Raina82

These are great schools, I would love to apply to CA. Did you need the GRE for Western? I looked at the requirements online and for some reason did not see it mentioned. Thanks :)

Thanks again to everyone for the helpful information. As far as the GRE, I did not take it because the schools I plan to apply to have a "GRE waiver" so I think I just make this cutoff. Would it be best if I took it anyway just in case?? Thanks!

Thanks for the information about this program justrunfast985. I actually contacted the school a couple of weeks ago and they said they are completely changing the program and to contact them at the end of August. I am hoping to begin spring 2015 if admitted...I just hope they don't add any additional pre-reqs, lol. Now it all makes sense as to why they are changing it!

Ceci, It does sound like we are on a very similar path! Thanks for your insight on the application process, it makes me feel a whole lot better. Congrats on your acceptance to your top choice program! I will seek out some additional healthcare experience. I would love to do phlebotomy, however, its more classes and $ for the certification so I don't think it would be realistic for me, but I'll try to find something to get more exposure. I've been working on my resume, and will try my luck at the local hospitals. Can I ask which programs you applied to? I am considering some out of state if I don't get accepted to schools in IL, but it would be nice to stay here because of family and all... Thanks again :) ~Raina

Thank you both for the advice, much appreciated. Sarasays- yes! I would love to pick your brain about the individual schools, and application process. Where did you apply? Where was your undergrad from and what were your stats and experience when you applied? I only found 3 programs in IL: DePaul, Rush, and UIC. Can you tell me which school has a better program? Which one is easiest to get into? Also, why did you end up switching to pre-med? Did you take the MCAT? I was scoring low on the practice tests and I decided the stress wasn't worth it, plus I can't go away to school because my husband wouldn't be able to move with me, so those are some additional reasons I decided DNP would be best. Sorry about all the questions! :) -Raina

Hello everyone, I found this website through Student Doctor NetworkForums. I am 31 years old, and I recently completed my pre-requisites for DO school. In the process I realized that Med School wasn't a good fit for me, not to mention the fact my GPA was pretty low, a 3.3 now, due to getting crushed in Physics...I really don't want to do a special masters program and keep trying for med school. As soon as I found the MS entry in nursing, I felt it would be the perfect fit, and this way I could work my way towards DNP. I've always been interested in Family Practice. I was wondering if anyone could tell me what my chances are, I heard the MS programs are pretty competitive as well. I'm an IL resident. My overall gpa is 3.4, science 3.3 with a downward trend (C's in Physics). My BA was in psych and I did a post-bac which brought me down to the 3.3ish. I had a couple of "w's" as well...dropped calc and physics and gen chem the first time I took it. Bio were A's, both semesters Ochem B's. I have very little healthcare experience, only about 1 year part time as a MA and some shadowing hours. Do I need to obtain more healthcare experience to be more competitive? The last year I did research for about a year but no patient contact, not sure if this would hurt my app? Also, is it possible to shadow a DNP? Does getting a letter of rec from one help? Also, not sure how to explain my switch to MS nursing from pre-med...do I even have to mention this in my personal statement? Ah, not sure about this approach. I'm very new to this, but very excited to embark on the nursing path. Any insight would be appreciated!