Re: Ucsf Mepn Hopefuls Entering 2010

Opps... I didn't notice that this thread was in the "Men in Nursing" section. Hope you guys don't mind us girls highjacking your thread...

Re: Ucsf Mepn Hopefuls Entering 2010

Has anyone finished their goal statement and personal history yet? I am close to being done, but need to get some second opinions - there is such a fine line between grabbing attention and straying too far off topic.

Gahhh, so much pressure for a couple pages of writing!

Re: Ucsf Mepn Hopefuls Entering 2010

I'm applying for the second time to the UCSF MEPN program...I am definitely freaking out!! I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Africa and have spent the last three years working in public health for vulnerable populations. I have a lot of good experience but I'm a little nervous about my GRE scores. I scored in the 90th percentile on verbal but didn't do so great on the quantitative (540)...I imagine it's too late to take them again, no?
I'm also a little nervous because I might be switching tracks...I have been persuaded by a UCSF faculty member to apply to a different track than I applied to last year. Has anyone on the message board made a similar decision and switched specialties the second (or third) time around? For those of you who are reapplying, I have been told that it's very common to be rejected the first or second time then admitted the following year. That gives me some hope!
Any insight would be much appreciated.
Good luck to you all!

Re: Ucsf Mepn Hopefuls Entering 2010

Hi again,
I am working on my goal statement as we speak and am still confused by the difference between it and the personal history statement. I believe the goal statement is the most important. Still, I would rather do one long essay rather than two and it feels very disjointed. Any tips?
Anne

Re: Ucsf Mepn Hopefuls Entering 2010

My take on it, and I could be way off, was that the goal statement is more focused on why you want to be a nurse, why you want to pursue a certain specialty, and what you plan on doing with your degree. The personal history is more about what you have overcome or any unusual life journeys and how it will make you a better nurse.

For me they break into two essays pretty cleanly, but I am struggling with how personal to get on the second one.

From the information session I attended, I would agree that the goal statement is the most crucial. They really want to see a passion for nursing and congruence between what you write and the specialty that you are applying for.

I really thought the GRE would be the hardest part of the process - but these essays are killing me. And every school asks something different, grrrr!

Re: Ucsf Mepn Hopefuls Entering 2010

Yes,
I agree completely! These essays are kicking my ass. Would you like to exchange and read each others for tips and help. FYI I probably still need a day or two before I would even feel comfortable sending mine to you! I never made it to info sessions and I am going for the midwife track, did they state how much experience in the field they required?
Anne

Re: Ucsf Mepn Hopefuls Entering 2010

That would be great! I will look through my notes from the information session too. I see you don't have 15 posts yet, but you can email me at my yahoo address: protongryl. I am going for the FNP specialty myself.

Re: Ucsf Mepn Hopefuls Entering 2010

Hey Protongirl.
I emailed you my history statement on Sat. Let me know if it did not go through!
Thanks
Anne

Re: Ucsf Mepn Hopefuls Entering 2010

Hey guys!!
This is my 2nd time around applying to UCSF MEPN. Essays are killing me too. Let's keep this thread going!

Re: Ucsf Mepn Hopefuls Entering 2010

Yes - lets keep this thread going! To update my earlier post... I have received my GRE scores from taking them in the Dominican Republic (570V 730Q still waiting on writing). I volunteered with a group of US midwives who were down here on a service trip and I got to see three vaginal births! It was super cool and I'm planning on working with them again in November when they send the next group. I also completed an online birth doula course, so now I'm a registered birth doula. I guess that will be my Plan B for next year. Work as a Birth Doula and gain more experience. I am putting the finishing touches on the essays. I can't seem to keep them short though... My goal statement is about 2 &3/4 pages and my personal statement is just under 2. I'm also putting gentle pressure on the last two people who haven't sent in letters of recommendation. And, I will be starting online Anatomy and Physiology on the 24th through Barton Community College.

Sept 1st is getting closer by the day...