Depaul MENP Essay question

PrayToTheUnicorn · May 21, 2012

I think what you just wrote is a good summary of the essay you want to write. Format this into more cohesive and descriptive parts. You can choose chronological format for your essay, however I would suggest writing in a less linear fashion.

How about talking about the trauma stuff, what you learned from it, the losses along the way, and ultimately how it has inspired you to choose this career path. You can briefly address your earlier lower marks not in a making-excuses way, but just to point out that you have learned from them and are a better student now (pre-req grades have been As?).

Whatever you do, don't lose your voice. It sounds like you have had some unique experiences and you should make those shine.

Sakura_blossom · May 23, 2012

Thank you for your advice! The essay asks what lead me to the decision of wanting to become a nurse and what my goals are after, and I have very specific goals so that won't be a problem. But is it still okay to mention the lower grades in the mix of that or should I leave it out since it doesn't really ask for an explanation. My grades aren't terribly bad. I've gotten A's and B's on my prereqs and I only have to take A&P II. The problem is that I took that course a few years back and went on orders- but then it got extended. I was able to get an Incomplete but wasn't back in time to talk to the teacher so I received an F in the course. It was a blow, but I ended up transferring to a 4 year institute after and have done well since. So now I'm taking the A&P II again at a different community college. It's a big blow to my GPA, but I'm hoping they will overlook that first grade.

PrayToTheUnicorn · May 23, 2012

I think it's important to not come off sounding like you are making excuses. Addressing a failure or negative mark in your history only calls attention to it. Instead, highlight the positive all the way throughout if you can. A strong positive essay will be more impressive.

A cumulative 3.0 or higher does not need to be mentioned or apologized for. If you have below a 3.0, like I did from my undergrad, that is something worth acknowledging and demonstrating how you are a better student now. I think if you mention it at all, it needs to be worked into the essay somewhere very vaguely. Don't go off topic just to include it. It needs to work with the flow of things. A brief mention (1 sentence max) while you are stressing your newfound inspiration and commitment would be fine.

Sakura_blossom · May 23, 2012

Ah okay. That makes sense. Thank you soo much. I think I will just keep the essay positive the whole way through and hope for the best. I think I will also apply for ABSN programs as well so that I'm not entirely relying on Depaul to accept me into a program. Thank you again for replying. You've been really helpful!

studentmenp · Aug 19, 2012

I am currently in the program and some of the professors are making the lives of the students a living hell. Some tends to put their personal frustrations on the students. How can a professor simply come to the class and read powerpoint slides to the students? How can students be instructed to read about ten chapters for exams without directions and guidance? How can a professor tell the students (in one of the classes) "I don't care about your grades?" How can a professor tell the students, "I don't know" when asked questions? The MENP program is disorganize. I am graduating soon, but I wish I had gone to a different school with a different program.

Well, the ball is in your court.