golucy

I want to say that I received my interview letter late December, a few days before Christmas. It was somewhere around the 18th or 20th. I know that doesn't help with the anticipation but at least you know you probably have a few more weeks before you should expect it. Good luck everyone!!

It seems to me that as long as you can meet the physical requirements of the program, your disability would not be an issue. I can say this though, there are students current and past who have chronic medical conditions or have had serious illness in the past. UCSF always wants know what brought you to nursing and many people who enter have had personal experience with illness, whether it be themselves, a family member or a friend. The school truly wants a diverse group of students with a wide range of life experience.

I am a 1st year MEPN. I had terrible weak scores and do not speak Spanish. I did not go to a competitive college or university (one of the few). I did do very well in graduate school and had 15 years experience in my speciality area (pediatrics). I didn't think my faculty interview went well at all. I got in the first try. The program is of course very competitive but try not to get too stressed out (easier said than done). The one thing they will be focusing on in the interview is the question of "Why nursing?" and what experiences have influenced your decision to enter nursing. Be well prepared to answer that question. Also, look up the stated mission or goals of the UCSF Nursing School. Each and every student is incredible in their own right. Truly an amazing group of people. If you are applying to other programs, I strongly urge you to look closely at them before accepting at UCSF. The program does have it's issues. In my opinion (and not a few of my fellow students), the program is expensive and overrated. Nursing faculty is understaffed, specialty areas underfunded and There is a shortage of clinical instructors and also of clinical sites. Of course there is also the bureaucracy... Don't get me wrong, UCSF is very diverse and has very innovative programs, but the 1st year of MEPN is not as academic challenging as it's reputation would have you believe. I have been told that the Master's is very good.

I am a current 1st year MEPN. Prerequisites can be online classes. I know because two of my classes were online. Also, labs are not required. Anatomy online was a nightmare but I got through it. I don't recommend it as it is a massive amount of material and very difficult without a lab.

Hi everyone, Hard to believe the start of program is just around the corner. Has anyone heard on financial aid yet? For those of you on the wait list, has anyone been admitted off the wait list yet? I am keeping my fingers crossed for you.

The wait was worth it. I got in. Happy, incredulous, stunned barely begins to describe my feelings. Next challenge... how I will feed and clothe my children for that 1st year? Deep breathing...one thing at a time. Congratulations to everyone who got in and sincere and heartfelt sympathy to those who did not or who are waiting as alternates. This has been a long, anxiety provoking process for all.

Any the wait continues...no letter in Marin County yet.

Right. Went to mailbox with heart racing...nothing. Hopefully the torture will end tomorrow.

I just got a letter to interview on Jan 25th. In response to questions regarding stats on those that did get letters and to offer some assistance to those who may be applying in the future I will share my particulars. I am proof that prosective applicants should not be discouraged if they have less than stellar GRE scores. I applied as an Advanced Practice Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and was invited to interview with what I consider to be embarassingly poor GRE scores-something like 550verbal 470math and writing a 4.5. I did however have a 4.0 GPA in graduate school. I have been working at CPMC in S.F. as a developmental specialist with children birth to three with disablitiles for approximately 13 years. I will probably be the oldest person in the program at a month shy of 44 if I get in. Oh, I don't speak Spanish either although I do speak French which is not terribly useful. I had excellent referrences from a pediatric neurologist, a pediatric nurse practitioner, a LCSW and a pediatric occupational therapist. I definitely feel that high grades and GRE scores are not the entree into this program. It is reassuring to know that UCSF is not giving lip service when they say that they are looking for a diverse applicant pool and at the totality of what an applicant offers. Given my situation, I can't help but feel that my professional experience helped tremendously. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will interview well and be offered a slot.

Applications for the UCSF MEPN Program are submitted July-Oct 1 for the program starting the following June. The application deadline for the program beginning June 2008 has already passed. You will be able to apply July-Oct 2008 for the program beginning in June 2009. If you graduate in December 2007. You have an entire 18 months to fulfill the prerequisites. The prerequisites are not extensive (there are three) and can be done at community colleges in your area. I suggest you carefully read the MEPN website. All your questions will be answered. You should be aware that good GPA and GRE scores alone does not guarantee entrance into the program. This website is full of very qualified applicants who have very competitive scores. The program is highly competitive.

I submitted the online application for June 2008 last week with much trepidation. Now 25 years out of high school and 13 out of graduate school, I feel a little academically rusty. Additionally, I had an abominable score on the GRE (terrible on the math). I am trying not to obsess about it, though it is difficult. I did get a 4.0 in my graduate studies and have worked as a developmental specialist with children birth to three in a hospital based program for the past 13 years. Hopefully experience counts for something. The most difficult thing is that the school does not define what they are looking for in candidates. Good luck to you, I am sure there will be much commiseration over the next few months.

Hi there, Has anyone heard how competitive the UCSF MEPN is in Advanced Practice Pediatric Nurse Practitioner? I see postings from a lot of applicants to other programs but not so much this one specifically.