Any UCSF Mepn Applicants?

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Hi everyone--

Has anyone else out there applied to the UCSF MEPN program? They're supposed to send out letters this month (December) for the interview process. Has anyone gotten a letter yet? Will those that aren't asked to the interview process get a rejection letter now?

Crossing my fingers...!

PC2, so sorry to hear about your disappointing news. It is hard after all the work the application itself required.

I'm really not sure I know what got me to this stage, but I'd be happy to help in any way I can if you do decide to reapply. I hear, from inside sources, that reapplying gets you more points as it demonstrates a determination and a passion for the profession, rather than people who give up and go to law school instead, or whatever...

Thanks, I might take you up on that. For now I'm planning to continue with the A&P series at De Anza college followed by Microbiology. It's kind of ironic because I actually enjoyed A&P. Another possibility is to look into various ADN/BSN programs in the Bay Area in addition to reapplying to UCSF next year. Anyway, didn't someone say it's all those detours that makes life more interesting. :confused:

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:icon_rolleyes:

THE DREADED THIN ENVELOPE....it is mine.

Wah....after crying my eyes out (I'm not done yet), I will take my own advice and focus on what's next...and what options are open to me now that I know what I'm NOT doing. Sigh...it's not easy to hear that your "package" is so not-compelling that they don't even want to talk to you!

It's been fun commiserating and guessing and hoping and waiting with you all--good luck with everything! It would be awesome if you keep posting as you progress through the program--so many are curious as to what it's like.

And with luck, maybe I will see some of you there in a year.....

So sorry to hear you also got the dreaded thin envelope. I feel your pain.

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Hello...I too got the dreaded envelope (2nd time) and want to respond to anyone thinking of reapplying because that is the path I took. Last year, after the dreaded envelope, I waited until February and then set up an appointment to talk to a member of the faculty. The meeting takes place over the phone.

The faculty member I spoke with was extremely helpful. She told me that while I met the qualifications as far as GRE and prerequisites my choice of focus (Acute Care) and goal statment did not mesh very well. Further, she offered me her assistance to look over my goal statement should I choose to reapply.

True to her word, when I reapplied she went over my goal statement and offered me excellent advice on ways to make it stronger. I changed my focuse to HIV/AIDS and closely tailored my goal statment to back up my interest in that area. I have almost 5 years current volunteer experience in a reputable agency providing services to people living with HIV/AIDS.

I must admit to a wee bit of bitterness and disbelief that I dont' even warrant an interview. I am also trying hard not to notice that the pictures of the last 3 MEPN classes have all been primarly young women which would seem to undercut the program's claims to be seeking diverse backgrounds in its applicant pool. (I am a male approaching 40).

I think UCSF MEPN is an excellent program and Congratulations to everyone that gets interviews and then gets admitted. To anyone that didn't get interviews, consider carefully whether you fit the ACTUAL make-up of the student body as evidenced in the class photographs. Its a long and arduous process to go through twice.

One final little nitpic...why is the schedule such that rejections are sent right before the Christmas Holiday and WHY is it really necessary to send TWO letters letting those rejected know that they are not good enough.

Okay, this was my chance to vent my frustration. I hope, in the midst of the rant, the information on my reapplication experience is helpful.

Regards and Happy Holidays to everyone

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I'm so sorry you have had to go through this disappointment.

I did want to mention, for whatever it's worth, that in terms of class demographics that while I am a woman, I am 49. Not young.

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wow, CameronRex...first of all, thanks so much for your detailed comments. I am totally shocked that with your volunteer experience and re-working of the goal statement (with insider help) you didn't get an interview. It makes me think that those 90 people who did get interviews must be "even more" stellar in what they put forward. Meaning that ALL their applicants must be pretty amazing. Damn...what is your next plan? Are you applying to community colleges, too? I am. College of Marin gods, smile upon me...

Best of luck to you, seriously.

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wow, CameronRex...first of all, thanks so much for your detailed comments. I am totally shocked that with your volunteer experience and re-working of the goal statement (with insider help) you didn't get an interview...

It would be really interesting and greatly appreciated if I could read a goal statement from someone who got invited to interview or is already in the program. I realize it wouldn't be applicable to me but I could at least get a flavor of what a good goal statement looks like. Anyone in the NP track with interest in research willing to volunteering their goal statement to help a potential student? I'd be willing to drive to the UCSF campus to meet for coffee or something? If it makes any difference, I'm male and over 40.

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I'm so sorry you have had to go through this disappointment.

I did want to mention, for whatever it's worth, that in terms of class demographics that while I am a woman, I am 49. Not young.

49 IS young! The older I get the younger it looks! My post last night was fresh off the 'bitter train'. I didn't mean to imply that UCSF ONLY takes young women. Last years class had many more men than the year before...which is great. BUT, I researched and prepared for this for years and looking at the class demographics they are primarily young women. So, sci-fry, I think you can be especially proud because I firmly believe that you must be a stellar applicant to overcome the demographic tilt. I hope you WOW 'em in the interview and then once admitted show the young kids how smart and valuable we older fold can be! Go get 'em!!!

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wow, CameronRex...first of all, thanks so much for your detailed comments. I am totally shocked that with your volunteer experience and re-working of the goal statement (with insider help) you didn't get an interview. It makes me think that those 90 people who did get interviews must be "even more" stellar in what they put forward. Meaning that ALL their applicants must be pretty amazing. Damn...what is your next plan? Are you applying to community colleges, too? I am. College of Marin gods, smile upon me...

Best of luck to you, seriously.

I neglected to mention last night that two of my letters of reference were from doctors, one of whom is in the UCSF medical school administration. I have one advanced degree. I am not being egotistical but I really wonder what all the young applicants are bringing to the table where I do not even warrant an interview. Let me be clear, while disappointed, I would not be bitter if I had at least been granted an interview on my second try...even if eventually not getting admitted. I am very perplexed. If my credentials are not good enough then the Nursing School should be more honest and update their minimum requirements so as not to give more people false hope

Anyway, to answer your question, I am not sure what I am going to do next. I would need more prerequisites to apply to community colleges and while I am not sure what College of Marin is like, City College here in SF is a lottery system. An applicant with straight 'As' has as much chance of getting in as one with straight 'Cs'. I won't put myself through that. Any other program also requires that more time be spent not working or working low-paying jobs...which is difficult with living costs being what they are in the Bay Area. I may move out of the area if I choose the community college path.

I'm going to go home and visit my family for the holidays and I'll consider my options in the New Year.

Cheers to all and best of luck!

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Good morning CameronRex,

Yeah, College of Marin is also a lottery system. I applied last year, and believe me it stings when you are at the top of the class and your (academically) mediocre classmates are admitted. What a wierd system. Bah!

Sounds like with letters from UCSF doctors that you must have some bedside experience---have you thought about PA school? UC Davis has a great one. My understanding is that admission to PA school requires a certain number of hours working in a medical environment...

Have a good time with your family--surround yourself with supportive people, and be good to yourself. This IS hard.

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Hey guys

I got an interview for the FNP specialty track.....is there anybody else out there who got an interview for this specialty?

Also, to some of you who didn't get interviews, I heard that it is easier to get in the second time round...many people I know got in the second time, but not the first time, actually ALL of the people who I know who are in the program got in their second time applying. So don't give up! This is a grueling process, with a lot of hoops to jump through...and it is very very discouraging, but they do say that UCSF does give a slight advantage to applicants who have applied more than once!

Also, if you didn't get an interview and you applied to the FNP specialty, Samuel Merritt in Oakland is still accepting applications (applications are due January 15th)! Although they do require more pre-reqs...but just as long as you take the pre-reqs before program entry, it is fine!

Anyways, good luck to all of you and happy holidays!

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Hi all

I"m a new registered member (been lurking for months) but I just HAD to post, as I just received my dreaded thin letter from UCSF yesterday. It's not like I didn't know this was a competative program, but I really didn't reallistcally plan for the rejection. You know -- was trying to focus on the positive. I did have a vague "plan B" which is to apply again next year (which I will definitely do), but I now have other things to work out, like getting a job (I was laid off this summer), blah blah blah. I'll think about my path after the holidays. For sure I am going to try to get input from the program after Feb 1 '07 as to how I can stregthen my application -- although CameronRex's post makes a little cynical about that. But UCSF's program is excellent and it's really the only one I am interested in in this general area (SF Bay Area). Moving out of the area isn't an option for me.

Congratulations to all of you who got accepted!!!! I am especially encouraged by SciFry's acceptance, as I am 45 and wondered if my age was a factor. Anyhow, I hope you all enjoy the program and get out there and make a difference in the nursing world!

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Hello UCSF applicants,

I still have yet to get a letter. I spent all morning dreading going to the mailbox and nothing came.

I'm not sure what to think regarding this program. All of you seem so well qualified! I haven't worked as a CNA or anything but have worked in several medical settings and did some random volunteer work including teaching English to Russian immigrants, mentoring female undergraduate science majors, and tutoring, so who knows. After I graduated from college, I realized that I can't necessarily AFFORD to do long-term volunteer projects and I don't even have a family, so I can't imagine how hard it must be for older applicants with children.

I'll be really bummed if I don't get an interview. I visited San Francisco last year on vacation (I'm from Illinois) and, just like most everyone, I fell in love with the place. I know that no matter what program I end up doing, I'm eventually going to move to the bay area anyway, so UCSF seemed like the perfect choice for me.

I didn't realize that the two interviews are not on the same day. This scares me. It's already going to cost me $500 bucks for the airfare if I get an interview. At least I have some friends to stay with near the school.

To all those who got rejected, I'm sorry to hear this. You will all, I'm sure, get into great programs and I wish you luck!

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