Being chosen as an Alternate. Is it as awful as I feel?

UMCSN4 · Feb 24, 2009

I know how you feel. I cried too! But, I made it in and so did 3 more alternates. I wish I could tell you the reasoning and how they choose the alternates, but I can't. I know that I was quite a pest and really let them know how interested I was in the program. I had a 3.97 gpa for a Master's degree, and was still an alternate! I don't think they even looked at that, only my undergrad, which was only a 3.2 (heavy science load). I had work experience in the medical field. There were people who got in who were not as qualified (not many, but a few!) It is an extremely competitive program with a lot of bright students. At least a third of the class has a graduate degree.

3 of the 4 alternates have proven ourselves and have 4.0 averages. I know that 2 of the alternates did not find out until the day before school started. I made a lot of phone calls and emails and just really let them know that I wanted it and called attention to the fact that not all of my grades were considered when I was evaluated. I know you are devastated now, but there is still hope. How is your GPA?

OrthoFNP · Feb 24, 2009

That is so nice of you to respond to me!!! I was bawling!!!! BAWLING! I am better now reading your response. Here is my story. My undergrad is a 3.3. I was a Corporate Communication Major. So, the majority of my classes were business classes. Like Accounting, Business, Marketing etc. So, they had nothing to do with Science. My pre req GPA is a 3.9! I scored a 90 on the HESI. I did not take a College level Chemistry. I did take Biology. It is over ten years old. I made an A in I and II. EVERY SCIENCE CLASS I HAVE EVER TAKEN in college...I have made an A in. Every one. UMC does not require Chemistry but does offer "special consideration" to those who have taken it. I did not take it this summer b/c I did not think I would need it. I really wish I had. It would have boosted my GPA b/c I feel like I would have done well and it would have boosted my HESI score as well. I scored lowest on this section due to the Chemistry portion on the test. So...this is my story...I am still trying to pick myself up and just stay positive.

OrthoFNP · Feb 25, 2009

UMCSN4-

One more question for you. You are helping me feel much better btw...When did you hear something? The form I got needs to be into the school by March 18th. It states that am still interested in being considered for the program. My logic is this, if I have to tell UMC I want to still be considered do the students who have been accepted have to tell UMC by March 18th that they want their spot? I would think UMC would give them a deadline in order to help fill all spots huh?

Ok. I lied one more question. I guess I should still apply for financial aid huh??

OrthoFNP · Feb 25, 2009

Ok. One more question...How many alternates did they have when you were chosen? Just curious...Sorry for all the questions...

UMCSN4 · Feb 25, 2009

I am not sure how many alternates we had. While crying over my alternate letter, I called the school to find out my rank on the list and how many, etc. No one could answer that. There will likely be someone who decides not to attend. Unfortunately, it may not be until after the information session. They may not quite understand the time commitment, being unable to work, etc and will decide to go another route. Or they may have been accepted into more than one program. I am sure the Director's name is on the letter. Try contacting her and relaying in a professional, courteous tone how much you really are interested in the program. Try asking her where you stand, etc. It can't hurt. I would go ahead and apply for financial aid...that can't hurt either! Most of all, think positive! I did!

OrthoFNP · Feb 25, 2009

Thanks so much! You are funny. I tried to call today too while crying. Ha! The woman could not understand me. LOL. Good thing she was a secretary of some sort I think. Otherwise I woud have been embarassed. I figured they may not tell us how many alternates there are. They like to keep that sort of info secret. I guess I understand why. I feel better than I did and am not crying now just lining up plan B. It has been really great getting your perspective. It feels good not to be totally in the dark. Good luck to you! I will keep you posted. Hopefuly with some good news.

mmwarrin · Mar 9, 2009

I got chosen as an alternate too!

OrthoFNP · Mar 11, 2009

mmwarrin,

Are you applying anywhere else? Did they tell you what number you are on the list? They told me we are all on the list...Hmmm...

mmwarrin · Mar 11, 2009

I applied to Delta State but I called UMC and they told me that not many people are on the list and that I should be fine. I wont find out until mid march. Not everyone is on the alternate list. i think 130 got accepted so the probability that every single person ends up coming is really small. Have they said anything else to you?

OrthoFNP · Mar 11, 2009

You must be talking about the traditional program huh? I was chosen as an alternate for the accelerated program. There were 91 applicants and 22 spots. Dr. Martin told me everyone was on the list that did not get accepted. I read on the FAQs that they chose a percentage of qualified applicants to place on the list. So, I am confused. I was not able to apply to the traditional program because there are different prereqs. I don't have all the prereqs. I hope what you are saying is also true for the accelerated program. i.e. not everyone on the list and some not accepting the program.

mmwarrin · Mar 11, 2009

yes, im talking about the traditional program. Hopefully ill hear something soon