Current BarryU SRNA here, happy to help with application process :-)

[Courtney]

Hi! Barry’s legacy as Florida’s oldest and most established CRNA program is inspiring. I applied this cycle and am hopeful for the chance to interview. I would be grateful for any insight into the interview process. Thanks!

[OLA AYODELE]

Hello Roza, I want to give my background and get feedback from you
Educational
– My Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) was from Western Governors University, which uses a competency-based model in which grades are given as pass or fail instead of the traditional letter-grade system. The passing grade is 3.00 grade points on a 4.00 scale. So I get three out of 4.
I hold a master’s degree in Nursing, with a traditional letter grade system and a GPA of 3.45. I graduated with a work in advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment, with two Bs and one A. What can I do to boost my GPA? I started MICU this January (2025), and I hope to start applying next year. I would like advice on improving my science GPA and overall GPA, as most schools require a minimum GPA of 3.4. Thank you

[Sachi @thecrnaclub]

Hey! Hopping in for Roza here. Thanks for sharing your GPA details! Okay so the fact that you have a MSN is GREAT. That works hugely in your favor to “make up for” your pass/fail GPA. Firstly, choose your programs wisely, some look at Last 60 – this might be your highest GPA type. Programs that only look at “Overall” might be more difficult to get points in the GPA category. Also, some programs will look at your GRE scores (even if they don’t require it) and this could be an option for you, if you score well (aim for a 310+). Other programs will not look at your GRE if not required, this is school dependent.

What courses did you get B’s in? Health Assessment I’m less worried about. But B’s in Pathophysiology and Pharmacology might be something to improve on, especially if those were already graduate courses. Also, it’s MORE than GPA. You need to have leadership points on your resume, make sure you’ve got your certifications, can you get a few shadow days, and attend anesthesia events? I was just speaking with Dru Riddle this weekend, and we were discussing how there are some incredible applicants with lower GPAs that just had life circumstances when they were in school, and how do we get them accepted? It’s all the other parts of your application that will speak for you. The things I mentioned, your leadership, passion for advocacy, your determination to get involved with the AANA (ie. attend meetings).

I talk a lot about this in the Learning Library – so make sure you please watch all of those videos! There is SO much more than just GPA. It’s the big picture!