Yale GEPN Fall 2010

U.S.A. Connecticut

Published

Okay, I know it's early, but Yale is my first choice, and I'm already terrified that I'm going to screw it up. My goal is New England (although I'm also applying to Pace because they have this Science Summer thing for those of us who haven't taken anatomy yet), and I want to be a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner.

I eventually want to either have a mobile clinic for poorer older folks who can't afford more traditional options or who are home-bound, or make home-calls in some other way.

I think Yale will help me get there, but I don't think I'll get in. I have a lower GPA (but still above a 3.0) from UC Santa Cruz, and I spent the last two years teaching in Taiwan, only to find out I don't like teaching very much. I'm taking my GREs in three weeks and I'm starting some prereqs this summer.

I'm also applying to Simmons, Pace, Northeastern, MGH and Boston College.

Before I ramble on any longer, anyone else applying?

Hi Guys,

I am also in for Adult/Geriatric NP. It was my birthday yesterday, and it was the best gift (email) ever! I am now choosing between Yale and U Penn. Anyone in the similar situation? Thank you!

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I'm also choosing between Yale and Penn for FNP. I think it's going to be Penn as long as they accept my transfer credit. I really liked the campus and area and it sounds like they're usually better with financial aid. They also seem a bit more flexible with taking time off, going part time, or changing specialties, which is good cause I'm scared of commitment!

I've been to New Haven before but I haven't specifically visited the school. What are your thoughts?

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I'm in for FNP! My head is spinning!

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Hi Wildschmidt,

I agree with you. U Penn does offer more flexibility in several areas. Not to mention the BSN degree can actually go a long way if you want to take a break, to make/save money, or to gain some work experience before continuing the MSN. I've been to Yale School of Nursing, and I liked the school and the faculty staffs. They were very professional and helpful (especially on the interview day). At the same time, I have been having a great time dealing with faculty and financial aid at U Penn, too! I mean they (U Penn) are seriously helpful, and really assist you every step of the way. I hate being so indecisive now!

Anyway, I am going for the U Penn Open day next week (Feb 26). I hope I would have some "clearing" by then.

Once again, thank you!

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Is anyone choosing between UVM and Yale (adult psych)?

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yep, i also got into uvm (fnp) and yale (midwifery). i feel like i have a lot more info about yale, mostly because i've actually been there, on interview day, but also just because there's a lot more online. i'm in california and have barely spent any time on the east coast - and i've never been to vermont at all. so it's really hard to feel like i'm making an informed decision.

although i haven't seen financial aid offers from either school, it sounds like uvm doesn't have any grants/schlolarships for the first year, while yale does. of course, yale is much more expensive...ugh. then there's the class size - do i want to be in a cohort of 14, or 80? and do i want urban or rural clinical experience...?

what are you thinking??

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I got accepted to Acute Care! I'm still looking at Miami & NYU though. Miami because it's cheaper and NYU because it's in NYC. (I currently live in NYC). I really don't know if I could call New Haven home for 3 years, there was really nothing about the area I found appealing. Unless I receive a sizeable financial aid package from Yale, I highly doubt I will consider it.

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Chender, thanks for the info about Yale! It's a good point that the BSN from Penn might be useful, since I can imagine wanting to take time as an RN, either during or after the program. The Yale staff have been super nice and helpful, but I think it will come down to flexibility and $ for me.

Lunchbox and eazye - I am not looking at UVM, but I have lived in the Burlington area before. So if you have questions just about the city and lifestyle I can answer those. It's definitely more rural and much less diverse than New Haven. You'd more be treating folks who are underserved due to location rather than $ and other factors.

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Specializes in Future CNM.

eazye,

Congrats on both schools! From and outside perspective it seems like what it boils down to is which specialty you are more interested in? FNP or CNM? From the Yale acceptance letter it doesn't seem like you can switch specialties? Good luck!

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eazye: I feel like I know much more about Yale as well, and you're right, it's hard to feel too decisive without having any of the financial aid information. I know much more about Yale's program (historically and in the present time) than I do about VT. It seems like I've had to dig to get any info and the administration is not exactly prompt w/responding.

As far as setting (urban vs. rural)- I am flexible. VT has a beautiful rural campus, but I hear that Burlington is also bustling, so you can opt for a more urban experience from time to time? I am born and bred on east coast, so neither location is very different from what I am used to.

I was also stunned by the size of the cohort accepted at UVM. Most of what I've learned about the program has been from this website and I am thankful for that.

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I'm a current GEPN that decided to come see what's going on here (after one of you emailed me with questions)...I really have to tell you to not base your decision on Yale's financial aid. It's pretty much non-existent. Do not get your hopes up! I think the largest package anyone got was around $8,000 (words from the mouth of the financial aid direct to my friend who got that grant). I remember being incredibly disappointed and upset when I got my financial aid letter, so I don't want you to go through that. It's going to be miniscule. Accept it. You choose Yale for other reasons. I will say, however, despite the cost of school, New Haven is an affordable city to live in, unlike NYC (Columbia gives you lots of money, but it still would have ended up being significantly more expensive than Yale because their estimated living expenses don't afford you enough to be able to live in NYC...) My husband and I live with another couple, splitting a 3 bedroom apartment, which is huge, and we pay $750/month. And New Haven is also quite great--and this is coming from a Southern Californian, who expected to not like it so much...You can walk/bike everywhere, there are beautiful parks, it's close to some great beaches, great farmer's markets (when the weather permits), hiking, and all the opportunities that being at Yale has to offer...I am happy I made the decision I did...

Try not to stress too much about your decision...I was a wreck last year...It'll all work out, and in a month, the decision will be made.

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Biddy,

Thanks for your insight! I am definitely leaning towards Yale (midwifery) and like everyone else, scared about the finances of it all. I think we should receive our financial aid packages soon, but like you said, i am not expecting anything grand. Do most YSN students pay for rent and living expenses with private loans? Do you think Yale's estimate of how much you need for the school year is accurate? Also, is it necessary to have a car? Sorry for the million questions, just trying to get a clear picture of it all!

You are right, everything will be settled soon enough :)

Lucy

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