Fall 2015 University of Minnesota Master of Nursing Applicants

evyviggy · Mar 28, 2015

Hi AlexisLehrer,

I am really sorry to hear that. It is frustrating that they don't provide feedback. And you sound like you have a really strong background, so I can see why you'd be confused. One thing my interviewer did mention is that all their candidates were generally very good, but they were specifically looking for a diverse group of people whose skills/personalities would compliment one another. It may have been less about your skills then about the group they were trying to create. Given a different set of people another year, it might go differently. I doubt it was about your actual grades or essay because you got the interview to begin with, so they must have thought your background qualified you.

Don't lose heart! There are other good nursing programs in the Twin Cities too. Metro State, for instance, has a MSN program that is about a year longer, but costs a little less. And St Kate's has a program that allows you a more flexible schedule. Or, try for the U of MN again next year. This time you'll have a much better idea of the questions they'll ask so you can polish your answers or change what you emphasized. If you really want this, you can still do it. You might just have to take a different path. I know it must be tough though. But don't doubt all the great things you've accomplished. Keep your chin up and good luck!

trauerweidchen · Mar 28, 2015

Seconding everything evyviggy said. I, too, think it likely has more to do with the group of people they are trying to put together than with a lack of ability or experience on the part of the applicants who have gotten to this point. Keep your spirits up and keep trying! If you would like someone to read your personal statement for another application cycle I would be happy to help.

Ren2244 · Mar 28, 2015

Hello all! I found out I was accepted as well! For those who were not accepted or wait listed, don't lose hope and keep trying! I actually had an interview last year and was waitlisted... I was able to take the year to gain more experience and save more money and I tried again! :) Now I have a hard decision to make as I was also accepted into a program in Chicago. MN is very appealing though as it is where I'm from, and the price isn't so bad either!

Congrats to those who heard good news and for those who didn't hear the news they hoped for, everything will all work out!

evyviggy · Mar 28, 2015

So now that I'm in, I really, really want to find a post on here entitled something like "What to expect your first semester". Preferably from a nursing student also at the U of MNs MN program, though that's probably a pipe dream. I'm finding lots of posts about how to do well in classes, and how hard it will be, etc. But what I really want is just one that tells me what I should picture. What will the flow of my days be? What types of things will I be doing? Anybody seen anything like that? This one is pretty good:

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-student/what-to-expect-485214.html#post4355816

If anyone sees other helpful ones, please feel free to link them here!

kmmyr · Mar 28, 2015

I also found out I was accepted! I don't know that I have anything specific I could add to what people have been saying for those who are wait listed or did not receive an offer for admission this round... I think getting more work experience could be very beneficial. I did a lot of research into Metro State's and St Kate's programs, and they seem to be great options as well. Good luck to all who continue to find their path! Congratulations to everyone who is in - I cannot wait to meet all of you and start classes!

Onyx93 · Mar 28, 2015

I also found out I was accepted! I don't know that I have anything specific I could add to what people have been saying for those who are wait listed or did not receive an offer for admission this round... I think getting more work experience could be very beneficial. I did a lot of research into Metro State's and St Kate's programs, and they seem to be great options as well. Good luck to all who continue to find their path! Congratulations to everyone who is in - I cannot wait to meet all of you and start classes!

For accepted students, does it say when you have to accept your position by?

As a wait listed applicant, I doubt many people will give their spots up at the prestige U. Hoping to hear better news from the other schools I have applied too! Congratulations and best of luck to you all!

maswrites · Mar 28, 2015

I was also accepted to the MN program, though it looks like not for the subsequent DNP for nurse-midwifery program (that doesn't necessarily surprise me, as the interviewer said they can only take a couple of people for the direct path and there were a lot of highly qualified applicants; I'll likely reapply during the next appropriate cycle).

Did they tell you you didn't get into the direct-entry nurse-midwifery DNP program? I got into the MN program, too (Yeah!) and called when I didn't see/hear anything about the DNP. I was told that DNP decisions are still in progress and may go out next week.

I have a ton of heart for those of you who don't get in. It takes a lot of work to get to the point where you can even apply. Please don't give up! Lots of good ideas here so far, and I agree that it is as likely about the mix of applicants as it is about the individual applicants. I was told in my interview that the the quality of the applicant pool was very high.

evyviggy · Mar 28, 2015

April 15th was the deadline to respond. And Aug 20th to have in all final paperwork.

maswrites · Mar 28, 2015

So now that I'm in, I really, really want to find a post on here entitled something like "What to expect your first semester". Preferably from a nursing student also at the U of MNs MN program, though that's probably a pipe dream. I'm finding lots of posts about how to do well in classes, and how hard it will be, etc. But what I really want is just one that tells me what I should picture. What will the flow of my days be? What types of things will I be doing? Anybody seen anything like that? This one is pretty good:
https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-student/what-to-expect-485214.html#post4355816
If anyone sees other helpful ones, please feel free to link them here!

I agree, this would be helpful. I would also love to hear anything and everything that others know about financing the program. When/how do we get in on scholarships/assistantships, etc.? Does anybody know?

evyviggy · Mar 28, 2015

Hi maswrites, I saw on my acceptance letter that they will be sending out stuff about scholarships soon. Though it sure would be nice to know more. Did you send in your deposit already? I literally ran down the hallway to grab my credit card while saying "Oh my god" over and over the moment I got the email. Wouldn't be surprised if mine was the first one they received! I also found out that the fall semester schedule is already posted for our classes and I think we will be allowed to register soon. Plan on a lot of 8 ams!

Umnan · Mar 29, 2015

Hi All, I was one of the lucky ones. I think that info sources about what to expect first semester of nursing school, in terms of day-to-day activities, may have limited helpfulness to us since our program is fairly unique. I have heard that labs start right away - learning and practicing clinical skills. I plan on doing some pre-studying for first semester classes in particular since I have heard it is by far the most difficult portion of the program.

kmmyr · Mar 31, 2015

Now that I know I've been accepted, I am trying to figure out where I will live. I am moving to the Twin Cities from out of state, and I'm wondering if anyone is from the area who knows of neighborhoods or general areas that would be safe, not too far (or an easy commute by public transportation) from campus, and preferably not horrendously expensive? I know that's often a lot to ask in an urban area! Or, if anyone else on here is looking at the possibility of renting with a roommate in the program, maybe we could start a facebook group or something?

Any help and advice would be great!!