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Discussion

How many is too many ?

I wanted to know your thoughts on applications to MSN programs. Did you target a few specific programs or cast more of a net? My plan is to apply to 6 programs. 1 "You are kinda reaching with that one" program 1 "It's a stretch but far more likely than that first one" program 3 "You are more than qualified but who really knows" programs and 1 "You are not a loser because at least you got in somewhere" program. Given that I would need to request recommendations for all of the applications etc..., do you feel that this number is ok ? too high/low? I would also choose to tailor all of my CVs and essays for each program so, what are your thoughts? Any input is appreciated.3.90 BSN gpa 3.50 ASN gpa 6 years RN in Palliative care/LTC/Corrections/Case Mgmt/Training and Development. 16 years as an LPN in MS/Med-Tele/ER/Dialysis.

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    I think it's fine. I only applied to one and it was somewhat last second after I had been accepted to a nurse educator program and changed my mind. I think had I made up my mine sooner I would have applied to 3 programs. Eta: I don't think np school is as competitive as undergrad in my experience. I was in a bit of a panic and the admission specialist told me with my background and grades which were similar to yours I wouldn't have a problem.

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    Most NP schools are not competitive at all.

    I would be more worried about getting a job in the future than getting into school. I foresee saturation as being a big problem.

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    Most NP schools are not competitive at all.

    I would be more worried about getting a job in the future than getting into school. I foresee saturation as being a big problem.

    From what I understand from reading on here, its already an issue in a lot of places

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    • Author
    Most NP schools are not competitive at all.

    I would be more worried about getting a job in the future than getting into school. I foresee saturation as being a big problem.

    Unfortunately saturation is an issue even at the RN level in my area. Because I am a little older I will not have as many years left to work as a twenty something when I graduate and I need to move away from the bedside as I age. I also feel that I will be able to teach or go into administration if other jobs are not available to me. This was not a fly by night decision but given my area and market I believe it to be the best one. I welcome any thoughts.

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    I only applied to 2 programs. Heard from one, still haven't heard from the second one yet since their application deadline is February 1st.

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    I have to admit ... if you asked me to write 6 recommendations, I'd be a bitirritated and wondering why you couldn't decide on a school. It would make me question your commitment to a certain plan of action and/or self-confidence. But if I liked you, I would cooperate and fill out the 6 recommendations.

    Most of the time, you can't just send the same letter to the 6 schools. Most schools want you to fill out a specific online form now -- with questions that I struggle to answer for some people who ask me to recommend them. It's not easy or pleasant to provide a recommendation anymore -- much worse than it used to be when you could write a general letter and use repeatedly with only a few minor changes for each school.

    Good luck!

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    I picked one and went for it.

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    • Experts

    I'm with llg. For grad school, you can't just send them photocopies of a single letter/reference; they want an original, sent from the person giving the reference, and, in order for it to really help you, it needs to be personalized to the school and program to which you're applying. Asking people to do that six times is asking a lot of people. And you want your references to be from people who are a) in a position to be able to speak to your ability to do graduate level academic work and b) know how to write a really strong reference (not everyone does, especially people outside of academia), so I doubt you know enough people with both those qualifications to be able to ask 36 different people to do one reference each. :)

    I applied to two schools, my first choice and my second choice of schools that offered my subspecialty.

    I agree that maybe trimming your numbers would be a good idea; pick a few schools and concentrate on them.

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    I applied to two. I feel like 2-3 schools at a time is a good number.

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    • Author

    OK so perhaps one reach school, one most likely to succeed school, and one safety school. Thanks guys.

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    I applied to 4 and I think anything above 3-4 is also a bit much when it comes to having recommendations written. Best of luck!

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    I think 6 is overkill. I agree that 2 to maybe 3 is ok, but it's a good idea to pick one school that you really want to attend and go all out to get into it. I only applied to one as there was no other program I really wanted to do. My head hurts just thinking about making all those applications!

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