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i did not even apply to plu because many of their educational philosophies did not fit with mine. plu's program just was not a very good fit with me. however, that is not to say the program is not a good program or anything. i decided on uw because of many reasons. i liked the collegiate nature of the school, the reputation of the school, the emphasis on diversity, and the emphasis on academics and research. i also did my undergrad at uw and worked at uw so i have many ties to this school. i got my undergrad in psych from uw and all my healthcare experience has been in psych. hence, my focal area is psych. i would say the application process was very challenging and the interviewing process was even more challenging. the school holds information sessions, which are very helpful. i would highly suggest attending them. as far as making your app stand out, i would make sure you know exactly what you want to do. tailor your essays to emphasize your experience in your chosen focal area. get letters from individuals that can answer those questions on the rec form. choose activities and volunteer experiences that are not "cookie cutter" experiences (such as just volunteering in a hospital). work with a challenging population or high risk group (like homeless youth). learn a language, emphasize multicultural experiences. for example, many of my classmates have done healthcare work outside the country. highlight significant healthcare experiences such as emt work, being a ma, or cna. get some training out of the way such as doing hippa training, cpr training, hiv/aids training, and/or phlembotomy training. of course this no complete list or anything and who knows exactly what the school is looking for. these are just a few things many of my classmates have included in their apps. good luck and feel free to pm for any further questions you may have.

Congrats Guys! I'm not a PLU student but I know of the program. It is a tough program, but I heard both pros and cons about the program. I live in WA state and decided not to apply to this program. I opted for UW's program instead. Anyhow, I have been to the campus and the neighborhood can be sketchy. Actually, parts of Tacoma are really sketchy. I would recommend finding a place in a nicer part of Tacoma and comuting by car to campus. One of my friends also said the clinical placements are all over. I think clinical group sizes range from 8-10 students at a time. Most hospitals have a limit to how many students can be there at the same time. I think 8-10 is pretty standard. Oh, have you guys contacted Academic Services? Most programs will connect you directly with their students to discuss concerns or questions via email. Congrats Again!

Hi JackieJones, I actually was accepted to SU last year, but decided to go to University of Washington instead since it has a better reputation (they have been ranked #1 for the last 10 yrs or so). However, I learned this year is that reputation is not everything. One of my friends is in the program now, and she loves it. She said the professors are teaching focus as compared to many Ivies and major research schools like UW. Is cost a factor? SU is expensive, but I cannot imagine it to be more expensive than an Ivy. Do you live in the Seattle area? Good luck!

I thought for direct entry it needs to be a 3.0 since it is a grad program. Either way you will need way higher than 2.7 to get in. I think the average accepted GPA at SU is 3.6. I was able to get into their MEPN with 3.75 Good luck!

yes, the group is there the whole time. i was lucky they picked me to go first to answer. most of my answers were repeated by the rest of the group. so, if you are not first then you really have to be a bit creative with at least one response to standout. just be calm and collected but enthuastic. i would really try to practice with your friends and come up a list of questions that you may think they will ask. like patrick said, it is not really going to be about your experience per se. i believe the group they put you in is equally matched in credentials. for example, some of my classmates all interviewed together and was accepted as a group. in my group there was one other person accepted.

Hi Jenni, I did have the option to defer. I decided not to go to SU because I was accepted into UW. My main reason was based on UW's reputation and the emphasis on research and academics. UW was pretty organized with the application process and the program coodinator was great at answering my questions. I also did my undergrad at UW and worked at UW, so I was very comfortable with UW. My whole family went to UW (undergrad and grad). I was also told that UW always has the first dibs on clinical sites in the area. For example, this quarter UW students got morning shifts at clinical sites, whereas SU got the evening times. SU was awful in answering my questions during the application process. They were a bit dismissive as well. Although, SU's interview process was really good. I connected really well with the faculty members that interviewed me. So, that made it a bit difficult to decline the offer. I also had a bunch of friends that got into SU too and so it was a built in support system. The price between the 2 schools are pretty much the same and so price was not an issue. UW also has the DNP and Phd program. I'm planning on going on for further schooling and I thought UW's reputation would hold more weight. If I didn't get into UW, I would have chosen SU even though I got into a bunch of different schools. I really liked SU's track in Psychiatric Mental Health w/ an addictions focus. This seem to be the perfect fit for me. They also have the FNP track at the master's level, whereas UW only offers FNP at the DNP level. SU did have many positives for me, but I thought UW had more positives than negatives. SU's program is also shorter than UW's program. This can be good or bad depending on what you want. Do I regret my decision to go to UW? Well, sometimes. UW has their own issues which affects on the nursing students but I won't get into that. Good Luck! I would be more than happy to answer any additional questions. A bunch of folks helped me out during the application process, so I'm returning the favor. putting out some good karma, hopefully!

Hi Jenni, I'm sorry to hear about your news. Hopefully, the other schools will contact you. I also applied to SU last year and was accepted. If you have any questions about SU's application process and interview process I would be more than happy to try to answer them for you. The admissions office at SU was not so forthcoming in answering questions during the application process from my experience. As for UW, what speciality did you apply for? The school really seems to emphasize on the essay and your fit with the focal area. Hence, I really tailored my essay to emphasize my past healthcare experience. Last year I know that the ranked each of the applicants from 1-150 and invited the top 50 for interviews. So, your not really competing with the folks in your specific speciality area per se, but competing with the entire applicant pool. They also generally look at your last 90 credits and not your overall GPA (just as long as it is a 3.0 for undergrad). Do you have any hands on health care experience? If you planning on reapplying I would volunteer somewhere that applies to your focal area. Is it possible that your application may have been incomplete? They automatically throw those apps out. I only mention this because last year the transcript office forgot to send the second page of my transcript with some my coursework. They would have thrown out my application if I did not catch this in time. Good Luck!

Hi Opal, Congrats on getting an interview as well! The interview is a challenging process. It is a 30 min group interview and some focal areas have an additional individual interview. I don't exactly know how the phone interviews work, but I imagine some kind of conference call with the other candidates. Yes, the interview is very stressful. Some of the candidates will be in the same focal area and others may not. There is a group senario too. From my experience, the interview wore me out. Nevertheless, I think everyone is stressed out and so you all won't be the only ones. Good luck! Its a very big accomplishment to get an interview!

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That is great you applied for the infectious disease track! That was my second choice last year. I got into my first choice and so I did not have to interview for infectious diseases. Did you choose the NP or CNS track for infectious diseases? One of my classmates is doing the NP track. We actually only have one person in infectious disease right now. Although, another classmate is planning on switching into infectious diseases track. She has to reapply and is basically competing with the incoming apps. The website is actually a bit confusing about the difference between infectious disease NP track vs. the CNS track. The NP track you work more in direct patient care and you have prescription authority whereas CNS you are in an educator role. The CNS track is more focused on working with hospital staff and education. Hopefully, the website is better in explaining this distinction this year because it would be a pain in the butt to switch later. I only mention this because this was very unclear last year and many of my classmates are stuck in tracks that they don't want to do. Well good luck to you too! I know last year they invited the top 50 candidates to interview and accepted the top 24 from that group. I don't know this year because they have more spots available. The invitations are not out yet and I think they notify everyone at the same time. Here is the link to MEPN update page: http://www.son.washington.edu/eo/admissions-update-mepn-2008.asp

Wow, that must have been some amazing letter! None of my classmates mentioned the school actually calling their references. It sounds like you are a shoe in for the interview. I do not believe the geriatric focal area has an additional individual interview. I remember the interviews were a pain in the butt! Well, interview invitations will be out soon. I definitely would wait to take those classes in spring quarter (if you are on the quarter system). You will not know about acceptance until mid to late january or even early Feb. I must agree with you, the application process was a pain in the butt too, but if they called your references then it means your application was not automatically thrown out. I know a lot of people have their apps thrown out and not even looked at if it is incomplete, but they don't tell you that until invitations get sent out. So, it sucks that they have to wait. Last year, they notified us by email for interviews. Good Luck!

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UWMC is an excellent hospitial. I am currently in the MEPN program at UW (bsn-msn program). I did one of my clinicals at UWMC. They do have really great training program and you learn tons there. Another UW hospitial is Harborview which is another great hospitial to gain some experiences. I'm doing clinical at Harborview now. Both hosptials hire new grads but not in the ICU. As far as Seattle, the weather sucks and traffic is bad. Parking is expensive at both hospitials. Although, I must say public transportation is really good especially if you live in the Seattle area.

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Specifically, UW does not require GREs for their MEPN program anymore. They also have a new program DEPN (doctorate Entry program). this is brand new. When I was applying for programs I looked at ADN as well but I realized it was just one added step. I figured since I had a BA already I didn't want to do this. Although, the previous post make a really good point because it is more cost effective. It just wasn't for me. Another reason why I didn't do that route because I know specfically UW has extra application procedures for a BA+ADN. You have to prove your compentancy in community health and some other area by writing some essays tests. The reason behind this is because ADN programs do not give some of the same clinical rotations as do BSN programs. I guess you just have to chose what is right for you.

I can tell you that there are no accBSN programs in WA. You have to be willing to move. The closest program is in Portland. As for the MEPN thing, previous cohorts have taken the time to gain more experience before returning back for the master's portion. I remember people at UW saying you have 3 years to go back. I personally like the gurantee that I have a spot in the master's program. I'm not sure what WHCNP is. Is that women's health? if so, we do have that track at UW. here is the link w/ all the accBSN and MEPN programs across the US: http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Education/pdf/APLIST.PDF

I would actually recommend the MEPN program if you know you want a master's in a specific speciality. Yes, its really expensive but its only for one year. Essentially, you are doing the BSN in one year. The class is also a lot smaller so get to know your classmates really well. I must say though, its a very intense program. Yes, you are also taking classes with other BSN students but it still doesn't feel the same for some reason. I didn't chose the second BSN route because I thought it was a better deal to tack on 1 year and get a MSN on top of it. I guess it just depends on your future goals.

Did you try looking at Master entry programs in the area instead? I also have a BA in Psych and my grades are similar to yours. I was able to get in on my first try to University of Washington's MEPN and Seattle University's MEPN as well. I didn't bother trying for 2nd BSN because its more time consuming in the long run. If you do want to do a BSN, then I would look at acclerated BSN programs. They are a bit more expensive but a lot less time consuming. I can tell you that you will have a very hard time being accepted as a bost-Bac student for nursing school. I know for UW and SU's stats for post-bac students they only accept about 4-5 a year. The average number of applicants for them ranges between 300-450 total applicants. This does make sense to me because schools want to be able to serve those without degrees first instead of letting people w/ other degrees have those spots. Hence, the master entry programs and accelerated BSN programs for those with previous degrees. I personally didnt do the community college route either b/c it takes longer than an acclerated BSN program and you don't get a BSN out of it. Plus, ASN programs you miss out on some great clinical experiences like community health and public health experiences which I'm interested in. I would also say ASN programs are more competitive than the 4-year universities. I know Shoreline CC is very competitive but is an excellent nursing school. I know SPU is not as competitive but they have a very conservative teaching curriculm(so my frnd says). She actually doesnt like the school very much. Also, if you are looking at SPU then you can afford to do an acclerated BSN program! SPU is a private school and its way expensive. Why pay 2 years of tuition there when you can pay one year tuition to do an accelerated BSN?

Oh Yes, I mean University of Washington. I keep forgetting that mostly people on the westcoast automatically refer to University of Washington as UW. It has an excellent nursing school and has a top med school program on the westcoast and really rivals UCSF.

Fyi.. UW has a new direct entry DNP for those who are interested. I'm kind of surprised it happened so quick. There has been talk about it but I didnt realize applications and the program are now available. So, I guess now they are offering the MEPN and the DEPN. The DEPN only has 8 specialities, but I think the FNP is offered through the DEPN.

The Whole interview process was pretty bad! It was a 2 hour long interview. I had a second individual interview after the group one. I dont know if the acute care track has a second interview in addition to the group interview. The questions vary each year according to the cohort before mine. They always ask a senario question however. If your in Seattle I would definitely recommend going to an info session. I can tell you right now, that four weeks into the quarter has been extremely stressful. A lot of my classmates are on edge and some days I don't know what I got myself into! If you have any specific questions feel free to PM. It might take kind of long for a response but I will definitely get back to you.

I'm doing the MEPN Psych for UW right now. So far it is only the FNP for the doctorate but I do belive next year the Psych will be added to the doctorate. Nevertheless, I believe the Psych track will still be available for the MEPN as well.

WA does not have any accBSN programs. They only have the Master Entry Programs. There is 3 in WA--UW, Seattle U and PLU. I start the UW MEPN program on Monday. The closest accBSN is in Oregon.

Hi, My sister is actually in Pharmacy school now. The PharmD program is actually 4 years long and 2 years of prereqs. When she is done she will be making at min. 80k. I think most Pharmacists make atleast 50 dollars an hour. Nevertheless, there are many career options and not just in retail pharmacy. I can tell you though it is an extremely hard job and high stress. You really have to be academically on top of it from the get-go. This year I will be starting a MSN program and that will offer different challeges. I know however Pharmacy school is a lot more competitive to get into. They seem to require a lot more than nursing. My sister had to take University level chem and bio classes (which are premed classes). You also have to have awesome grades. Nursing school just requires you take classes from any college. You also have to take the PCAT (somewhat like the MCAT). My sister also has to do the same medical stuff as med students. She has worked with cavadavers, worked on a live operation of a rabbit and ANP class that is 2x as hard as most ANP classes. She also has done a lot to get in. She literally spent three years of her life devoted to getting in. dont get me wrong, I think Nursing is ideal for me because I love the speciality that I will be starting. Both careers are challenging and competitive. My sister loves Pharmacy, but she is always saying that her salary at the end of it will not be worth it because of what she has gone through in school. Therefore, she isnt doing the program for the money. Patient contact in Pharmacy is not as much as in nursing however.

I don't want to be negative, but in all honesty you will be less competitive than other applicants. Keep in mind that they say that is their requirement, but it really depends on each school's applicant pool. The three schools you listed are very prestigous and likely to attract highly competitive applicants. I'm not saying that your not competitive and exceed each schools requirements but how competitive are you among the applicant pool is really the key question. Therefore, I would contact each school and ask what is the lowest gpa you accepted this year, the highest gpa and discuss what was the typical applicant profile of accepted students. Nevertheless, gpa is definitely not the sole determing factor. Many schools look at overall package. I can attest to getting into a top school with sub-par GRE scores and average gpa: 3.5 with the last 90 credits being a 3.75. Anyhow, good luck!