2013 UPenn BSN/MSN Applicants

mz_marit · Oct 31, 2012

Pre-req's GPA was very good, but from my previous degree we had "evaluations" so no GPA. GRE was not good in the math department (I think something low like 460/800), good in english/writing. I can't remember now what I got. It was when the older test was in place. I did a lot of volunteering around reproductive healthcare issues in CA, which is my passion. It came across in my personal statement and the interview I think... Really they look at more than GRE scores and GPAs. These are big but really being spot on as to why Penn, and why advanced practice nursing, also why the BSN/MSN or PhD program appeals to you, is huge. Getting a BSN as opposed to an RN degree that isn't a bachelors is very cool. Know Penn nursing's mission and see how it weaves into your reasons for going into healthcare - this will shine through during the interview.

hopefulnurse24 · Oct 31, 2012

Thanks for all of the awesome responses. Your GRE score in math is similar to mine! I scored a 490, or 143, and a 153 or 500 in verbal, so that gives me some hope. I guess we will see! One more question... what's your class schedule like right now, and how much sleep do you typically get? I'm very curious as to what life is like for students in these programs, if you can't already tell :)

bardone · Oct 31, 2012

Hmm... undergrad evaluations, huh? Any chance you went to Hampshire, Evergreen, or SLC?

I looked at some of your older posts and the work you're seeking to do in Women's Health is really just awesome. How is Penn supporting you in that? (FWIW, I applied for the AGNP specialty.)

I am curious about your fellow students. Do you spend a lot of time with your BSN class, or is it too big to really gel as one unit? Are there many "older" (>30) students?

Thanks for your wonderful input & insights!!

mz_marit · Oct 31, 2012

I went to Evergreen! Again, I thought it was a long shot to get into penn with the kinds of classes i took there. All fine though. The faculty are very supportive of what I want to do as an NP in women's health. It's really, really wonderful.

And my accelerated BSN classmates... I couldn't be luckier. We are a cohort of 83, all walks of life, many different interests/backgrounds/NP focuses, all ages (I think from 22-36?), and all close. I've heard almost everyone in our class say that they dig everyone and we all agree that there's a strong class bond. We're continuously surprised and impressed by what we learn from one another, and it shakes many preconceived notions to the ground. Definitely we have people who we gravitate more towards and spend our time with, but in general I find us all getting along fabulously, hanging out when the chance arises, and really laughing and commiserating over the nursing student life. I've heard the class above us was not as close - it changes year to year. There are a handful of older students, married students, students with kids - it's an awesome mixed bag.

PNPhopeful · Oct 31, 2012

Hi mz_marit! I loved reading these past few posts. Thank you so much for the insight...I think all of us really needed to read that while we're anxiously awaiting news about interviews. I am also from CA (LA) and Penn is my #1 choice! I really don't know what my chances are of receiving an interview but I'm just keeping positive thoughts =) When you interviewed, did you fly out or do a phone interview? How was it overall?

mz_marit · Oct 31, 2012

I did the phone interview - it was too challenging to fly out in December for the in person interview. It went great. I think they weigh both equally because of how hard it is to schedule all those face to face interviews, so one doesn't put you at an advantage over another necessarily. It was a really laid back and pleasant interview - felt like a conversation. I reiterated a lot of points from my personal statement and emphasized why penn was the place for me, and why I wanted to focus in women's health. Overall, you're entering into a community of faculty who want to support you and your passions, so there won't be any gotcha questions, I don't think.

meep05 · Oct 31, 2012

What do you think is the advantage of getting a BSN vs. and RN-MSN? I am applying to both type of programs and am willing to go to either. Do you think there is much of an advantage? Is there a difference in the cirriculum? Do you get more clinical hours? Thanks for sharing all your input!

kdiem · Nov 1, 2012

I have the same question as anaboo!

kdiem · Nov 1, 2012

Also, were you deciding between other schools during this time?

hopefulnurse24 · Nov 1, 2012

kdiem, I like that question! Yes, were you choosing between other schools at this time, and if so, which ones?

hollysf · Nov 1, 2012

kdiem, I like that question! Yes, were you choosing between other schools at this time, and if so, which ones?

And to add to this, what made Penn stand out to you? Was it an obvious choice or did you struggle with the decision? What are your favorite things about Penn thus far?

mz_marit · Nov 4, 2012

What do you think is the advantage of getting a BSN vs. and RN-MSN? I am applying to both type of programs and am willing to go to either. Do you think there is much of an advantage? Is there a difference in the cirriculum? Do you get more clinical hours? Thanks for sharing all your input!

I think the BSN is a valuable asset, especially if bedside nursing is something you might consider doing before the MSN (which I never thought I wanted to until I started clinical, becuase I've always been so focused on the NP portion). Many hospitals are requiring BSN educated nurses now, and to be honest I'm not sure what the major differences are aside from just the degree title. I think we do more classes in the 18 months instead of what we would be doing if it was a 12 month RN program (as part of the MSN). I will think on this more - but the BSN appealed to me in the case that I maybe would want to work as an RN at some point.