Worried about past mistakes haunting me.

[Lars4CRNA]

I'm a sophomore in college in my first semester as a nursing student. I am currently doing a lot better in my second year than my first. My first year was a disaster because I took general biology and chemistry both semesters and managed a dismal science GPA of 1.9 for the year and carrying a total 2.78 GPA total for the year, mostly because I was addicted to computer games and treated all my college classes like they were High school classes. I switched majors from biology to nursing after having an entire summer to realize how much I screwed up and how I didn't want to be a screw up. Fall semester I managed a 3.81 overall GPA and made a B+ in A&P I ( which I am still kicking myself over because I was so close to an A-). Right now the only thing I can think of on how to salvage my future dreams of becoming a CRNA would be to finish out the next 3 years strongly and retake GC and GB after I graduate with my BSN( or maybe retake chemistry over one of the next summers) and maybe take Organic 1 (I did take a Survey of Chemistry class for Nursing pre-requisite and made an A+ that included a mixture of organic and biochemistry topics).

An extra thing I just realized is that in H.S. I took Pre-calculus and Calculus and got an A(s) both semesters and that might factor into my science GPA. Also the school I attend has a special relationship with the Anesthesia school I want to attend where students that graduate from our program that fit the minimum requirements for their school are given an interview, which I know is not an acceptance but It would at least allow me to sell myself as a capable individual.

What to people think of my plans to get my dreams back on track? Is there anything that you could recommend to help me out or encourage me?

[infidel]

All you can do is continue to improve your GPA... HS GPA is meaningless in the SRNA selection process. I would do everything I could to ace any course you take from here on out. as for improving your science GPA, take a LOT of advanced science courses.

[Lars4CRNA]

All you can do is continue to improve your GPA... HS GPA is meaningless in the SRNA selection process. I would do everything I could to ace any course you take from here on out. as for improving your science GPA, take a LOT of advanced science courses.

My mistake I forgot to mention that the Math courses I took where taken from a community college and I got credit for them. 7 hours if I remember right.

What type of science courses would you recommend?

[BDD]

Man, after my 1st semester in college, my GPA was 1.6 with a D in biology. After my ADN, my GPA was 2.2. I retook biology, and got a 4.0 in my BSN program. All told, my GPA was 3.96 for CRNA school. Don't beat yourself up. Just keep trucking, get the grades you want and most importantly, become a strong nurse with a desire to learn. It worked for me.

[Skeebum]

Man, after my 1st semester in college, my GPA was 1.6 with a D in biology. After my ADN, my GPA was 2.2. I retook biology, and got a 4.0 in my BSN program. All told, my GPA was 3.96 for CRNA school. Don't beat yourself up. Just keep trucking, get the grades you want and most importantly, become a strong nurse with a desire to learn. It worked for me.

Agree, my original undergrad wasn't great (not quite as bad as BDD, but close, no offense my friend, but I'm guessing the beer was cold and going down smooth).

From what I have observed, once a student gets their head screwed on straight, buckles down, and can demonstrate they can get the job done, they will be able to succeed in anesthesia. For some of us that meant taking grad level courses and knocking the crap outta them. IMO, you've caught your errors fairly early on, you already know what you have to do. Get it done.

Good Luck!

[nomorepooh]

During my first couple of semesters in college I did not understand the concept of gpa and spent most of the time partying without regard to what the future would hold. I graduated from an ADN with a 3.0 but originally had a D in micro, F in A&P I, and a C in general Chem. I retook all of those classes and got A's in each. The BSN program that I applied to could not look past my original grades so I had no other choice but to go the ADN route. I then completed a BSN online with a gpa of 3.7. I have been practicing for 3.5 years and was just accepted to a N. A program at the school that would not originally allow me into their BSN program. I knew that I would have to work extra hard to reach my goal so I worked in two high acuity ICU's and earned my CCRN and as well as a CSC. It looks like it payed off. Don't give up. The extra effort will make you a better nurse.

[Anthony]

Lars - well... it's good to look ahead and plan....I would agree with the others about retaking your classes you did poorly in. After that, take what ever advanced courses in biology, anatomy, physiology, & chem offered at your university (that is if time and $ is a luxury you have....)

Good luck to you...



I'm a sophomore in college in my first semester as a nursing student. I am currently doing a lot better in my second year than my first. My first year was a disaster because I took general biology and chemistry both semesters and managed a dismal science GPA of 1.9 for the year and carrying a total 2.78 GPA total for the year, mostly because I was addicted to computer games and treated all my college classes like they were High school classes. I switched majors from biology to nursing after having an entire summer to realize how much I screwed up and how I didn't want to be a screw up. Fall semester I managed a 3.81 overall GPA and made a B+ in A&P I ( which I am still kicking myself over because I was so close to an A-). Right now the only thing I can think of on how to salvage my future dreams of becoming a CRNA would be to finish out the next 3 years strongly and retake GC and GB after I graduate with my BSN( or maybe retake chemistry over one of the next summers) and maybe take Organic 1 (I did take a Survey of Chemistry class for Nursing pre-requisite and made an A+ that included a mixture of organic and biochemistry topics).

An extra thing I just realized is that in H.S. I took Pre-calculus and Calculus and got an A(s) both semesters and that might factor into my science GPA. Also the school I attend has a special relationship with the Anesthesia school I want to attend where students that graduate from our program that fit the minimum requirements for their school are given an interview, which I know is not an acceptance but It would at least allow me to sell myself as a capable individual.

What to people think of my plans to get my dreams back on track? Is there anything that you could recommend to help me out or encourage me?

[Lars4CRNA]

Would It be unreasonable to work full-time and take about 4 hours every semester? Also If my school offers grade forgiveness would it be better for me to retake the classes at the school I am at now ( with the same or different teachers, not sure if It would matter). Or going somewhere else becuase I would assume that the school would look at your transcripts and see all the grades? Also would staying in the same state as the school I want to attend be beneficial, as I would rather move to CA for a change of scenery and to be around my family?

[Range]

Would It be unreasonable to work full-time and take about 4 hours every semester? Also If my school offers grade forgiveness would it be better for me to retake the classes at the school I am at now ( with the same or different teachers, not sure if It would matter). Or going somewhere else becuase I would assume that the school would look at your transcripts and see all the grades? Also would staying in the same state as the school I want to attend be beneficial, as I would rather move to CA for a change of scenery and to be around my family?

Lars, different schools will have different methods on how they calculate your GPA. Perhaps, you may need to customize and narrow your schools to ones you will meet their criteria. For example, if you failed a class and retook it, some schools will factor the better grade of the two into your GPA while the lower grade stays in your transcript. However, other schools will take the average grade of the two.
By using this method, you can see which schools would yield a higher GPA for you. And you can apply to these schools and increase your chances.

I would suggest that you retake those classes at the same institution. This way there wont be any confusion about calculating your gpa. If you take it at a different institution they will take the average GPA of institutions. Thus, reducing your maximum GPA potential. If you are not busy during the summer time, you can take both GB and GC together. I used to take 10 credit hrs every summer semester. If they don't let you register for more than 8CR in the summer time, ask your counselor to overwrite it.

Then you can take grad level courses and that will be an extra-boost to your GPA as a candidate.

Since you are still a sophmore, I suggest you buckle down and study relentlessly.

The working and school: quite frankly, working and taking four credit hours means you have a full time job and are taking one class a semester. So, perhaps, you should wait until you get off your orientation first, and then take classes. Otherwise, you might end up having problems at work. So, it's important to learn your ICU duties as a new grad. Try to get into a level I traunma hospital if you can. Good luck...

Ali

[SoonerFan]

Familiar story to mine, so chill. I was accepted to 3 schools I applied to. Of course, you need to do the very best you can do in course work from here on out. Once you're working as an RN, never miss work, never get caught using drugs or alcohol, & show you're hard-working, & a team player.
Check with the program director where you want to go to school to see what courses you should take to improve your "image". Be sure to make a good impression on her/him when you do talk to them ... they carry a lot of weight.
Probably the most important thing in the whole anesthesia school application, once you get interviewed, is to make a good impression during the interview. These people want to know that they can stand side by side with you for the next 2-3 years & not have to worry that you'll be hard to get along with. Don't be afraid to show your true personality, like add a little humor when appropriate. Be honest about your personal life, but appropriately so. (One of my friends, when interviewed, was asked if her parents were proud of her, & she honestly replied that, yes, ever since her dad had gotten out of prison, he'd expressed his pride! They laughed their butts off, & she got accepted).
There are some universal questions you'll be asked, so have your answers ready, but be honest. I had some major cr_p on my transcript from my distant past, & when the committees asked me what happened, I said that I screwed up, wouldn't offer excuses, & had prepared myself to face the consequences of my actions. When asked why I wanted to be a CRNA, I told them (all of which were honest answers) that I loved pathophysiology & wanted to learn more, that I couldn't see myself enduring the physical toll that nursing can take on a person (mentioned older nurses I knew that had serious health issues), & then I told them, quite honestly, that I wanted to be a CRNA because of the earning potential. When they ask why you'd be a good CRNA, don't forget to mention that you take instruction well. (If you don't take instruction well, then don't apply, because you're being interviewed by CRNAs & anesthesiologists, & the MDs in this field want to be sure that you "know your place" in the anesthesia community). Also, tell them that you know when you're in over your head & need to call for help.
Ask people you know that have interviewed about questions asked. Some technical questions may arise, but they're usually nothing you can't easily answer after a year or 2 of ICU experience. If you don't know the answer, don't hesitate to tell them you don't know. Don't come across as an a-hole that thinks they're smarter than everyone else. Don't brag. Be appropriately humble but don't grovel.
It sounds like you're definitely on the right foot now, so quit worrying about your past screw-ups. Yes, it may take you a couple of tries to get into anesthesia school, but its very doable, & very very worth it.

[Lars4CRNA]

Just thought I would bump this thread to let everyone one know how my situation is going. Fall semester I pulled all A(s) except for a B+ in A&P I. The Spring semester i pulled an A- in Fundamentals I, Nutrition, and A&P II and got an A in Fundamentals II. I managed to bring my GPA from a 2.98 to a 3.29 and my science gpa has gone up considerably also and I am feeling like I will do even better next year with better study conditions ( ie my roommate kept the strangest hours and consequentially threw mine out of whack, my new one is a lot more focused). I really appreciate all the encouragement I received from everyone in this thread because it helped me not throw in the towel after my disaster of a year last year.

I still have a couple of questions though do math classes count as science courses? And do Pharmocology and Pathophysiology count toward science gpa? nursing gpa? or both?

[billythekid]

Man, after my 1st semester in college, my GPA was 1.6 with a D in biology. After my ADN, my GPA was 2.2. I retook biology, and got a 4.0 in my BSN program. All told, my GPA was 3.96 for CRNA school. Don't beat yourself up. Just keep trucking, get the grades you want and most importantly, become a strong nurse with a desire to learn. It worked for me.


Thanks for the words of encouragement... always good to see people who started out slow and still crossed the finish line!

[browneyes39401]

check out your current schools handbook. I bombed some classes my first semester out of H.S. Got my act together, and retook all the classes and made all A's. On my transcript by the classes that i bombed it says "not for credit," and the do-overs counted towards my GPA. They never played a factor in my BSN application, nor my SRNA app. I explained it all in my application essay to NA school. I applied once, got in the first time... but you have to pull it out. I made all 3B's and the rest A's... Anyway my point is: If they have grade forgiveness that is the way to go IMO; it worked for me...

[guymsnrn]

I am applying to several CRNA schools this fall (4). I have been invited to an interview at UTC. I interviewed last spring at Cal State Fullerton. I did not get in because my interview style was too relaxed. In an attempt to relax I used the "bored" in a response to the question "Why did you go to grad school". A valuable lesson learned. I may have another chance at CSUF this year. I do have an interview at UTC in November. I am trying to get some insight on the interview. How many panel members? The type of interview, technical v. getting to know you. I do not want to make any mistakes this time. Anyone have any input.
Thanks
guyrnmsn

[TSICU83]

I'm curious, Did you already receive an interview invite via mail for UT Chattanooga? I didn't know that they had sent them out, and if you are located in Hawaii It must have been sent a while ago. I applied and was told letters would be sent out this week. Anyway I heard from a current student that it is a panel interview with a mix of clinical and personal questions. Good luck...hopefully my letter is on the way.:fingersx: :fingersx: