Reply To: Getting Into CRNA School Tips

[DannieDalv]

[DannieDalv]

Hi,
Sorry to hear that you’re struggling. It took me years to get accepted as well. Not sure if anyone else can back me up on this, but it really is just that competitive.

Your GPA is great—but so is everyone else’s who’s applying to CRNA school. Your ICU experience is a plus, especially since many people apply as soon as they hit the one-year mark. I’m not sure how purchasing a program will help, honestly. There really isn’t any “secret” to getting accepted—it’s a numbers game.

If you have the qualifications (which you do), then it may just come down to not applying to enough schools. The year I finally got accepted, I applied to 12 programs. I received four interview offers, was waitlisted at one school, and accepted at another.

My advice: if you’re keeping your applications limited to a tight geographical region, consider expanding your reach. Be willing to go anywhere for school. I know that’s not possible for everyone due to personal circumstances, but if you have the flexibility, applying more broadly can make a big difference.

It’s competitive out there, but keep applying—and know that you’re building ICU experience in the meantime, which will make school much easier compared to someone who only has about a year of ICU time.

Best of luck to you!