How many NP programs did you apply to?

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How many NP programs did you apply to and what made you decide that was the right number? I'm debating whether I should apply to my two top choices or apply to four just in case. My cumulative gpa isn't spectacular at 3.4. I'm finishing up my RN to BSN classes in the next 2 to 3 months with my upper division classes being 4.0. I'm planning to take the GRE in the next few months so hopefully I will get a good score to be more competitive. Just trying to get a feel for what other nurses decided.

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

I only applied to 1 school and got into that one. My GPA was significantly lower than yours and there were quite a few schools that said don't even try while this one told me I had a chance. So I jumped and it has worked out for me so far!

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Specializes in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.

My GPA was lower than yours. My GRE was competitive, and I had great reference letters. I applied to 3 local state schools and was admitted to 2/3.

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If you don't mind staying, where are you attending?

I only applied to 1 school and got into that one. My GPA was significantly lower than yours and there were quite a few schools that said don't even try while this one told me I had a chance. So I jumped and it has worked out for me so far!
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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

Georgetown for their CNM/WHNP program

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I did a ton of research on schools in my area and applied to the one that was flexible with work (I work full time M-F). The classes are Friday nights and Saturday mornings every other week. Also, the program total costs 40,000, and I'm doing it part time so I can use tuition reimbursement from my work and can afford to pay the rest out of pocket. I applied to this one school and was accepted. My GPA was a 3.4 and I had no problems getting in. I think as long as you are above a 3.0 you're probably fine. NP school seems to be a lot less competitive than RN school since there are so many less applicants.

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I applied for two schools, but one of them decided they didn't want to offer the program in my state. I got into the second one, The University of St. Francis, Joliet Illinois. My under grad GPA was 3.6.

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I applied to one school, I was only going to apply to 2 in my area because they are the only 2 that offer the mental health track. My BSN GPA was 3.2 but I have strong work and life experience, great letters of recommendation and didn't need the GRE. I got into the only one I applied to that happened to be my first choice. I must have good luck because the same thing happened with undergrad.

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If you don't mind, which school did you apply to? And how has your overall experience with the program thus far been? Thanks in advance.

I applied to one school, I was only going to apply to 2 in my area because they are the only 2 that offer the mental health track. My BSN GPA was 3.2 but I have strong work and life experience, great letters of recommendation and didn't need the GRE. I got into the only one I applied to that happened to be my first choice. I must have good luck because the same thing happened with undergrad.
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If you don't mind, which school did you apply to? And how has your overall experience with the program thus far been? Thanks in advance.

I live in Pittsburgh, (don't know what part of the country you are from) and we have to schools here that offer the psych specific track. University of Pittsburgh and Robert Morris. I applied to Robert Morris more for a lot of personal preferences and I got in first try. I start the program in August, but the application/ acceptance process was pretty much smooth sailing, I have no complaints and the program it's self is a better fit for me than Pitts. Again it's all based on personal prefernce and needs though.

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Thanks for the info StephPghRN, BSN.

Is there truly a maximum or minimum number of schools that a person should apply for? I live in Maryland and I plan on applying this summer for MSN programs with the mental health track. I have an 3.61 undergrad GPA, with great references, and what I believe is a great personal statement.

My 1st school of choice is UMKC they are affordable (all online students pay in state rates plus has a great repretation) with a few campus visits. 2nd & 3rd choices are University of VA & Shenandoah Uni, they have a great repretations and finds all preceptors for students but are traditional B&M institutions. Last is EKU, has an ok repretation, is 100% online, is affordable but doesn't help with preceptors at all. I have coworkers that attend Walden, which is a new for profit school (around less that 45 yrs) and never denies applicants, and doesn't help with preceptors.

All of my schools of interest also have payment plans for students, so I can use financial aid, tuition assistance from work, and even scholarships; therefore I will not have to take any loans. Again thanks for the information everyone.

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Specializes in Med surg/ tele, LDRP.

I put all my eggs in one basket. I decided I only wanted to go to my hometown school because it was close and they place you with oreceptors. I didn't want to waste my time with the online for profit schools esp with the reputation they come with. I live in a small town and know many NPs that didn't get a job because they went to Chamberlain or Maryvale, etc. Luckily i apploed just a week before the deadline. I have a 3.97 GPA, no gre required and had 2.5 years experience with a rockin essay. I got in and start in 4 days! I couldn't be happier and glad I only applied here. If I hadn't gotten in I just would have waited until the next year to reapply. I love my school.

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