Direct Entry MSN-My chances?

[bay_np]

Hello All,

I'm new to this forum and will be applying to several direct entry msn programs for the 2018 school year. I am 24 years old and got my B.S. from UCLA with a not so stellar GPA- 3.0 :/ I have a 4.0 in all of my direct entry msn prerequisites and have been working as a clinical research coordinator in Gynecologic Oncology at one of the nation's top 10 institutions for that specialty. I have coordinated around 10 oncology active treatment studies here with direct patient interaction almost every day. I have been published in a medical journal for a study I did regarding women's reproductive health with one of our physicians. I was a 2nd author another retrospective study abstract that was a feature poster presentation at one of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists conventions. I used to help organize free health clinics during my undergraduate career and I've worked directly with an NP for the last 2 years. I want to get my MSN then become an AGNP with a focus on Oncology. I still haven't taken the GRE but I'm worried my GPA and only 2 years of health care experience will lessen my chances of getting in. I am applying to Western, UCSF (top choice), USF, SFSU, Samuel Merritt, USD, and a few out of state schools like Columbia, Penn, Emory, Northeastern and Johns Hopkins. Do I have a chance and should I apply to others you may recommend? I don't know if publications are even considered in the admissions process. Also, what is a competitive GRE score that I should aim for? Thank you and good luck to all other applicants!

[MierKat]

I can't speak to all of those programs but most DE programs look at GPA, GRE, work/volunteer history and personal statement. So GPA (which might be your weak area if they look at cumulative GPA as opposed to pre-requisite GPA) is only a portion of your application.

You don't mention Vanderbilt but they say that their average admission GRE scores (for all NP applicants) are verbal 154, quantitative 150, and writing 4.5 so I would say that that would be a good minimum to try to meet.

You should be able to find the averages for matriculating students GPA and GRE at each school on each school's website or by sending an email to the administrator.