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Join the Free CSPA Community! Connect with Aspiring CRNAs, Nurse Anesthesia Residents, practicing CRNAs, and CRNA Program Faculty Mentors who are ready to support you. Get real answers and expert guidance in a welcoming space that’s free from misinformation and negativity. You don’t have to do this alone! Join Now: https://www.cspaedu.com/community
Getting into CRNA school isn’t a straight line — and many applicants face rejection, waitlists, and the challenges of a lower GPA before finally reaching their goal. From preparing for interviews, to navigating NursingCAS, to building resilience after setbacks, the RN to CRNA journey requires persistence and strategy.
In this episode of the CSPA Podcast, Jenny shares real Q&A from nurses just like you, covering CRNA interview prep, GPA requirements, how to strengthen your NursingCAS application, and how to keep moving forward after rejection or waitlist status.
These real conversations will leave you encouraged and equipped with practical next steps on your path to becoming a CRNA.
Episode Highlights:
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How to prepare for CRNA interviews and CRNA mock interviews
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GPA requirements and strategies for applicants with a lower GPA
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NursingCAS tips and what admissions committees look for
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How to bounce back from rejection or waitlist status
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Encouragement and success stories from those on the RN to CRNA path
Want Guaranteed CRNA School Admission? Learn More about the CSPA Money Back Guarantee here: https://community.crnaschoolprepacademy.com/6-12-month-intensive
Get access to application & interview preparation resources plus ICU Educational Workshops that have helped thousands of nurses accelerate their CRNA success. Become a member of CRNA School Prep Academy: https://community.crnaschoolprepacademy.com/join-cspa
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Watch the episode here
Listen to the podcast here
CRNA Interview Prep and Mock Interview Advice
Hey, future CRNA. Today’s episode is all about pulling back the curtain and letting you hear real nurses share their real stories. We’ve pulled together some clips from our free Q&A coaching sessions and in-person events so you can hear the questions nurses just like you are asking and the answers you didn’t even know you needed.
Whether it’s overcoming challenges, finding inspiration, or getting clarity on the CRNA journey, you’ll walk away feeling encouraged, informed, and ready to take the next step. Let’s get started.
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I just got an interview. So I just joined and have been looking through some of the resources. I listened to a couple of mock interviews, and Stephanie was saying that was very helpful. Do you have any other advice on preparing? Because I am about to go next week.
Ah, yay! Well, first, congratulations. That’s exciting and, obviously, like you said, nerve-wracking.
Right? Yes.
So I think my first question to you would be this: Do you know what kind of interview style you’re up against? Do you have any idea or insights on what your interview style is going to be?
I’ve heard it’s more of a get-to-know-you kind of style.
Okay. So probably a lot of emotional intelligence. I would then assess where you feel like you have your strengths and your weaknesses—whether that be professionally, clinically, and also self-awareness—since there’s a lot of “get to know you” and also assessing why you chose this program. They’re probably going to ask you questions around that.
Okay. And have you known many people that have commuted? I plan on living there, but my family won’t necessarily go with me. So more like weekends and things like that. I believe clinicals would be here, but the didactic portion would be there.
Yes. Students do end up commuting, and you have to be creative and find unique ways. Some people find hybrid programs so they can have more time at home for online didactic portions. But if that’s not the case, like you said, you’ll have to block the times you plan on going home to spend time with family.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Not everyone’s experience is the same. For example, I did my schooling in the same state, but for the first almost year of the program, I traveled four and a half hours just to commute to a ten-hour class. So—fifteen-hour days, almost every day.
Some of my classmates would get long-term hotels. I was lucky to have family in town, so I stayed with my parents during those long commute sessions. Many classmates would pair up and rent long-term hotels, or now there’s Airbnb and other options. If you do get into this program, see if you can find someone in the same area to carpool with, depending on how close your home is.
It’s very much drivable. It’s two and a half hours. It’s not far.
RN to CRNA Q&A: The Emotional Intelligence Microcredential inside CRNA School Prep Academy includes 5 core sections, 9 high-impact lessons, post-assessments, and a Certificate of Completion.
Oh, okay. That’s not too bad. I utilized carpooling a lot with classmates. We’d meet halfway—there was a Taco Bell and gas station—and then ride the rest of the way together. So there are creative ways to make it work. It’s completely doable.
As far as interview prep, since you mentioned emotional intelligence is likely the focus, I’d recommend diving into our Emotional Intelligence Pathway. It’s also a microcredential inside the Academy.
Another great resource is our EI question-and-answer study guide under the downloadable resources in the Academy. It outlines why they’re asking a question, what they’re looking for, and gives you ideas on how to answer—tailored to your own story, of course.
A big thing is assessing your strengths and weaknesses in communication. If you’re doing this interview in person, remember that body language matters. They say you make an impression in the first 10–15 seconds of meeting someone. So when you walk into that room, those first few seconds are critical.
Our Five-Day Interview Boot Camp Challenge could also be a refresher. I cover body language and soft skills in there. You should have access to that course as a CSPA student. Non-CSPA students can access the 5 Day Interview Prep Challenge through the Interview Crash Course.
Between the Emotional Intelligence Pathway, the EI study guide, and the Five-Day Interview Challenge, you’ll have strong resources for the days ahead. And if you haven’t already done a mock interview, see if you can still fit one in—either through TeachRN or by swapping with a peer in our community.
I did get onto TeachRN, and I saw that was part of your program. That’s all very helpful. I’ve looked at some of them, and it’s been wonderful—but it is a lot.
Yeah. It is a lot. And when people come to us toward the tail end of their preparation, it can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve worked to consolidate things.
With a short timeline, when you’re watching mock interviews, don’t watch passively and don’t try to do them all. There are over twenty, which would take hours. Pick four or five, and watch actively. Ask yourself: What did I like about their response? What would I change? How would I answer that question?
That approach will give you more value than just watching passively.
Thank you very much.
Yeah, you’re very welcome. Best of luck. Keep us posted—we’re definitely rooting for you.
Thank you.
NursingCAS Tips for CRNA School Applicants
Hi. I have a question regarding the application. I currently have a little over two years of experience in a medical ICU, CCRN. My science GPA was 3.1, but I took advanced classes, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics, and got A’s in all of them. My deadline for application is coming July thirty first, and I am studying for the CMC. My question is, should I ask for the reference letter right now, or should I wait for my CMC to be done so that I can add that into my application too?
The reference letter from whoever you need, like your reference as far as for your application?
Yeah. Because then they can mention that I have a CMC along with the CCRN, or should I just apply?
I think you should just get the reference. Once you get the CMC, you will have that on your application and can submit the documentation. A reference letter is less about listing qualifications like CCRN or CMC. Do not get me wrong, they can say you have proven clinical aptitude because you have the CCRN, but a reference is more about their experience working with you and why they feel you are a good fit to advance your degree.
So I would not wait on the CMC for a good reference, because they are going to focus on team dynamics and your performance. You can give them your resume and let them know you are planning to take the CMC later this month and will not have results until later.
I would not wait because if you do and that person is not prompt, it could jeopardize your entire application. Ask as soon as possible and have a backup plan because you are cutting it close. When working on references for CRNA school, I advise at least a month notice. Two months is even better. Some people take weeks, some forget, and you do not want to miss your deadline because of a reference.
Thank you.
You are very welcome. Rooting for you on your journey to becoming a CRNA. Best of luck. You have done a lot and you are doing a lot. Congrats. Keep your chin up and keep going. I would get that reference out of the way.
Let us see. A question here from Grace:
On NursingCAS, do you recommend filling out the achievements or experiences section? I already have these things on my resume, so I was not sure.
I would. I understand it feels redundant, but because NursingCAS has that section, it is hard to know exactly who is reviewing it on the admissions side. If you leave a section blank that is provided for you to fill out, I would worry it might look odd, even if it is on your resume.
I would lean into filling it out similar to your resume, just for the chance that the reviewer only looks at NursingCAS and not your attached resume at that moment. Let me know if that makes sense.
Thank you. Should I put the same thing that I have on my resume?
Yeah. Does it give you a word length or anything like that?
Oh, I would have to look back.
If it gives you space, I would embellish a little. You do not need paragraphs, but your resume does not allow much explanation. If you have an award or achievement, you can add a brief descriptor so they better understand it. Does that make sense?
So much. Thank you.
You are very welcome. If they give you the space, use it.
I will never forget, years ago, a student I did a mock interview with. I reviewed his resume before we met. During the interview I was blown away by his leadership, committees, and initiatives. I told him I did not see any of that on his resume. He had very basic bullet points that did not do him justice. Resumes can be limiting. Use the NursingCAS sections to add the needed context.
Alright. Any more questions?
CRNA GPA Requirements and Low GPA Strategies
I have a question. My name is Dana. If this is too specific to me, please stop me and I can schedule a separate coaching call. A quick summary about me: I have been a nurse for about four years at a level one trauma center. I have worked MICU, cardiac surgery, and ICU float. I manage devices, I have charge experience, and I mentor and precept. I have my CCRN.
I have been applying to CRNA school for a couple of years. I have gotten two interviews, one waitlist, and the rest denials. I think part of this is my science GPA is on the lower end. I had a lot of life factors during nursing school and undergrad. I have since retaken classes. I took biochem, general chemistry, Transition to Nurse Anesthesiology at Barry, and an advanced pharmacology class. I got A’s and B’s to show I am a good student.
I have had a hard time getting interviews and I want schools to look more holistically, because I have leadership and skills and shadowing. I am in the six month intensive. I started reviewing the five day interview prep to be ahead. I have started applying again this cycle and I am waiting to hear back. I feel stuck and discouraged. I have retaken classes and have my CCRN. I am trying to figure out how to get over the hump.
I understand. Do you know exactly what your science GPA is now with the courses you have taken?
Yes and no. It depends. Some programs cancel the lower grade when you retake a course. For some schools my science GPA is a 3.3. For others it is a 2.8. It is hard to know. Some schools I thought would be too low still gave me an interview, and others did not. I used your GPA calculator and it gave me a lower number than I wanted.
I am willing to take more classes, but a single class does not move GPA much. I have taken so many already. I have not taken organic chemistry and physics yet. I am running out of classes to take.
You mentioned advanced pharmacology. What grade did you get?
I got an A.
Great. Have you applied to Barry? Is that on your list?
I did not apply in the past, but I would be willing to. I live in Virginia and tried to stay local. I am willing to move. Schools in Virginia like VCU are very popular, so the applicant pool is huge. I get lost with my lower stats.
I agree that leaning into schools that omit the lower grade and take the higher retake is smart. Also target schools that look at the last sixty credit hours. Those two factors can really improve your odds of getting an interview and an acceptance.
At this point, since another class may not move your GPA much, consider where you can get the most return. I am glad some schools have your science GPA at 3.3. That is great. Even 2.8 may look different if they consider your recent sciences where you have A’s.
If future courses are on the table, aim for A’s only, because B’s will not raise your cumulative number and can even lower it in some calculations. Also, if you take more classes, consider graduate level courses with higher credit weight, like advanced pathophysiology or graduate statistics. A five credit graduate course can move the needle more than a three credit undergrad course.
You were waitlisted, which is essentially an almost acceptance. That is a positive signal. Have you gotten direct feedback from programs that denied you?
Yes. Two years ago I was waitlisted. I met with a program director who suggested improving my personal statement and resume and retaking some classes. I did those things, but I did not get an interview the following year. Another program met with me a couple of times.
Recently, I toured in person and brought my application to ask what to improve. That school gave me a first round interview, but I did not get a second round. Some schools will not provide interview feedback. I did very well on the CASPER exam for one program, but not all schools accept it. I am trying to bolster the rest of my application to offset my science GPA.
You are doing the right things. Keep practicing interviews. See if you can do a peer to peer swap in the community or book someone on TeachRN. Use the interview guides inside CSPA and touch the Emotional Intelligence Pathway. There is a lot of value there.
In your personal statement, briefly acknowledge your growth and the work you have done on academics. Do not dwell on it, but address the elephant in the room.
Before taking more courses, connect with programs that omit lower grades or weigh the last sixty credit hours and ask what would be most impactful. In some cases, a stronger GRE can help more than another class.
I took the GRE and did okay. I plan to retake it. Side note. I took the CCRN when I was only one year into nursing. I passed but did not score well. Now schools want the score report. AACN will not let me retake until renewal, which is every three years, and my renewal is far off. So I am submitting a low CCRN score even though I would do better now.
What was your GRE score? Was it over 300?
It was 299.
Got it. I would retake it. Aim for at least a 305 to be competitive. Focus on the quantitative section. If you did well on analytical writing previously, you can sometimes ask programs to consider your highest section scores from multiple test dates to create a composite. Some will do that.
Regarding the CCRN score, I know it is frustrating, but it will not make or break you by itself. Programs also look at precepting, charge experience, and devices you manage as signals of clinical readiness.
Inside the Academy, we have a Pharmacology and Pathophysiology microcredential with post assessments. Earning that can signal clinical aptitude. We also have a Critical Care Certification microcredential in development to simulate the CCRN. It may not be ready in time for your application, but that is coming for future applicants who need another way to demonstrate readiness.
RN to CRNA: The Pathophysiology and Pharmacology Microcredentials inside CSPA are a strong addition to your CRNA school resume
I think you are on the right track. Retake the GRE and see if schools will accept a composite of your best section scores. Keep preparing for interviews to make sure you shine when you get the chance.
You mentioned feeling you did poorly on one interview yet were waitlisted, and another time you felt great but did not advance. That suggests there could be a blind spot in delivery that is hard to see on your own. Mock interview feedback can uncover tone, body language, or communication habits that affect how teachable you appear.
I have seen candidates with strong stats get passed over because the panel perceived them as less coachable based on tone. That may not be you, but it shows why outside feedback matters. Also remember the human factor. Interview panels change year to year. One group may not connect with you, while another does. Try not to take it personally.
Come to faculty office hours and ask for a few emotional intelligence questions and real time feedback on your responses. Dr. Herman, Dr. Newman, Dr. Ballastrot, and Dr. Wilson would be happy to help.
Okay. Thank you so much. I appreciate your feedback. Sorry for taking so much time.
I am sure you helped others too. Thanks, Dana.
Megan asked, “What is a good CCRN score? A bad one?” in the comments.
In a faculty Q&A session this past January, they said they look for scores around 100 out of 125, which is approximately 80 percent on the CCRN.
Anyone else have any questions?
From RN to CRNA Success Story
Hi, Jenny. Not really a question.
I got into my program!
Yay, Stephanie! Oh my gosh. I am going to cry. This is amazing. This has been a long time in the making.
It has been a long time. Thank you.
When did all this occur? Spill the beans.
The CSPA mock interview library really helped me a lot. I want to encourage anyone out there that this program is really helpful and made a difference for me. Every time I did a mock interview, they said I did really well. Watching the mock library videos helped me a lot.
Awesome. Stephanie, I am so proud of you. You had to overcome a lot. I know you worked tirelessly.
Thank you.
You are very welcome. I am so excited for you. Thank you for sharing the news. You made my day, my week, and my month.
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Thanks so much for tuning in! In this RN to CRNA Q&A, you heard practical advice on CRNA interview prep, NursingCAS applications, and GPA strategies so you can feel more confident and prepared for your own journey to becoming a nurse anesthetist.
Remember, every nurse’s CRNA journey looks different! Stay focused and keep moving forward — your CRNA goal is possible. Stay strong. We’re rooting for you, future CRNA!
Want more CRNA insights? Sign up for a FREE LIVE Q&A Session “Stand Out & Get In” to learn everything you need to know about getting into CRNA school.
Related Topics to Explore:
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- What’s the Best ICU for CRNA?
- What are the Eastiest CRNA Schools to Get Into?
- CRNA School With a Low GPA- Last 60 Credit Hour Programs
- CRNA School Costs: A Comprehensive Guide to Paying for CRNA School
- On-the-Spot CRNA School Acceptance- Brice’s Story
- How Bailey Turned 7 Rejections into Multiple CRNA Acceptances
Important Links
Join the Free CSPA Community! Connect with Aspiring CRNAs, Nurse Anesthesia Residents, practicing CRNAs, and CRNA Program Faculty Mentors who are ready to support you. Get real answers and expert guidance in a welcoming space that’s free from misinformation and negativity. You don’t have to do this alone! Join Now: https://www.cspaedu.com/community
Get access to application & interview preparation resources plus ICU Educational Workshops that have helped thousands of nurses accelerate their CRNA success. Become a member of CRNA School Prep Academy: https://community.crnaschoolprepacademy.com/join-cspa
Want Guaranteed CRNA School Admission? Learn More about the CSPA Money Back Guarantee here: https://community.crnaschoolprepacademy.com/6-12-month-intensive
Get CRNA School insights sent straight to your inbox! Sign up for the CSPA email newsletter: https://community.crnaschoolprepacademy.com/email-sign-up
Book a mock interview, resume or personal statement critique, transcript review and more: www.teachrn.com
