by All-CRNA-Schools-Joy
(California)
The average GPA of students who are accepted into a CRNA program ranges from 3.4 to 3.7, depending on the school.
If you plan on applying to very competitive CRNA programs, like VCU, any in CA, Baylor, Wake Forest, or any of the others that are ranked within the top 11 by US News and World Reports, you’ll need a GPA of 3.5 or better.
If your GPA is:
3.7 – 4.0: It’s obviously not your weak point. Don’t worry about your GPA. Instead, spend your time improving your GRE score, brushing up on interview skills, shadowing a CRNA, etc….
3.5 – 3.6: You can still apply to the competitive schools, as long as you are competitive in other ways (high GRE, great ICU experience, etc…)
3.2 – 3.4: If you’re careful where you apply, you’ll still have a decent chance of getting accepted, as long as you apply to many schools, and you are impressive in other ways.
3.0 – 3.1: Think about retaking some classes. I recommend retaking any science classes you got a C in, and then take a few graduate level classes (and get an A) to demonstrate your ability to do graduate level work.
Below a 3.0?: If becoming a CRNA is a dream of yours, it’s not out of the question. You’ll need to do a lot more preparation than other applicants, but it shouldn’t stop you from reaching your goal.
Follow the above recommendations, and re-apply when you have at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, OR a strong graduate GPA (you’ve taken several classes and achieved a 3.7 or better).
Comments for Is my GPA high enough to get accepted into CRNA School?
Feb 03, 2011
Clarification
by: RN Student
What would make you more “impressive in other ways” (in reference to the 3.2-3.4 GPA description) aside from what is listed in the above description (High GRE, Great ICU/References, Shadow, etc…). Thank you.
Feb 03, 2011
How to be a more competitive crna school applicant
by: All-CRNA-Schools-Joy
First, read this forum post about how to be a more competitive applicant.
Here is a brief list of things you can do to be more competitive:
*Have more than 3 years experience in a large ICU
*great references (you go above and beyond the call of duty and are generally liked by those you work with. Also, you’ve “mastered” the ICU)
*GRE score of 1200 or better
*8 – 40 hours shadowing a CRNA (after about 40 hours, there’s little more you can gain from the experience)
*CCRN certification
*you’ve taken a few graduate classes (with a 4.0)
*and you interview well…
Also, read this article about the minimum requirements of crna school. If something is listed as “optional” it means that by completing it, you’ll be ahead of the competition.
Oct 20, 2013
Great book NEW
by: Anonymous
I purchased your book and its awesome!
I’m about to graduate from an Accelerated BSN program in two months. My current gpa is 3.84 and if all goes well I should be able to maintain this gpa. I currently work as a tech in a level 1 trauma center. I heard the hospital doesn’t take new graduate students into ICU right away. So I was wondering what types of floors would help to get myself in there.
I would like to go to Anesthesia school as soon as possible. Is it possible to get in and do well with only one year of ICU?
Any advice into getting into icu and if you have any recommendations of courses to take prior to anesthesia school so I can get ahead would be great. I would also like your thoughts into a couple of good anesthesia schools that you think are very good. Thank You
Jan 10, 2015
3.008 GPA. Do I stand a chance? NEW
by: Anonymous
Hello
I have a 3.008 GPA spread across 230 semester units. My last 60 GPA is 3.49 (BSN GPA 3.59), and my science GPA is anywhere from a 3.3-3.47 depending on the courses they use. I just took gen chem and biochem and received As in those, along with As in grad level pathophysiology and pharmacology. I have a little over a year of MICU experience (at the time of application) at a busy level 2 trauma center that gets A LOT of surgical, neuro, and trauma overflow, and will have close to two years by the time of matriculation. I have CCRN.
Do I stand a chance? I’m specifically applying to schools with a higher acceptance rate d/t saturation to increase my chances such as those in FL. I’m also interested in Texas Wesleyan, and my fall back is Inter Americana university of Puerto Rico. Anything else I can do or should I just apply already?