Any UCSF Mepn Applicants?

NurseInTraining76 · Jul 17, 2008

And this is my last post, for the 15 I need:

Don't sweat the GRE's too hard, I think they intentionally de-emphasize it.

On the other hand, do make sure you stress your history of doing civic volunteerwork, and try to present this history with as much depth and relevance as possible (2 pages isn't much!).

star77, MSN, RN · Jul 19, 2008

Also, (pardon the separate posts, but I need to have 15 to be able to PM on this site) - your essay really, really needs to show "congruence" with your stated goals. You whole application really needs to hang together, present a coherent picture, so to speak.
They really want you to be incredibly sure of your choices.

I totally agree.

Also, when they say it's intense, they're NOT kidding. Regarding second languages, I'd say about half the class right now speaks a second language, but everyone is very driven and determined- and exceptionally cooperative. We a fun, helpful, cohesive group of adults who are into helping each other succeed - and it's amazing.

A few other things that help, I think: Know WHY a Master's degree and not a second bachelor's is a good choice for you, and WHY you picked your specialty. Know why the nursing philosophy speaks to you.

There are a few blogs from this year's class, and if you google UCSF MEPN, you'll see a few pop up (make sure you look at the first and second pages of google at least, because they hide). Those were helpful in figuring out what to expect when I read the prior years' blogs. There's also the MEPN nation blog.

It's an awesome program (so far). I am constantly amazed at what we're learning and how quickly we're learning it.

If you're totally sure of what you want to do, then it's awesome -

and I wish you all luck.

:up:

TeamRVA · Jul 21, 2008

Ok, so here is the deal. I am going to apply to this school regardless of what anyone here says, but it is always a good idea to get some kind of feedback of the likelihood that I will be accepted. You all seem to be so incredibly knowledgeable about this program, so I am really hoping that some of that will help me out, here! And the more I read about direct entry programs the more I realize how different each one is as far as what they are looking for. Some want patient contact, some don't at all, some want good GRE scores, others want a great essay....

I want to apply to the WHNP program. I am 24, have a BA in Women's health and science from a school in Virginia. I had a 3.45 for my final GPA. I got an A in anatomy, a B in Physiology and an A in research methods. My GRE scores, aren't so great, V-460, M-540 and writing- 3.5. I have worked at a women's health clinic for close to 3 years, with lots of patient contact, I now work for the Virginia Department of Health as a health educator for STD's and HIV/AIDS. I started a 501© 3 reproductive health fund at the age of 19, and still continue to sit as a board member. I am on the national board of the National Network of Abortion Funds, and have a lot of other activist/volunteer experience concerning women's health. My letters of recommendations will be coming from the MD whom I worked with for 3 years at the women's clinic, my anatomy professor who has her PhD, a NP with her PhD in nursing whom was my professor for a women in health undergrad class, and then the other 2 are kind of up in the air... it could be from someone from the national board I work with, who has tons of reproductive justice experience, an undergrad professor who has her PhD and works with reproductive technology theory whom I will be publishing an article with in October, or my current boss at the Health Department I currently work for. I can crank out an awesome essay, I'm sure of it, and I really have the passion. I'm good with people and interviews, so I think that will be ok. I want to work with low income women, and specifically would love to focus on queer and trans gynecological care. Is this something I should include in my essay?

I just know that this program is REALLY competitive, and I want to know if I even have a shot!

czyja, MSN, RN · Jul 22, 2008

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I just know that this program is REALLY competitive, and I want to know if I even have a shot!

You bet you have a shot! The only way you would not have a shot is if you did not apply. Make sure you write a good statement - explain why becoming a nurse is congruent with your life/career goals - make sure you answer the questions they ask! Why do you want to be a nurse?

It is not about grades, it is about the complete package.

BTW - no offense meant, but posting is bold makes it hard to read.... it is sort of like you are shouting.

NurseInTraining76 · Jul 22, 2008

"I just know that this program is REALLY competitive, and I want to know if I even have a shot!"

I think you have a good chance of getting in. Your GPA and GRE will both be a little bit lower than median, but you have a lot of good experience in the right types of areas, and trans health is a very, very underserved area. It'll come down to your essay and recommendations. Feel free to PM me if you want to know more. I have a lot of things to share with you, and don't want to take up forum space.

You know what you should also do: contact Shane Snowdon, the LGBT guru at UCSF, and ask her to put you in touch with someone who is interested in trans health issues in the nursing school. They would certainly probably talk to you, as this is not that big of an area, and I am sure they would appreciate having more folks involved.

haikustairs · Jul 29, 2008

hi,

i'm another anxious applicant looking to evaluate my chances. i am currently a liscenced clinical social worker and interested in the integrated anp/pysc cns track. i heard this track is getting much more comprtitive. is that true? also wondering how important gre's are and if i will be okay if i only get in the low 600s in v and q?

thanks!

NurseInTraining76 · Jul 29, 2008

1) GRE's are de-emphasized.

2) If you have at least a 1000 or so, you are fine.

3) I have no idea what your chances are, but that's my program, and there were only 2 of us last year. FNP is the most competitive. Other programs are less so. I think you should just go for it.

lananp · Jul 29, 2008

I'm a current MEPN student. Your score sounds great to me, but from my understanding GRE is not so important for acceptance. Personal statement and following interviews are. Be clear about what you want to do and why(reasons that get you to this point).

regards!

haikustairs · Jul 30, 2008

how is the psych track? do you find that you are focused mostly on prescribing meds? are there opportunities for providing psychotherapy(individual and group) at all and what do you think of the placement options for clinicals?

thanks!

genanais · Jul 31, 2008

Hi everyone! I'm new to this site and have thoroughly enjoyed reading the past posts. I'm just starting my application for Spring 09, and plan on applying for the FNP track. I keep seeing that it is the most competitive (which scares me). Does anyone know HOW much more competitive it is? I have taught high school in East Oakland for the past few years, and I would really like to work as a NP for low-income communities (specifically, near a high school like that one I work for now). Anyone know about how many applicants they accept each year?

PBJpony · Jul 31, 2008

Hiii nightnurse! my name is pauline tom and im interested in the ucsf achin track also! Are you in the program already? Please email me back at . looking forward to hear from you!

Pauline

star77, MSN, RN · Aug 6, 2008

I know you guys are anxious, but take a chance. Do it. Nobody can truly predict your chances- you can only put your best effort forward and hope that the program is a good match for you. Answer the questions clearly, talk about what experiences brought you to decide on nursing.

As to competition? Well, yeah, it's competitive, but 83 of us are in class now, and I think (correct me if I'm wrong current classmates) that they're expanding the MEPN program a bit.

Do what you love. Show it's what you want to do, and be clear. And don't be so worried about your scores that you let them keep you from what you want to do. I don't know my classmate's GRE scores. I know they work really hard, and I know they're very confident about why they chose nursing.

Best of luck.