Getting into Yale

I'm really interested in the answer to this question as well! :)

Hi guys!

I'm currently in the middle of the application process for Yale's GEPN program for the coming fall semester. GPA and GRE scores are only a small portion of what the admissions committee considers when reviewing your application. I would say that life experience and statement of purpose are just as important, if not moreso. When they look at each applicant, they look at the entire package, not just one or two components, so even if you have a 4.0 and an extremely high GRE score, if your personal statement doesn't reflect your passion or desire to pursue graduate education in nursing, it won't do much good.

If your scores are a little low, I would still say to give it a try. If you're really passionate about becoming an advanced practice nurse, prove it to them with the rest of your application. If you're sincere about it, it'll show. If you don't try, you'll never get a chance :).

Feel free to ask more questions about the application process if you have them!

terea RN, Are you an RN? I am only commenting on this thread because I saw the "RN" in your name. Admissions is different for GEPNs and RNs, and is less competitive if you are an RN, I think, because there are fewer RN applicants (I might be wrong), although you do need good test scores and grades -- graduate school is hard work for everyone and you need to be able to do it. Which program are you interested in? I'll play devil's advocate here. Yale "saves" a couple of spots in each specialty for RNs -- it is a GEPN school, period, and you'll be coming in the second year of a three year program for them, and unless you are skilled at becoming part of a clique, you will be left out. The administration and faculty favor the GEPNs to the incoming RNs. The school is for them. Think long and hard about that -- do you want to be the orphan stepchild? You will not be treated by admnistraton or faculty equally as the GEPNs. If you have been working as an RN, your income will be too high for much financial aid, unless you have someone else paying your tuition, or can get private loans. Some of the specialties do get a lot of RN applicants. like peds, because there are no other pediatric NP programs in CT. The midwifery program has great difficulty getting nurses to apply, so your chances are better there. Overall, the school is good quality, so you can't go wrong academically. They do require a thesis or praxis, which few other MSN programs require, so this is a consideration. Good luck!

Thank you for both for your replies. I am already an Rn, and I have a bachelor's degree in nursing. I'm interested in Yale's Acute Care Nurse Practitioner's track. I have a 3.7 gpa and I haven't taken the GRE yet, but I'm hoping to do well. I'll keep working on my admissions essay, and we'll see what happens.

Thanks

From what I understand there are more nurses in Acute Care than the other specialties. I heard from a student who just graduated that most of that faculty prefer RNs, although one of them prefers GEPNs. That program has some fabulous faculty, too. Go for it, but look out for the financial aid part. Many RNs at Yale go part time because they 1. have to work to support themselves, and 2. administration stiffs them on financial aid. Although there are programs available for loan payback; search allnurses. Good luck!!!