Dont let us news and report or whatever you saw for rankings fool you. There is little those rankings are based on. Look for a program that fits YOU best when you are ready to apply. The application process can also be very expensive especially if you interview at many places. Also depending on how quick you are getting in the only option is DNP but most the programs have recently changed or in process of changing and the transition has been rocky from what I have heard from other students. To me the most important (recent and historical trends of) attrition, board pass rates, travel for clinical none or little, does the school want random prereq's that I dont already meet, cost of living in area, class size preference. Then once you interview at places the schools will usually have other students that you can talk to as well as talking to faculty and determine if the school will be your best fit.
Also you may need to ask yourself if you really have your heart set on say going to U of Pitt (or anywhere) is it worth not getting accepted and waiting another year to hope to get in vs going to another program that you may still excel at.
