Applying to direct entry NP schools

[Easyas123247]

I am currently applying to direct entry schools, I graduated in 3.5 years with 140 credit hours, and a few graduate courses, in Dec 2008 with a general health science degree from Purdue. I interned in management for Walgreens corporation during school and worked for two years as an assistant manager of a sears mall store. I paid off my student loans.

Then I decided that before I go to school I would serve the military, and my country - like I always wanted to do - and am now in the US navy. I received a 3.5 writing gre. 155 quant, and 152 verbal a week ago. My applications are due by November, but I assume many are rolling admissions. Due to being out of school since Dec 2008 I will beef up my application with a non-required excelsior exam in anatomy and physiology, and 20-50 us navy 3-5 hour certificate courses on the subject matter, to add to my prior 2 years of consecutive coursework in A and P. I am writing essays, requesting recommendations from the past and present, and studying like a motivated applicant is expected to study in my opinion. Most of my community service was completed during my time for sears. I also plan on attending a few info sessions to introduce myself to the faculty, while managing a busy us navy "ship-yard workload."

I am sure many of you have years of experience and some are currently applying to the same schools as me: lol. If you have any advice or assistance on how to better my application please advise.

[anichka]

I would re-take the GRE based on your writing score. It seems like most schools want a 4.0 for the writing. The other parts of your GRE seem solid, though.

If you can find someone to shadow, I would recommend that as well. If you do it, try to incorporate what you learn into your essay to show your understanding about the role and profession.

[mzaur]

I second the suggestion to retake GRE. Look at the Sparknotes guide to the writing section and follow that formula. Pm me if you want more advice. I got a 4.0 and 1370 the first time I took it and then a 5.0 and 1450 (159q,166v) my second time after studying for about a month. The better your GRE score, the better your chances of acceptance, in addition to qualifying for scholarships

[Easyas123247]

I still have to weigh that with taking a challenge exam in anatomy and physiology. I received an A in 1.5 years of writing, so hopefully if I do not get the chance to retake it then they will consider the grades I have obtained in writing. I think a challenge exam would be more beneficial than retaking the gre due to the length of time I have been out of school.