Vanderbilt MSN 2015

Nursing Students School Programs

Published

Hello,

I am applying for the MSN program in '15, due in December. I was wondering if anyone knew how much weight the GRE holds, in regards to being competitive? I am a little nervous about my scores not being competitive. Any advice will help!

Best regards,

Guilty: I think you will be a strong candidate

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

I don't have an official cumulative GPA calculated. From my BSN- and the prereqs they used from previous schools- mine is only 3.46.

I've been an RN for almost 4 years... But only the last year in ICU. I really need good GRE scores- but I'm horrible at math!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hello All!

I am applying for Fall 2015 as well for the AG-ACNP program! I will be taking the GRE in September. I work on a unit where many nurses over the years have gotten into Vanderbilt's MSN program. One girl I work with said that she had "below average" GRE and GPA scores, but she was able to get accepted into the program for Fall 2014. She said they look at the entire application package, and that having one weakness such as sub par GRE scores does not automatically exclude you from getting into the program.

I hope we all get in to the program next year! I will be following this thread over the next several months to see if other people reply! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Haha, it's nice to know my GPA and GRE scores are decent, but my main worry is not having a strong enough resume. It's quite difficult to find a job with a biology degree (I'm planning on applying to entry level programs), and all I have are my volunteer experiences. Any suggestions on what I can do?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

GuiltyLove:

My sister just finished her MSN and DNP at Vanderbilt's program and is now a Pediatric NP at a clinic. Prior to applying for the program, she did not have much work experience and was a Psychology major. She took a part time job as a home health aide and then eventually landed a research assistant position. You could look into those jobs or you could work anything health care related that doesn't require a specific degree (i.e. Medical Receptionist or Patient Care Tech). You could also keep expanding on your volunteer experiences. From what I read earlier in the thread, your GRE and GPA stats are strong, so that definitely helps :).

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I 'd love to be accepted into Vanderbilt Psychiatric Mental Health Program,I have a high GPA 3.75 but low GRE, 153 and 155 Reading and Quantitative. I come from a different country and my writing was only 3.5. I am wondering if you guys know anything about the program. Is the admission difficult, how is the program?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

Esla- your GPA is great!! In my opinion Vanderbilt is in the top 10 (possibly even top 5) NP programs in the country!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Esla,

Your GPA is the same as mine, and your GRE scores are similar to many students admitted into the MSN program. They accept a fair amount of international students every year. Admission is competitive, but not impossible. I work with a nurse who got accepted into Vanderbilt's Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner program this year, and she had below average GRE scores and an average GPA. My older sister successfully went through the MSN and DNP program, and although it was rigorous and challenging, she had an amazing experience, and she is now a competent nurse practitioner who provides excellent care. Just like MallysMama said, Vanderbilt's program is one of the top nurse practitioner programs in the country. Good luck! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

MallysMama,

I also take the GRE on the 4th and am nervous just like you are! I'll cross my fingers for both of us! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
GuiltyLove:

My sister just finished her MSN and DNP at Vanderbilt's program and is now a Pediatric NP at a clinic. Prior to applying for the program, she did not have much work experience and was a Psychology major. She took a part time job as a home health aide and then eventually landed a research assistant position. You could look into those jobs or you could work anything health care related that doesn't require a specific degree (i.e. Medical Receptionist or Patient Care Tech). You could also keep expanding on your volunteer experiences. From what I read earlier in the thread, your GRE and GPA stats are strong, so that definitely helps :).

I can try expanding my volunteering experiences. It's soooo hard to even find jobs like that in this area because places here want applicants to have experience, and that starts the "how to get experience without experience" paradox... :( I'll try though.

Do you know any organizations that involve medical missions abroad or anything? I think if I can't find something to do, I'll want to travel and do something productive...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

GuiltyLove- have you looked into the Medical Reserve Corps in your state? I'm not sure if every state has it...but I volunteer with mine and it provides awesome volunteer opportunities! Maybe try doing a google search for it where you live? The MRC where I live receives funds from federal grants and is closely tied into the Health District.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have not looked at that, but I will soon! Thanks! I'm in California. I hope there's something close by.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment