FALL 2020 Johns Hopkins MSN: Entry into Nursing

C1979 · Mar 19, 2020

I would like to reapply for Spring 2021 but I’m not sure if I should change something in my application as the rejection letter says decision to reject application is due “to our best estimate of your credentials in comparison with those of other applicants.” I have 1.5 years worth of volunteer experience at hospital, a graduate degree in mental health with a 3.5 GPA, a 2.61 undergrad GPA, a’s and b’s in all Prereqs. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

botmann · Mar 19, 2020

I do not have a great magic bullet for you. I suspect it was either your essays or letter of recommendations; I assume your essays. You may have to have someone who writes go over them to give them more "splash". Plus, you may need to show how you're unique from the crowd and shoot for the early decision pool.

C1979 · Mar 19, 2020

I didn’t shoot for the early decision pool first time around so I will definitely try that and see what happens for Spring 2021. Thanks.

kumaashiro · Mar 20, 2020

I just got an email that I was waitlisted. I applied in January.

Mrose · Mar 20, 2020

I was just offered a waitlist spot as well and applied in December. NursingCAS adjusted GPA is 3.5 and experience doing community health work (working for Hopkins). However, I am not going to accept the waitlist spot. I have already accepted an offer for the Fall 2020 UMSON MSN, CNL program and they were my top choice. So excited to start school again!

CONGRATS to everyone who has been accepted! Good luck to everyone on the waitlist and who will re-apply.

peachavocado, BSN, RN · Mar 20, 2020

I haven't heard back yet; hoping I'll hear one way or the other by Sunday.

guest1126576 · Mar 20, 2020

I didn’t get to apply to hopkins because I already got into my first choice, columbia. but for those who didn’t get in this cycle, I suggest to also look at columbia’s masters program. it’s a shorter version of hopkins’ masters program. from what I’ve heard it is also a bit cheaper and a lot of the students are offered a scholarship.

C1979 · Mar 20, 2020

I looked and applied to Columbia but got the same result. Congratulations on Columbia. Good luck to you.

FuturePNP18 · Mar 20, 2020

3 minutes ago, C1979 said:
I looked and applied to Columbia but got the same result. Congratulations on Columbia. Good luck to you.

Hi, I'm not too sure how classes are divided after you get a graduate degree, but is it possible to take fluff undergrad classes to get your undergrad GPA higher to reach the criteria?

botmann · Mar 21, 2020

I assume if you take undergraduate classes, it's considered post-bachelor undergraduate. It's what NursingCAS did with mine, which for me was 112 graded hours the of the 280.36 total. I also had several years since I got my bachelors.

It does not boost your undergraduate GPA. What it can do if your undergraduate GPA is under the 3.0 GPA, is to show that you are an improved student now versus back then.

With that said, if you already have a graduate degree and you have a low graduate degree GPA, this may not be helpful. I think you may need a few years between getting that degree and applying to show you may be a better student. If you have high graduate degree GPA, ie 3.0 or higher, you've already established you can handle rigors of graduate school.

If you're having difficulties getting into a direct entry program, I suggest trying for BSN or ADN if you're goal is to be RN. You'll need to take the TEAS exam, which is a general exam but focuses on English, math, and science. The science wasn't too tricky or very detailed; some Chemistry, bio, anatomy, physio. The math was only to intermediate Algebra. Unfortunately, they're still very competitive to get into.

C1979 · Mar 21, 2020

I have a graduate degree with a 3.5 GPA, low undergrad GPA. still got rejected. A’s and b’s in my prereqs. It doesn’t matter. I’m not going to go for a BSN when I already have a graduate degree. Just have to keep trying to get in.

guest1126576 · Mar 21, 2020

38 minutes ago, C1979 said:
I have a graduate degree with a 3.5 GPA, low undergrad GPA. still got rejected. A’s and b’s in my prereqs. It doesn’t matter. I’m not going to go for a BSN when I already have a graduate degree. Just have to keep trying to get in.

Thanks. Yeah I would just ask them for their suggestion tbh. I feel like you did everything you can to make up for your undergrad grades. If you do decide to take some more courses, I recommend taking higher level science courses, and do well in those courses, to show that you’ll be able to handle the rigors of their program. Also it matters how you took each class. As in, did you take them one semester at a time and got a good grade in each? Or did you take a lot in each semester and got good grades? the latter would mean more. Good luck!