CRNA programs that don't require the GRE

Most don't require it outright. Of the 154 accredited programs in our directory, 29 require the GRE of every applicant and 12 require it only in some cases, usually below a GPA cutoff. 37 say it isn't required, and 75 don't mention it in their admission requirements. Verify on the program's own admissions page — requirements change between cycles.

Only if a program you actually want requires it — including one that requires it below a GPA you don't meet — or if you need it to offset a low GPA at a program that accepts it as a counterweight. Otherwise the same study hours are better spent on the CCRN, a higher-acuity ICU assignment, or shadowing — all of which carry more weight in nurse anesthesia admissions.

Cumulative and science GPA, months and acuity of adult ICU experience, CCRN certification, shadowing, letters of recommendation, and the interview. Boost scores your profile against every program's stated bar so you can see which of those is actually holding you back.

10 programs in our directory tie the GRE to your GPA, each with its own rule. Augusta University Nurse Anesthesia Program: required if your prelicensure GPA is below 3.6 or your nursing degree is from a pass/fail school. Georgetown University Nurse Anesthesia Practice: required if your undergraduate cumulative GPA is below 3.5. Lincoln Memorial University Nurse Anesthesia: required if your cumulative GPA is below 3.4. Medical University of South Carolina Nurse Anesthesia: required if your cumulative GPA is below 3.6; waived with a master's or higher degree. Millikin University Decatur Memorial Nurse Anesthesia: scores requested if your undergraduate GPA is below 3.0 (the program's FAQ says the GRE isn't required). Northeastern University Nurse Anesthesia Program: waived with an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.6 or higher. Uniformed Services University Nurse Anesthesia: optional with an overall and science GPA of 3.5 or higher. University of South Carolina Nurse Anesthesia: may be waived with an overall and basic science GPA of 3.5 or higher, or a science master's degree. University of Tennessee Knoxville Nurse Anesthesia: required if your nursing GPA is below 3.3. Villanova University Nurse Anesthesia Program: required if your BSN cumulative GPA is below 3.4. "GPA" means a different set of courses at different schools, so check which one each program uses.