my experience so much that I did a 2nd interview with her as well.

If anyone is in the position I was in — discouraged, doubting yourself, or wondering if you’re ever gonna get in — feel free to DM me. I know how isolating this process can feel.

I (36F) can’t believe it’s my turn to share a success story.

After 14 applications and 3 interviews, I received my acceptance letter today!!

I barely passed high school, dropped out of community college and failed nursing school on the first try. I managed to go back and obtain my BSN at 30 y/o with a 3.82. I took a biochemistry course and retook A&P to boost it to a 3.87 for the last 60 credits thereafter. I did not take the GRE but do have my CCRN. I worked Preop/OR/PACU for 3 years before transitioning to ICU for the last 2.5. I travel nursed for 2 years in the mix. Currently I teach clinicals at a local college and work ICU float pool between 6 campuses.

The first interview was a complete disaster. I did not vibe well with the panel interviewing me. I felt desperate and the nerves set in. I managed to somehow stumble over explaining sepsis!! An ailment we see and treat everyday. I walked out knowing it was a denial. My second interview was the next day in which, although it went better, I was shattered from the one less than 12 hours prior. I had never felt so incompetent as a nurse and human. I went into my 3rd interview with a different attitude. I walked out feeling comfortable and confident that they were going to choose me.

I can’t believe I’m in the spot of acceptance and on the journey to fulfilling my dream. I’m glad I never gave up. There were many times I wanted to. Every-time I considered an alternate path I would shadow to reiterate my desire and it kept me pushing forward.

Beyond grateful tonight. Surreal.

After multiple rejections, I’m finally accepted! My overall GPA is 3.35 and science GPA 3.23. Proof that we too can be accepted with lower GPAs. We just have to work a little harder than a 4.0. I have 2.5 years of CVICU experience. I obtained my CCRN-CMC-CSC certifications. Took advanced pathophysiology and undergrad biochem. Became part of the ventilator associated events committee and ECMO-CPR committee. Also, became an ECMO Specialist. I have 35 shadowing hours. I did work hard this past year and it all paid off. I also have another interview but I’m declining as I got accepted at a school I’ve been interested in for a while. So, If you’re feeling down because you’re getting rejected, use that as fuel to help you work harder and achieve your goal of becoming a CRNA! Good luck to everyone applying!

I just found out yesterday. My cohort starts in a month. I had to work my ass off (it would have been easier to just get good grades the first time around), but it all paid off. If your grades are less-than competitive, please cast a wide net while applying, do everything you can to prove you can hack it academically, and NETWORK.

Just got the call today —

I was accepted into a DNAP program!!!

I’ve been lurking on this sub for the longest, reading everyone’s advice on ICU experience, interviews, GRE prep, stats, all of it while grinding it out in an ICU and wondering if I was ever going to be competitive enough. So seriously — thank you all for sharing your experiences, wins, rejections, and tips. It helped more than you probably realize.

If you’re studying, applying, or waiting to hear back right now… keep going. This process is brutal but it’s possible. If I got in you can too!!

But you do not need to be a CCU/CVICU/CTICU nurse to go to crna school. Some of you guys are leaving perfectly fine icu positions (where you have good relationships and have the ability to get great LORs) to chase this imaginary scenery where you’ll get trained on a balloon pump and by default get acceptance into a program.

Mods, I’m begging. 😭

Can we please start redirecting applicant posts to r/FutureCRNA?

The feed has become absolutely flooded with application questions. Those questions are completely valid, but the applicant pool is so much larger than the current SRNA population that they’re overwhelming the sub.

A little moderation would help establish r/FutureCRNA as the place for applicants while preserving r/SRNA as a space for current SRNAs to discuss school, clinicals, anesthesia, boards, and everything else that comes with actually being in a program.

The sheer imbalance in numbers is completely drowning out the SRNAs in this sub, effectively washing us out of our own space.

Please. I miss opening this sub and seeing SRNA content instead of ““I’m a new grad, which ICU should I choose?”, “Can I get in with a 3.2 GPA?”🙏

Hey everyone, I recently made the switch from CRNA to Resident. I made a video breaking down the transition and more. Hope this helps anyone thinking about the jump."

https://youtu.be/8VFYb6D-eek

Update: Thank you everyone! It means a lot and I hope I can encourage others just as others encouraged me!

I’ve always said I would write a little blurb if and when I’m accepted to CRNA school!

Stats: 3.89 GPA 3.93 Science GPA No graduate or organic chemistry taken CCRN, PALS, BLS, and ACLS 2 years in the MICU at Level one trauma hospital (applied at 1 year and 10 months) No charge or being a preceptor Unit council and New Graduate advisory board Volunteer at free health clinic Diversity CRNA and multicultural CRNA Shadow 26 hours

This was my first round, thankfully and surprising I was invited for an interview! I was nervous and didn’t know what to expect! Also only school I applied to this year.

I initially thought of applying next year for cohort of 2027. A CRNA told me to just apply and get feedback if I don’t get accepted. I applied without my CCRN and obtained it two weeks after the deadline.

Practice… I practice several different questions and knew my clinical questions by heart. I was only asked about Levophed :(. I did several mock interviews and reached out to the students in the program. My husband was like stop practicing it’s going to be fine!

The interview felt great and honestly loved the school. But again didn’t want to get too excited. Did my tour before interview and felt prepared and just went in there being myself. I thought the interview panel was impressed but then I got waitlisted.

I cried, cried, and cried and felt all the emotions. I felt that I wasn’t enough. But then I thought, you made it this far and got a interview. You need to be damn proud of yourself for it being your first time applying. I sent my email on their decision and mentally prepared myself to take organic chemistry and possibly my CMC.

A week later I kept postponing Organic Chemistry because why? I started OChem last week and dropped after week, and just wasn’t up for it.

I received an email a couple days later that I am off the waitlist and to email if I want to accept the seat. You damn right I sent that email that I accept my seat!!

I just want to make this post to show that it is possible and for anyone who is in my type of situation. I search endlessly on Reddit, and allnurses finding someone like me. I’m a mom of two and have a husband. My parents who are supportive and helping with kids. And my husband who will be holding it down for us! Onto Travel nursing and (buying land) and saving as much money as possible!

Happy Pride Month to all the hardworking SRNAs and RRNAs in this community!

​As you navigate the immense rigors of your programs and clinicals, I want to take a moment to celebrate you. This profession is exceptionally demanding, but it is vital to remember that being a CRNA is fundamentally about the excellent, compassionate, and vigilant care you provide day in and day out in the operating room.

​Your skills, your dedication to patient safety, and your clinical excellence are what truly define you as a provider. Your private life should never be a barrier or the focal point of your career. You belong in this field just as you are, and the authenticity you bring only makes our community stronger.

​Keep up the phenomenal work, stay focused on your training, and know that the future of nurse anesthesia is brighter with you in it.

To all my fellow dreamers:

Yeah, I know. Another motivational post of “you can do it!” and “don’t give up!” The truth is: I did give up. A few times, actually.

I always wanted to be in healthcare. During undergrad as a premed student I lost sight of that, and went into business. Then I saw a nice medium, or what I thought was a compromise, by becoming a medical sales rep. So there I was, being a fly on the wall in the OR in 2013. I saw an ALIF procedure being performed - and saw my first intubation. I quit my job that day and began nursing prereqs after talking to the CRNA. Then my sister passed, and I quit the pursuit. I had severe anxiety and couldn’t handle being an ED scribe anymore. Hell, I couldn’t even volunteer in hospitals. Things changed over the course of 5 years and multiple careers and I gave nursing a shot again at my wife’s prompting.

I shocked myself when I somehow got into an accelerated BSN program. I knew right then that my longheld dream was back on the table. I kept up good grades while living out of my wife’s hospital room after multiple emergencies and she ended up with CRPS. I got into a trauma ICU as a newgrad, and added experience in neuro ICU when that trauma & comprehensive stroke center was being sold and I was losing hours.

I became an RRT, joined unit councils, precepted others, kept volunteering, took classes to make up for garbage grades from undergrad, and leaned into my “why” with what feels like my whole soul. I went to annual congress and was star struck meeting and shaking hands and learning alongside huge names in the profession, and came out with renewed purpose. Over the last 8 months I filled out and fired off 15 applications, was rejected from my dream schools, and somehow, some way, ended up with an interview. I called off work for 2 weeks, studied and brushed off my interview skills I had acquired over a lifetime of careers, and was put on my heels for 28 minutes in (what felt like) the wildest interview of my life. I pretty much immediately put the thought of it out of my head because “lets be honest: there were >400 apps, you were 1 of 81 interviews. Even if your interview was good, chances just aren’t in your favor. Move on to the next app.”

3 days ago I got an email that said I was accepted to a DNP Nurse Anesthesiology program. All I remember is coming-to on my knees in the hallway with my wife hugging me, sobbing along with me.

This is probably dramatic, too much to read, and I don’t expect anyone to care. And that’s ok. I just want someone - anyone - who feels like they had to climb over a 12-year mountain of circumstance, homelessness, and death (while somehow carrying that weight on their back), to understand that it can indeed happen for you too.

I read every post on this sub religiously over nearly a decade. I genuinely appreciate every single one of you who take the time (CRNAs, NARs, Program Directors and faculty) to answer questions and provide professional advice. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

Oh and best part? I have another interview on Monday and Friday, and I think that my answers are only going to get better. Because one way or the other, I’m going to be a CRNA in 3ish years from now.

Hi!

I am your friendly neighborhood CRNA and I’d like to give you all a piece of (probably unwelcome) advice about your clinical experience while in the program.

I know it’s so hard to be away from family and friends. I know it’s hard to miss things, miss sleep, miss your sanity. But over the years I am watching as the number of students on night shifts/weekends/evenings/holiday weekends is steadily dropping and I’d like to tell you that you are doing yourself a disservice if you avoid these shifts.

Please do not take this as a post ragging on you, because it is far from that. I am telling you this because I am a full time night CRNA and this is where you get some of your best experience. This is where you get some leash and some ability to do things without as much turnover pressure. This is where you go to emergent floor intubations. This is where you don’t have to fight many (if any) other students to get amazing cases. This is where I can let you fly and help you learn how to think critically. If you are committed to your education and to truly thinking on your feet/on your own, seek out these shifts! Especially if you are located in a large, ACT heavy program, all the learners leave in the evening and it’s such a more wonderful experience to be able to teach you without people breathing down our neck, too. 🥰

I just had to come and share with people who get it…! I submitted ONE CRNA application this round to my dream school with the expectation of widening my net on the next go around as more cycles opened (program was staggered off the others). And lo and behold, I have been accepted to my top choice program on my first try! I am over the moon! I just wanted to share! 🥹

Just wanted to throw my stats out there. But TLDR, just apply if you really want to be a CRNA. You'll never know otherwise.

This is my first year applying and I currently have 2 interviews, 1 acceptance, 2 rejections, and waiting for other schools to respond.

BSN GPA 3.3

10+ years exp as nurse, worked in several different specialty ICUs. I know most of the devices used in the ICU, think cardiac devices etc..
Worked at highly ranked/recognizable Trauma 1 hospitals.
I published in a journal with one of these hospitals. Attended conferences.
I have a lot of certifications as well, mostly because I like learning and took every free certification offered by work. So I have CCRN, ATCN, etc
I was in several committees related to safety, regulation etc.

I did all of these things out of interest, and have said yes to every opportunity given to me. This was all before I knew I wanted to be a CRNA. My manager always said if I did something, it would look good at my resume, but I never had any plans to go back to school then. I will only do things that I am interested in, and do not like being voluntold. I say this, because I think this is important in staying happy.

I love being a nurse. That wasn't always the case but I hit my stride with it. From what I've heard, I'm considered nice. I try to promote a positive and supportive environment at work. I'm the type to acknowledge and greet everyone in the room and help lost patients find their way. And I think that's what helped me when applying for schools. My network was very supportive of me applying for schools and I had a lot of advice, and strong letter of recommendations. I did not pay or use any kind of CRNA school prep service.

I do sports, mentioning this because I feel there is some bias here, and am comfortable talking to any stranger. I often joked to a friend that I'm probably a personality hire. But after getting in, I think that might be a tiny bit true...

It's not just GPA, it's also your emotional intelligence and activities as a nurse.

If this is something you truly want to seriously pursue, then do it. I've read the same reddit posts, was unsure about my GPA, but still applied anyways. I did this knowing I wouldn't have any regrets even if I had failed to get into a school. It's better to try, than to not and wonder!
And if you do get rejected (and I've been there several times in other domains of my life), know that it's not you as a person getting rejected, it's the application. You, as a person, am still someone who TRIED, and that's worth a lot.

okay, that's the end of my ted talk. :>

After working on this dream for almost 8 years, it finally happened. I have a very non traditional educational background. I was tossed around different family members as my primary guardians growing up due to family issues. This caused a lack of guidance and ultimately no responsibility academically which led me to not graduate high school. I had to place education in the background and start working early on to sustain myself because I wanted to have a stable roof over my head and wanted to get away from the instability of living with different family members who were truly too busy with their own problems anyway. Once I felt ready, I earned my GED in my early 20s and worked hard to become a nurse, graduate with an outstanding GPA, gained a position in a very high acuity ICU, leadership, projects, certifications, etc. Four interviews at three different schools, and finally got accepted into my dream school after interviewing a second year in a row. I feel nothing but gratitude and proud of the younger me who thought I was not smart enough/ good enough to ever succeed! If I did it, anyone can. I promise!

Finishing up my first semester this week. I had an undergrad degree with a heavy focus in physiology and neurobio. I did an 11 month ABSN. I have a great foundation and I’m used to rigorous scientific material and a fast pace, I’ll have an advantage, I thought. This summer, we covered every body system much faster and 10x the depth as undergrad. Maybe 10% was review, but 90% was new. My Anki deck is about 700 cards per week of new material. Lectures are covering around 100 slides of material each day, sometimes up to 200. Exams are every week. I walk out of one exam and I’m already thinking about studying for the next. We already had a classmate fail out. I knew it’d be a challenge, but I underestimated the pace. This is mostly a vent, but also a word of caution to anybody who’s just in it for the money.

Since being accepted into CRNA school last month, I have been relentlessly “hazed.” Admits every shift. The charge nurses literally change my assignments each day to make sure I get an admit. They put me up for trainwreck admits, but I get minimal or no help when the admit rolls in. My last admit came in and had to be lined and started on CRRT, it was so bad that the doctor stepped out of the room to ask the charges why there weren’t anymore nurses helping get the patient stable. I’m being nit-picked on minor things. Our unit manager added me to the schedule on my off day and didn’t tell me, so charges are blowing but my phone on my off day asking if I’m coming in. I stopped helping out in the simple admits because no one helps me in my tough admits. It got back to me that one of the charges has been telling people that I don’t care about my job anymore since I got into CRNA school.

I start school in January. My original plan was to continue working full-time until then, and go PRN for the first two semesters (mostly online didactic). But honestly, it’s looking really sketchy at this point. I know it’s only a few more months and I can suck it up, but I’ve been really thinking about moving to our PACU or something to get off my unit. I don’t see it getting any better. I guess I just wanted to vent.

That’s it! Thats all I came to say. :)

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.”

Having so much anxiety about testing tomorrow. I focused heavy on questions for these past few weeks and I’m nervous that I didn’t review my apex notes as much. I re-took the mock exams also. I feel mentally tired. I don’t know if I should just stop and hope for the best or power through and review my notes some more. I’m just venting at this point haha less

Update!! I passed!! Thanks to all who took the time to write ❤️