MEPN 2015

micromel · Jul 15, 2014

Me! How is everyone's application going? Also, does anyone know if we still need to submit 2 copies of each transcript from everywhere we completed our pre-reqs?

Half Windsor · Jul 17, 2014

I'll be applying as well, just as long as I get the final pieces of my application finished by the deadline. I'm most worried about the GRE at this point.

micromel, to my understanding you are correct that we need two official transcripts from everywhere that pre-req classes were completed.

fpjc · Jul 17, 2014

Same here! I'm pretty worried about the GRE also, though I've heard mixed opinions about how important it actually is.

I'm really curious about how much experience the accepted students have. It seems to me that most people were already working in healthcare or have extensive volunteer experience. I have some, but this is really a major career change for me. So far, I haven't heard of anyone else in the same situation.

Kwing_Nigyptian, BSN, CNA, RN · Jul 18, 2014

hey everyone,

I am also applying for the MEPN program as well. Im prepping for the GRE's right now. I'm nervous about writing the goal and personal statement because those determine whether you are admitted or not. I currently volunteer as a Clinical Care Extender. I'm worried about turning in the whole application by the deadline :nailbiting: .

Are any of you applying to other programs as a backup plan ?

Half Windsor · Jul 19, 2014

fpjc - I think major career changes are fine, but they want to see that you've done the necessary exploration (i.e. experience through volunteer work, research, and/or jobs) to fully understand what the advanced practice nursing career has is store. I think as long as you make a strong argument as to why you are changing careers, and specifically why UCSF, you should be okay. Granted I could be completely wrong.

missliliposh - I'm having a really difficult time with my personal/goal statements as well, mostly because I'm letting 'the perfect be the enemy of the good' for my first draft which is causing me to have writers block. I need to just pump out a first draft and learn to edit and make better down the road. I'm looking at other programs as well, though UCSF is my top pick based off their specific specialties, location, and connections within the field.

Mammal · Jul 23, 2014

Hi all,

I am applying for 2015 as well. I know a few people that have gotten into the program and here are a few things to keep in mind. For the GRE you need to hit a minimum mark on the quantitative of 150 (or 40th percentile) and the higher the better on verbal and writing. I did terrible in the quantitative, but I think I have a strong application otherwise.

I have heard from everyone that you need to think of your application as a sphere, if you have a divot in one section ( like I do in math on the GRE) then you need to have an above average aspect to compensate. Mine is international non-profit work. They accept people from all different backgrounds. Just make sure that when they are done reading your personal essay that have no other option than accepting you into the program.

Good luck to everyone and feel free to reach out if I can help with anything!!!

Mammal · Jul 29, 2014

How's the application going?

fpjc · Jul 29, 2014

I'm trying not to stress out too much, but there's a lot to prepare for! I'm taking my GREs this week, I've talked to everyone I need to for the letters, but I'm still undecided on the direction I want to take my goal/personal statements.

Does anyone know which letter of rec option is better - having your references fill out the survey or write a traditional letter?

Gilaria2015 · Jul 29, 2014

Hi all!

I'm a bit new to this, but thought it was about time I stopped lurking. I too am a hopeful MEPN applicant.

Just wanted to inquire what everyone's desired specialties are regarding the masters portion of the program. As for me, I'm really interested in the PNP or FNP program.

Also, does anyone who has taken the dreaded GRE have any advice on how to study? Many thanks, talk to you all soon!

tenta · Jul 29, 2014

Hi everyone!

I'm applying this year as well, to the AG-CNS program. Just finished my last prerequisite last week and am taking the GRE on Monday. I'm working on editing my goal statement at this point and am feeling cautiously optimistic.

micromel · Aug 2, 2014

My roommate and I took the GRE last summer. Vocabulary was both of our weakest sections, so my roommate bought those 500 GRE flashcards and memorized them all before her test. She said 3 out of those 500 were actually on her exam. I didn't study those--I focused on learning roots and tried to do as many practice problems as possible to get more used to guessing on the test rather than knowing the actual definitions of all the words, and I'd recommend doing that instead of wasting your time memorizing a bunch of definitions.

I'd also recommend just doing as many practice problems as you can for every section! I bought a Kaplan study book and they had a bunch of extra problems online too once you bought the book, but I think any book would work as long as you do a bunch of practice! :)