This study describes criteria used by graduate nurse anesthesia educational programs (GNAEPs) in selecting students for admission. The investigators prepared and distributed a 15-item questionnaire to 71 GNAEPs as listed by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Eduational Programs for December 1992. Thirty-eight of 71 (54%) of GNAEPs participated in this study. Upon examination of standardized test scores, mean Graduate Record Exam scores were: analytical 533, quantitative 512, verbal 510, and cumulative 1,552. The mean Millers Analogy Test score was 47. The mean overall grade point average (GPA) was 3.32 and the mean science GPA was 3.20. Experience in critical care nursing averaged 5 years, with 54% of students coming from surgical intensive care units and 81% Advanced Cardiac Life Support certified. The most commonly identified prerequisite course was organic/biochemistry. All programs required references, 97% required interviews, and 68% required essays. Program directors ranked overall GPA, interview, and science GPA among the factors considered most in the selection process. The sample revealed an acceptance rate of 22% for those applying to GNAEPs.