Seattle U - APNI 2013

[Calinca]

Hello everyone - this is my second time applying. A month ago, I bombed the interview!

If this is your first time applying, there's a world of information from previous years, especially from the 2012 thread where we reached more than one thousand messages.

I know it's super early to start this thread, but this whole thing takes a long time to prepare and the more time we have before the deadline, the better.

I'm from the Seattle area, my background is Microbiology from the UW and I am again applying for the midwifery track.

[conniferous]

Hi all,

I was wondering if any of you have any idea when the best time to submit is. I've been working on my letter of intent and still have a long way to go. Is earlier the better? Or does it not matter.

Also, how do you know if a letter of rec has been submitted? I'm sure we can just call, but I'm not sure if the admission's office would love that since they do get a lot of calls and apps.

Any info would be helpful and I look forward to getting to hear from some of you!

[Cura te ipsum]

[TABLE=class: detailTable]

[TR]

[TD]Title:

[/TD]

[TD]Seattle University College of Nursing Graduate Programs Open House

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Description:

[/TD]

[TD]Meet with faculty and staff from each of our graduate programs as well as admissions and financial aid representatives.

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Sponsor:

[/TD]

[TD]Office of Graduate Admission

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]When:

[/TD]

[TD]Friday, October 19, 2012 (4:30 PM - 6:30 PM)-See all future dates

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Where:

[/TD]

[TD]Student Center

(First floor)

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Web site:

[/TD]

[TD]Graduate Open House - Visit SU - Graduate Admissions - Seattle University

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Contact:

[/TD]

[TD]Troy Sterk, [email protected], [phone]

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]RSVP:

[/TD]

[TD]RSVP recommended

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Access:

[/TD]

[TD]The public is welcome to attend this event.

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD=colspan: 2][/TD]

[/TR]

[/TABLE]

This is one of the best opportunities to have your questions answered and gain insight into the programs available and meet with some of the faculty and/or administrators.

Contact Troy to RSVP and as a resource for your questions.

This program is fast paced and academically rigorous. So far, it has exceeded my expectations and I would recommend it to individuals desiring to help individuals who are members of vulnerable populations. The presentation at the Open House helped me formulate and focus my personal essay to align it with the program mission.

[bobobijoux]

cureac,

I'm thinking about UPenn, but I from Seattle and don't really want to move.

Do the schools you listed have an immersion program as well?

What do you think you could do differently this year to get in? Do you have volunteer experience and/or volunteer experience in the healthcare field. Anything you learned through the application process that would be helpful?

[bobobijoux]

hi cureac,

I'm thinking about UPenn, but I from Seattle and don't really want to move.

Do the schools you listed have an immersion program as well?

What do you think you could do differently this year to get in? Do you have volunteer experience and/or volunteer experience in the healthcare field. Anything you learned through the application process that would be helpful?

[bobobijoux]

Hi everyone,

I am wrapping up my prereqs next quarter so it's time to really think about what the next step is. Actually, I've been thinking about it a lot but haven't come to any conclusions.

My dream is to be an FNP in a free/sliding scale clinic for the under served. I really love SU's values and mission statement and feel like it is a good fit for me. I guess what I have been struggling with is whether I should go straight into SU or go through an RN program and then apply to SU directly after. The pros of doing the RN program first are that it would be cheaper, not only is the program cheaper but then I can work as an RN while getting through the NP program. Working as an RN as I am going through the program will also give me a few years of experience which is a good thing. I figure that getting the RN program at Shoreline and then transferring to SU would put me roughly 60k in debt instead of 115k in debt. The major disadvantage of going this route is that it is going to take twice as long. It's 4 more years of balancing work and school... sounds grueling. Also, I wonder if I would be less competitive trying to get into a tradition MSN program without work experience or a BSN. Burnout is another factor. After 2 years of an RN program I may want/need to take a break and just work which drags this whole process out even further.

Going straight into SU definitely has it's advantages. The program is only 2 years... much more doable. The main concern is that I feel like I am putting all my eggs in one basket with SU. I'm already waiting a whole year to apply, if I don't get in and have to wait another year, well I would but it would suck. I know I will get into Shoreline and be able to start next fall...

Have any of you thought of doing a RN program first? I would love to hear your thoughts!

[bobobijoux]

knightr4,

Those are all really good questions and I am sure with your ongoing research you will find what fits.

I am going for the FNP program because it will qualify me to do exactly what I want to do. I want to work in a free/sliding scale clinic serving impoverished families. My main purpose as an FNP will be to work with this population. I currently work as a CNA with the elderly and I really enjoy it which has made me consider going the Adult NP route, especially since the FNP is harder to get into. But in being true to my purpose I know I will be happier with my decision to be an FNP.

I would suggest really thinking about what population of people you want to work with. In your mission statement you will have to give good evidence that you really know what you are getting yourself into and that your program of choice aligns with you goals. I think practicality does play a role. Fortunately schools around here offer the program I want.

[cureac]

[COLOR=#003366]bobobijoux,

I would really encourage you to attend an info session. The info session in September was really helpful. I applied to the FNP track last year because my heart was reallly set on it. I'm also dreaming of working in a sliding scale clinic as a NP. The FNP track is really competitve. I was told at the info session that if your GPA is not over a 3.7 you should apply to the AGNP track since it's not as compettive. If you decide to do the AGNP track you get to work with patients over 13 years of age. So you can still work with under served populations. She also mentioned that they're looking for a combined GRE score of 310 on the new version. Hope this helps. She also mentioned that you get extra points if you score a 4.5 or higher on the writing session.

I have been working in different health care fields for the past couple of years but I didn't have any volunteer experience when I applied last year. So this year, I've been volunteering at a homeless shelter and in a local hospital. I'm also planning on making my essay stronger. I've also considered doing the RN program at shoreline first and then maybe doing an RN-MSN program but it does take twice as long. That might be my plan B. Also starting 2014, you have to get a PhD to become a NP.

Have you considered applying to PLU? They have an ELMSN program. After you take the nclex you have the option to apply to the FNP part of the program.

[COLOR=#003366]bobobijoux, are you applying to SU this year? Do you have any other schools in mind?

[bobobijoux]

Hi Cureac,

Thanks for your thought! SU has an info session this Friday and I'm going to attend. Thanks for the information about the GRE and GPA.

I've heard about the 2014 date of requiring your PhD... but I've also heard that it's just a goal. If that is that case shouldn't SU re-work it's program to comply with this? Do you know if SU is planning on redoing their program to comply with this goal any time soon?

I've looked into PLU. The ELMSN program doesn't guarantee you will get into their FNP program which makes it less attractive. I am sure most students will start that program hoping to apply to the FNP portion. For the amount of money it costs it doesn't seem worth it.

I don't really want to move but I would consider UPenn because it's not only an amazing school but my partner could possibly transfer their from his work.

[knightr4]

If things change to require a DNP for NPs, SU will role all NP students into a DNP program that would take an additional year. Unless the requirement officially changes SU is currently planning on sticking with a Masters degree program.

Thank you so much for the hard data on what SU is looking for in the GPA and GRE. I am going to take the GRE one more time and now I have something to shoot for.

bobobijoux - I would recommend applying at SU if you know that SU is ultimately where you want to go. At the info session I went to they made it clear that the NP program at SU is geared specifically toward people who do not have their RN. Also, you will recieve your RN during the program and have the opportunity to work as an RN during the program anyway. I would also recommend applying to more than one school, whether its other NP programs or RN programs, so as not to put all your eggs in one basket.

[knightr4]

Also, does UPenn have a direct entry program? As far as I can tell all their grad programs require a BSN.

[bobobijoux]

Knightr4,

UPenn's masters program requires a BSN but their direct entry program includes the BSN followed by the masters portions. It's like the SU program but instead of being an RN half way through you get your BSN.

[salinn]

Yes, U Penn has a direct entry program but the application deadline for a 2013 start was this last Mon 10/15.