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How I Got CRNA School Interviews with a Low Science GPA
I didn’t have the strongest science GPA (just a 3.0!). Like many, I struggled transitioning from high school to college. My study habits didn’t click until nursing school, and by then, my GPA had already taken a hit!
When I applied to CRNA programs in 2019, I landed multiple interviews. I was shocked. Every interview asked about my science GPA, and I knew I had to prove I could handle graduate-level work.
So, I enrolled in graduate-level science courses—not to dramatically raise my GPA (it barely moved), but to show I could thrive in rigorous classes. That move made all the difference. And if you’re like me, retaking science courses nearly 10 years after undergrad was tough—but it showed admissions I was ready to handle the demands of grad school!
If you’re in the same boat: take recent, relevant, graduate-level science courses—especially ones your target schools require (like organic chem!). Progress matters more than perfection! 💪
Here are the courses I took during my application journey (I applied 6 years in a row until I finally got in—remember, it only takes ONE acceptance!):
- Organic Chemistry (not graduate level)
- Chemistry w/ Lab (also not graduate level, but required by my program, since my organic chemistry was outdated by 1 year past their deadline)
- Advanced Physiology
- Advanced Pathophysiology
Got questions? Like how I juggled these courses with full-time ICU work or how I paid for them on a bedside nurse salary? Drop them below! 👇
OLA AYODELE and Angela Castillo2 Comments-
Hi JoJo, I think I follow you on ig! Thank you for your insight, it really gives me a lot of hope to be able to accomplish this massive goal. I am in my last semester of nursing school so I am beginning to prep for the courses I will be retaking once I graduate. How did you juggle all of these courses and pay for them? I think that is what I am most concerned for especially as a new grad. Thank you again!
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@alexa.correa Hey there! Thanks so much for reaching out! First off, congrats on making it through the toughest parts of nursing school so far — you’re almost there! Keep up the amazing work! Balancing online courses and a full-time job is no easy feat; I learned a lot about discipline doing it all at once. Since you’re going to be learning a ton as a new grad RN, I think you’ll need to give yourself some grace while doing this. It’s definitely possible, but it’s going to take a lot of discipline! One thing that worked for me was to plan out my schedule every week. When I worked nights, I blocked my work schedule for three shifts in a row so that I could study for online courses (and the GRE AND the CCRN) on my days off! When I worked days, I did the same thing, sort of blocking my shifts and off days. The key was sticking to my schedule which led me to success!
As for how I paid for these courses, I found that most hospitals will reimburse you if you submit coursework and grades to them! I started there because, who doesn’t love free money? I also happened to get my CCRN fees reimbursed through my hospital. But, if my hospital couldn’t reimburse me for coursework (which they didn’t), I ended up asking the schools to set up a payment plan so that I could pay them monthly for my courses. That usually wasn’t a problem. There are plenty of ways to pay for school without actually paying out of your own pocket — so I would definitely do some research! Hopefully this helps!
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