Yale GEPN Fall 2010

I think I found it somewhere unexpected on the website, or maybe I asked them in an email. But all of the schools that Im applying to- Yale, Columbia, and Johns Hopkins- say 1200 is "competitive" but again, no candidate gets in or does not get in strictly because of a number. I guess that means that if your score is 1200 plus then its an asset, and if its lower maybe you should pick up some volunteer hours or another bio course, yanno?

hey guys I'm seriously debating re-taking the GRE's now, I'm just a terrible test taker thought and I don't want my score to go down eek!! Decisions Decisions :P. Great thread by the way, thanks for all the advice!

If you don't mind my asking, were you particularly low in one section, or across the board? And did you run out of time doing the test? Also, were your scores a lot higher on the sample test that ETS provides? Why your scores were lower than you want will probably have a lot to do with whether you should retake it.

As far as the danger of retaking it, you may want to check the GRE policy with the programs that you plan to apply to. Some of the ones that I have looked at only take the highest score and one I looked into will take the highest section from multiple tests (so your verbal could come from one and your quant from another). So, you may be able to take it again with no pressure (other than the cost).

Hi,
I was low across the board. I got exactly 450 on each section (and I was an English major! Go figure) I actually never took an ETS sample test, I used Barrons.

I know that when I talked to the director of admissions, she said that Yale looks at all the score that you get. I'm so indecisive on what I want to do ahhh

Hi all,

At this point you cant really change your GPA, maybe not even the GRE test score. My best advise is to focus on writing a really solid personal statement. You guys need to really understand why you want to become a nurse practitioner? Why your chosen field? What contributions do you see yourself making to the field of nursing? Dont forget to answer all of the questions in the order that they ask you to and make sure that your essay flows.

The admission committees look at the entire package. The way they get to know you and your dedication to the field is through your statement and your interviews.

Good Luck to all of you!!!!!

Hi Yaliene,
Thanks for the advice! I'm assuming from your name (and I think i've seen you posting on this forum before) you go to Yale? I was just wondering how competitive it is? I've heard that it is pretty competitive, but I have also heard the opposite. Thanks again for your advice!

Hello maziemoo22,

I e-mailed you. Generally speaking, it really depends on how many applicants the track receives and the stats of those applicants. Right now, you cant really worry about the other applicants. You just have to focus on how to make yourself stand out. Good Luck!!!!

I was accepted to Yale GEPN this year and wanted to offer up my experience applying to schools. I applied to Yale, UCSF, JHU, Vanderbilt, Columbia, Marquette, & Emory. UCSF wait-listed me, but was fortunate to get in everywhere else. Since I remember the stress and anxiety of applying all too well, I thought I'd offer my experience to anyone who is interested. To break it down: I have an English BA, 3.6 gpa, 1140 GRE, A's in Physiology, Microbiology, Nutrition, Psychology, Stats and Chemistry which I took at a Community College after graduating from college, B in Anatomy, and about 2 years work experience in a totally non-nursing related job. I did have a lot of health care volunteer experience. I also got some great letters of rec, but I'm sure most people do.

Agreeing with everyone else- it really is all about the "total package"...a lot of which is conveyed in the essay. I had at least 8 people read my essay and critique/edit it. Write the essay in essay form (don't answer each question seperately) and don't gloss over the research question (my interviewer called me out on that because I didn't really go into depth since I had basically no scientific research experience). My interviewer had a copy of my essay and had highlighted parts to ask me about- so yes, the essay is more important that grades I believe.

Only Yale and UCSF had interviews. JHU has an informal phone interview that was more like a questionnaire. Yale will tell you exactly when the interview decision is sent out and will actually send it at that time. At my interview they told us 200 people were selected for an interview and 150 would be offered admission. (At least to the best of my memory, that is what they projected) UCSF gives you a rough time frame then sends interview invitations sometime over Christmas. If you have questions about either interview later on down the road, let me know!

Thanks!

Hi all,
I am spending time on my essay now and it is daunting. Are we really supposed to answer all those ?s in 2 pages and make it personal and interesting! This is a follow up question to the research issue. Should we write about any academic research we have done, even if it was not relevant to health issues?
Thanks for your tips!
Anne