Master's Entry - Chances of Acceptance - Honest Opinion Wanted

[natsumi]

Hi there, I have a BS in a technical field and quit my job to pursue nursing full time. I have been taking classes for the past two years, volunteering at a hospital, and even got my CNA license. Unfortunately, I couldn't get hired anywhere as a CNA because every place said I did not have enough experience.

I am applying to master's entry programs, but I don't think I'm a worthy candidate because I don't have enough healthcare, research, or travel experience. I was a very active volunteer in college and was involved in many things, but none of them are health care related. I feel like the only thing I have going for me is my grades (I've gotten all As in my science prerequisites), but I know it's not everything when it comes to master's entry programs.

From your experiences, what do you think my chances are? And does anyone know of schools that are "easier" to get into? I'm planning on applying in Washington and Northern California. What can I do to make my application stand out based on what I have, and not what I don't have?

Please give me your honest opinion, because the people in my life just tell me "of course you'll get in" without paying attention to the reality of the situation. Thank you SO much to whoever is kind enough to respond!!

[ghillbert, MSN, NP]

You might be better of identifying a few programs you'd like to attend, and then asking their admissions office to give you some info about how to become a more competitive applicant.

[Le'chaim]

I am from an art education background and was accepted to a major univ. grad entry program. I start this fall -yeahyah:) I had many of your same concerns. I earned A's in my pre-reqs and had great academic (I talked with advisor before hand and they did not want work) references from those classes. My essay acknowledged my untraditional route to nursing but connected it, my advice is don't be afraid to be "personal" in your essay and don't over analyze yourself into a rut, anything in life that is worthwhile invloves some risk :) I look at it like you don't want to be anywhere that is not going to respect your unique perspective either. Like in art I feel like I have developed a heightened ability for percieving relationships and picking up of visual cues in both logical and intuitive way. Your background gave you other transferable skills. Good luck!

[Bree124, BSN, RN]

I have found that about half of the people in my DE program are not from science backgrounds. We have backgrounds ranging from art, history, communication, and psychology to biomedical engineering, bio, chem, etc. We also have varying backgrounds re: volunteering and CNA experience. The one thing that our school placed more emphasis on is high-ish GPAs, which it sounds like you have.

I don't know anything about specific schools in CA, so I can't offer you advice there. Good luck!

[NP_student]

U.Washington, if you're applying, wants to see lots of volunteer experience in addition to good grades. International experiences, especially. Try beefing up your volunteering, working w/ the underserved (ex. homeless population). Also, spend a year or six months working in research in some capacity if you cannot obtain a healthcare position. Work as a research coordinator perhaps, or even in data management with a CRO? Or as a research assistant in a lab?

Schools want to see good grades, but in addition you need to have a portfolio that sets you apart. What makes you interesting? Go ahead and apply, but if you don't get into a program, spend the next year voluteering, participating in research in any capacity, and working with people directly in some way (even as an advocate via volunteering -- does not need to be clinical).

[NP_student]

You might be better of identifying a few programs you'd like to attend, and then asking their admissions office to give you some info about how to become a more competitive applicant.

exactly. the admission counselors will usually tell you exactly what the school is looking for.

[BCgradnurse, MSN, RN, NP]

The people in my master's entry program come from a very wide range of backgrounds. Some have worked in aspects of healthcare, but we also have music majors, social workers, theology majors, and people who have worked in biotech. I think the fact that you've gone back for your CNA will help you. My one piece of advice is not to write a generic essay about why you want to be a nurse. Try and talk about a personal experience that influenced your decision. I would also recommend having your essay professionally critiqued. There are many services you can access online that can give you various levels of help, for a range of prices. I think it was money well spent. Incidentally, I had mediocre grades as an undergrad years ago, but did very well on my nursing pre-requisites, and also had some great work experience. I was accepted to all 3 programs I applied to, and was told by where I'm currently attending that my essay clinched my acceptance. So spend some time on it, perhaps look at some books about writing essays for med school or other graduate programs, and make yourself stand out.

Best of luck to you!