/become/strength-check
How competitive is your application?
Fill this in honestly and we'll show you how you stack up against typical accepted applicants. Benchmarks are pulled from publicly-reported program admission data + AANA surveys; treat as guidance, not gospel.
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Most accepted applicants land 3.5-3.9. Top programs report medians ~3.7+.
Programs weight this heavily. <3.0 → consider post-bacc.
Most programs require ≥1 yr; 2+ years is the typical accepted range. Level-1 trauma/SICU/CTICU weighted higher.
Higher acuity (CVICU, CTICU, level-1 trauma) carries more weight than step-down or general MICU/SICU.
Required by most programs. Adult CCRN typical; Peds/Neonatal CCRN if applicable.
Many programs no longer require GRE. If yours does, 305+ is competitive.
Most programs want documented hours; 16-40 is typical, 80+ is strong.
Charge nurse, preceptor, council/committee, code-team lead — any documented leadership role.
Bonus signal. Not required, but moves the needle at top programs.