what are my chances of getting in accelerated program for MSN?

Nodean · Aug 16, 2006

I just got accepted to Samuel Merritt's ELMNS-FNP program. The GRE is not required. I had a 3.2 last 60 units and a 3.25 science. Competition was tough I think it was my experience six years as a paramedic/firefighter that made the difference. They do not focus strictly on grades. What kind of experience do you have????

sherlee · Aug 16, 2006

I've been volunteering at clinics and hospitals since my freshmen year in college. I tutored kids in math and english, and for a mentally disabled girl for several years. I studied abroad in Hong Kong for one semester, and I'm starting a job soon as a personal care attendant for a disabled woman.

thanks for replying.

Nodean · Aug 16, 2006

you should be fine. Do you have a preference?

wildmountainchild · Aug 16, 2006

Ditto, on getting into Samuel Merritt. I had a 3.8 GPA. Experience as an EMT on a busy Search an Rescue team as well as volunteer experience with Hurricane Katrina and underserved clinics.

My essay is what did it I believe. I tied my past experiences into my decision to go into healthcare and APN. I felt I really gave them an idea of who I was in my essay. It was my chance to tell my story. So, make your essay representative of who you are.

I also got into Yale, but turned them down b/c I'm married and don't want to be that far from my hubby. Essay was basically the same. GRE was 700 verbal/650 math (I think, I took it about three years ago).

Schools are more interested in a diversity of experience and humanity now than they have been in the past. Highlight those things that make you unique. Don't be afraid to show your personality in your writing. I figured if they didn't like the "me" that showed through in the essay or interviews that I didn't want to go there anyway.

Also, a word on Yale. I'm from a middle class background and proud of it. Yale is upper class and shows it, sometimes at the expense of students who don't fit in. Culture shock between two American caste systems can be surprisingly severe. Just in the interviews and with meeting other students the air of superiority was palpable. And I heard talk of some non-traditional students lives being fairly miserable there (there is a thread floating around here on some girls first year at Yale, she ended up leaving).

My own experience at an expensive private undergraduate school was dissapointing (but the education was great). Anyway, just think about it.

I would be happy to share my essay with you if you private message me.

crossiant · Aug 18, 2006

I was accepted in Seattle University's Accelerated MSN program. My GRE score is not very high V440/Q770 (I'm from a non-English speaking country, thus the low verbal score). My undergrad GPA is 3.78, prerequisite GPA is 4.0.

BlueJune · Aug 22, 2006

I e-mailed admissions officers about this (I'm applying to some of the same schools!)

Penn did not give an average GRE, but the avg GPA range for accepted students is 3.35-3.45.

I'd suggest that you e-mail the admissions people, give them your stats, and ask them whether or not you're a competitive applicant. I did it because my pre-health dean counselor knows nothing about applying to nursing programs, and I now feel much better about the application process!

Good luck!

NHavenRN · Aug 24, 2006

I think you'd probably be okay (my GPA was close to yours), but it might not hurt to try for the GRE again. And a note on Yale - don't write it off altogether! There have been one or two very negative posts regarding it on these boards, and while I'm also from a very middle-class background in northern california (and, sadly, will likely be in debt til I retire) I've had a very positive experience there. Feel free to PM me if you'd like to ask me anything at all. And good luck!!!!

onlytreats · Aug 25, 2006

Hi all- Can I get your opinion on my stats also?

I'm a 34 year old career changer switching to the field of healthcare from Communications. I'm attracted to nursing for it's direct impact. I have an MA in Communicatiosn but unfortunately, my GRE scores are from 1997, so I have to retake them. ugh. I got a 560Q and 650V. I had a lot of prep time back then and don't now so I expect they won't be better. I have a good GPA from my MA, 3.88, and interesting work experience and references. I speak three languages and am used to navigating diverse cultural dynamics.

What I lack is patient care experience. I got interested in healthcare while doing Peace Corps in Ghana 2003-2005. I worked in health communication and dissemination. I really liked doing home visits and learning about environmental/ occupational health. We got to see how people live (ie: where they have to get their water, the quality of their water, how much they got to eat, etc) and how that affects their health. I've been back in the US since November and started volunteering on a maternity ward this month. So far, I've only gotten A's and B's on my prereq's (stats, Microbio, Psych). I'm taking A&P and Chem this fall. I'm also applying to BSN-MSN progs. What do you think? Am I insane? Thanks, also, in advance.

CG

rachel_tx · Aug 25, 2006

I think you should volunteer as well. I'm going to apply not only to the accelerated MSN program offered at UT and Columbia, but I'm also applying to the accelerated BSN program at Emory, UCF, UT-Houston, Rochester. Its good that you know what program you want to do, with me I'm unsure so that's why I'm going the BSN route because its only a year and I can work get some experience and exposure then decide. But goodluck with everything

surgpa · Aug 25, 2006

Hi all- Can I get your opinion on my stats also?
I'm a 34 year old career changer switching to the field of healthcare from Communications. I'm attracted to nursing for it's direct impact. I have an MA in Communicatiosn but unfortunately, my GRE scores are from 1997, so I have to retake them. ugh. I got a 560Q and 650V. I had a lot of prep time back then and don't now so I expect they won't be better. I have a good GPA from my MA, 3.88, and interesting work experience and references. I speak three languages and am used to navigating diverse cultural dynamics.
What I lack is patient care experience. I got interested in healthcare while doing Peace Corps in Ghana 2003-2005. I worked in health communication and dissemination. I really liked doing home visits and learning about environmental/ occupational health. We got to see how people live (ie: where they have to get their water, the quality of their water, how much they got to eat, etc) and how that affects their health. I've been back in the US since November and started volunteering on a maternity ward this month. So far, I've only gotten A's and B's on my prereq's (stats, Microbio, Psych). I'm taking A&P and Chem this fall. I'm also applying to BSN-MSN progs. What do you think? Am I insane? Thanks, also, in advance.
CG

Check out the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing in Baltimore. They have a special program for prior Peace Corps types. Good luck!

Mike:gandalf:

lovingpecola · Sep 14, 2006

I think *fit* is what's important. Contrary to popular belief, even the "ivory towers" are filled with people from diverse economic backgrounds! You can come from a disadvantaged economic background and fit in just fine at an ivy league school! I AM HERE, and it's great.

Visit the schools and see how they make you feel (although there is some difference because of course they're on their best behavior when you visit!)

But, generally, you will feel whether it's a good place *for you* or not!

Good Luck,

LP