Gre vs CCRN

[easterdragon]

Hey guys,

I was wondering what would be more important to study for the GRE or CCRN? Could've done better on the GRE and thinking of retaking it.

I would greatly appreciate any thoughts.

Thanks in advance.

[ethernaut]

more often than not, GRE is required. CCRN is not. CCRN looks nice on an application, but for many schools, if you don't do "well" on the GREs, they won't even see the CCRN (most of the time).
my advice?
nail the GREs and
ace the CCRN (second).

[MmacFN]

agreed

[easterdragon]

Yeah, you're absolutely right. My mind is clouded with everything that it's been hard to make a decision. I have applied to schools that don't require the GRE and thought it would make me more competitive with a CCRN to those, but I think it's better to do better on the GRE.

Thanks!

[Scout]

Hmmm, after talking to our director, I am not so sure. It will really depend on the school. A dear friend got into school because of the CCRN, his grades weren't as great as some other applicants, didn't do well on the GRE, but when he told the admission comimttee that he had CCRN, they actually called all the previous students to see if they had it. Also, according to my director, he states that he doesn't care so much about GRE, the CCRN is more of an indicator of success t(he has been teaching for > 20 years). Anyway, my advice is to talk to some people in the programs you are applying and ask what the director wants. Most of the time, they will know directly, or see how their current class breaks down as an applicant pool. It just depends on the education philosophy. That is my 0.5 cents anyway (all I can muster after 11 hours in the OR).

[leebertn]

GRE most definately!

[berry]

I would say get your GRE scores up. I used that GRE for dummies (don’t laugh I did well) easy to read/work through only spent a few weeks preparing. A good GRE score 1200+ will get them to look at your application at most schools. A CCRN will set you apart for other applicants at most schools, but like another poster said they may not even look at you with low GRE scores

[bk117rn]

First off did you meet the minimum requested score for the GRE? If so then taking the CCRN may be your ticket to set you apart from other applicants. If not then would probably be in your best interest to retake the GRE. Coming from someone whose GPA was less than stellar and did mediocre on GRE, and held certifications as CCRN, CEN, CFRN prior to originally applying to school, GPA and GRE are much more important. However the best quality is perseverance. It took me several tries and interviews to actually matriculate because I partied a little too hard in undergrad. Ultimately I returned to grad school working on an MBA and demonstrating proficiency at the graduate level may have been what actually tipped the scales in my favor. So another option if you don't feel acing the GRE is an option, take a couple of graduate classes upon recommendation of the program director and do really well in those classes. The strongest quality you can possess though is perseverance, when all else fails bug the shit out of them!!!

[ethernaut]

First off did you meet the minimum requested score for the GRE? If so then taking the CCRN may be your ticket to set you apart from other applicants. If not then would probably be in your best interest to retake the GRE. Coming from someone whose GPA was less than stellar and did mediocre on GRE, and held certifications as CCRN, CEN, CFRN prior to originally applying to school, GPA and GRE are much more important. However the best quality is perseverance. It took me several tries and interviews to actually matriculate because I partied a little too hard in undergrad. Ultimately I returned to grad school working on an MBA and demonstrating proficiency at the graduate level may have been what actually tipped the scales in my favor. So another option if you don't feel acing the GRE is an option, take a couple of graduate classes upon recommendation of the program director and do really well in those classes. The strongest quality you can possess though is perseverance, when all else fails bug the shit out of them!!!

this is funny because i wonder
to what point do they "give in"?
i can picture this:
adcom 1 - "shit, this guy won't go away."
adcom 2 - "aw hell, let's interview 'em."
adcom 3 - "interview? give 'em a dam spot. maybe he'll leave us friggin alone ! "

[easterdragon]

Thanks for your help, guys! I retook the GRE on Friday and got a way better score! Took the CCRN today and passed! Yeah!! Also got into a school today that didn't require any of them! Well, at least my options are open!

Thanks for all the feedback and advice! It is really appreciated!

:)