direct entry master's programs-for those accepted

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Hi everyone!

I want to apply for a direct entry master's program (for those with a bachelor's in a non-nursing field) next year and so I'm trying to make myself competitive enough to get in. I was wondering if people who got into programs would be willing to share their stats (undergrad GPA, clinical experience, other experiences, etc.) and which schools they got accepted to. I don't know many others who are applying and so wanted to get some idea of what makes a good candidate.

Thanks so much!

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Specializes in Med surg, cardiac, case management.

Don't know if I'm a typical candidate, but I had a 3.0 for undergrad and a 3.5 for grad work. Did really well on the GRE, but I don't have any sort of clinical experience. I've worked for hospitals, but only on the research side.

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Specializes in Maternity, quality.

It's hard to say what makes someone competitive or not.... each school has its own admission process which may focus on different things. For me, my undergrad GPA was okay, not super-competitive, but I had earned A's in the pre-reqs I had taken since then (general chemistry, A&P, micro, intro psych, human growth & development). Our program did not require GRE scores, but I did note my GMAT score on my application because I had done very well on it. I had three recommendations from people who knew me in a variety of capacities: a former manager, a former professor, and a friend who is an RN and who had encouraged me to go for nursing. I did not have a lot of medical experience, but I had done a lot of research about what nurses do and I was able to explain why I wanted to be a nurse, what my experience would add to the nursing profession, etc.

After I submitted my application I was invited to interview and I used that opportunity to present myself as a professional, give some further explanation as to what I thought nurses did, why I wanted to be one, etc.

My advice is to not focus solely on your scores, but to give a lot of attention to your communication skills. They're a huge part of nursing, plus your essay/interview (if applicable) are your opportunities to make yourself stand out and show off the less tangible qualities that will make you a good nurse, not just a good student. Best of luck!

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The best way to see if you're a good canidate is to call schools and find out what kind of people they accept. I did this and found that pt experience plus science grades counted the most. I would recommend working as a CNA or volunteering in a free clinic. While you're doing this, you can take pre-reqs if you have not already completed all of them and study for and take the GRE. I know its a lot to do all at once but it shows motivation and the pt experiences gives you a lot to write about in personal statements. Also, call all the programs you are interested in applying to and ask if they would meet with you and show you the campus. In my experience, less than half the programs I called were willing to do this, saying that they didn't have the staff availability or that its taken care of during open houses, etc. If so, go to the open houses (they write down who was there and it will be in your application folder- a big plus for you) If you meet with anyone or talk extensively with someone during an open house, collect their business card & send a thank you note.

If you can only talk to an admission rep over the phone- ask about what they look for in a successful applicant: experience, GPA, GRE score, and what percent of applicants are admitted. Your status as a successful applicant will be clear after you talk to someone. If you're not where you want to be, take some classes and get experience. Good luck!!

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That's good advice, I think I will take it! :) Thanks!

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i think calling the schools where you would like to apply is a good start. i agree with arciedee-different programs value different things.

as for the gre, most programs i looked into wanted a 500 on both sections of the gre. i did well on the gre-nothing exceptional. gpa was 3.5 for undergrad (when i did most of my prereqs).

i feel the program i ultimately was accepted to valued our life experiences over the numbers. during our group interview most of the questions were directed at how we knew this career path was right for us. surprisingly a number of the applicants couldn't really articulate that even though they seemed very accomplished. it's tough, but even if you haven't had clinical experience, i am sure you have had a life experience that led you to make the decision to become a nurse. don't be shy about that!

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I agree that calling and asking about their admissions requirements help. Having done a Direct Entry program, I think the admissions office of the school is quite accurate. I will say that many people I know who have gone to grad school -nursing or not- have said that the GRE scores are the last thing to worry about. To get a feel for the type of school you want though, speak with other students during the open houses. And ssk about how they coordinate clinicals and how smoothly that goes. If you do speak with a program director of your specific Master's Specialty, ask how long they have been in that position for. If it is a short time, find out how long the previous person was in the position. The reason I say that is because while I was at school, several specialties had huge turnovers and the stronger and more organized ones did not.

If you decide to get some clinical experience, try and volunteer in the specialty you envision being in. Not the one you think would "look" better and impress more! Enjoy the process!

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i am also looking for help in this area...I want to create a good CV/ Resume to apply to very competative programs...I 'd like to see a template or a sample if possible. Does anyone know where one could be located or would be able to provide me with a resume which has been successful? I'd really appreciate it!

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.
i am also looking for help in this area...I want to create a good CV/ Resume to apply to very competative programs...I 'd like to see a template or a sample if possible. Does anyone know where one could be located or would be able to provide me with a resume which has been successful? I'd really appreciate it!

For my program, we didn't prepare a resume or CV. We simply filled out an application that included:

Academic Record

Completion dates, schools, and grades for prerequisites

Employment History (company, dates, title, responsibilities)

Community Involvement

Question: Are you prepared to be unemployed during this program?

Four Essay questions:

1) Reflect on one role of the Clinical Nurse Leader and explain why you are interested in and suited for this nursing role.

2) Discuss your preparation and capability for an intensive 5-semester program

3) Discuss your experience and skill in scholarly activity, communication, and interpersonal skills in a professional setting

4) Discuss how self-care activities such as hobbies, physical activities, retreats, and workshops affect your life.

We were encouraged to submit a resume if we felt it provided additional information but I didn't feel it necessary.

I don't know that this application style lends itself to a "template" or "sample" since we're all unique. You'd probably derive more benefit by posting your own samples and soliciting feedback.

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.
Hi everyone!

I want to apply for a direct entry master's program (for those with a bachelor's in a non-nursing field) next year and so I'm trying to make myself competitive enough to get in. I was wondering if people who got into programs would be willing to share their stats (undergrad GPA, clinical experience, other experiences, etc.) and which schools they got accepted to. I don't know many others who are applying and so wanted to get some idea of what makes a good candidate.

Thanks so much!

My stats are:

  • Undergrad technical degree: 3.0 GPA
  • About 60 units of upper division chemistry and biology: 4.0 GPA
  • NS prereqs (micro, anat, physio, chem, stats): 4.0 GPA
  • No test scores
  • Various community service activities over many years (scouting, big brother stuff, youth motivation, grant writing)
  • About 15 years of professional work experience
  • A fairly unique life story that includes living overseas as a kid and working overseas as an adult
  • Some significant interactions with the nursing profession as a patient
  • Demonstrated interest in medical field beginning with EMT as a high school junior
  • Strong references (1 of my old professors, 2 former bosses, and a friend who works in health care field)

I was admitted to a public university in California for which there were over 100 qualified applicants and I think about 20 admissions.

I've read through the biographies of the other folks admitted and they are a diverse group of people from varied backgrounds. I do not know anything about their academics, though.

For what it's worth, I don't think you can make yourself a competitive candidate beyond doing well in school, being successful in your present career, and pursuing diverse and varied activities. When you apply, just be honest and be yourself. I don't think there's a "model candidate."

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