Is grad school really this hard to get into?

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Greetings!

Soooo after Georgetown kept haunting me to apply, I ended up not getting accepted. Waiting on Univ of Cincinnati (online) acceptance. I never knew graduate school would be this hard to get into. I never had issues with applying to a school I wanted and getting accepted. Feeling down, and needing a little encouragement.

Specializes in ..
I think a big part of it is that NP is a really hot career right now. Nursing, more generally, has gotten obscenely competitive, at all levels. Best of luck to you guys.

I agree with this wholeheartedly! I also expect that the reality of nursing and NP will bring these numbers down in a little while with a lot of licensed, non-practicing RN's and NP's who will have decided that "this is not for me."

Please be willing to apply to some of these schools as "non-degree seeking" as this will get you through the door in some cases, and make it easier for full acceptance. The only cautions to this strategy would be to make sure you get A's in these courses and choose core classes like the 3 P's or research. Be sure to limit yourself to six or nine credits as most grad schools will allow you to transfer in that many credits. This way you make yourself known to the school and at minimum have some of the core out of the way.

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Everyday the Admission Counselor was calling, giving updates and I feel like the least thing he could have done was follow up and "close" the relationship. He kept pushing me to get everything done, was there thru every step and then nothing.

Some schools have turned to heavy recruiting of applicants, including applicants who they know may not be a good fit, in order to boost their total number of applicants. Having a larger applicant pool actually improves a school's US News and World Report ranking. Not saying that this is what Georgetown is doing, but it makes you wonder. It also shows you how easily manipulated school ranking really are.

I think that this year was really rough. I consider myself a pretty strong applicant (4.0 undergrand GPA from Michigan, five years critical care experience, professional teaching experience plus volunteering...I'm also a male FWIW) and was turned down. I got into UCLA, but also had the benefit of working at UCLA's hospital.

I also think it has something to do with people's belief that the DNP will be mandatory starting in 2015. UCLA doesn't even have a DNP program yet.

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yeah, I think the concern about the DNP is a funny thing. My school (UCSF) hasn't adopted it yet, either.

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.
yeah, I think the concern about the DNP is a funny thing. My school (UCSF) hasn't adopted it yet, either.

Bit off topic but the DNP plan was voted down by the faculty over a year ago but it sounds like it is being revisited. There is an informational session about it and medical center NP's are invited to participate as stakeholders.

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Specializes in Correctional Nursing; MSN student.

Dixiecup, I tried to PM you but your box is full. I'd love to ask you a few questions if you don't mind...thank you!

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Specializes in cicu,pccu.

My friend just completed UC's program and passed hsi boards. He highly recommends their program. Good luck! He did it working full time hours also.

Thank you illcleff!

MskateeRN I must say you have strong determination and great experience under your belt! Now that's modivation for

Me and others. apparently your Recommenders feel that you are a great nurse and will do great in being a NP. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Those schools or that perfect job just wasn't ready for you yet! Please keep us updated! Best of luck!

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i just got accepted into univ of cincinnati fnp program and start in the spring 2013. looking forward to being in class with you

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i start in the spring also. My name is Kim. Looking forward to being in class with you

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Bit off topic but the DNP plan was voted down by the faculty over a year ago but it sounds like it is being revisited. There is an informational session about it and medical center NP's are invited to participate as stakeholders.

crap, somehow I missed this. How did the session go? Did you attend?

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Specializes in ER.

My name is Amber. I also was accepted into the FNP program at the University of Cincinnati. We should keep in touch. Excited to start class with you in Jan 2013!

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Specializes in Neurology and Med Surg.

Just curious to know it anyone in this thread get accepted! Don't give up!

I pm you Amber.

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Has any University of Cincinnati NP students done welcome call?. I received an email saying it will be this week. I am a little nervous and excited counting down. Does anyone have book list ? I understand admission advisor will give list out soon. I know that some of us will be ANP and others FNP but I believe we will take some of same courses.

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