Falco421

Aquamarine Healing, I see that you are in the UMass GEP forum as well. Were you also accepted to Yale? If so, how are you handling the decision process? I got into both and am weighing the decision.

I have an interview for AGPCNP Feb 1st!

Hi everyone. Add me to those refreshing every 15 minutes!

I'm in for Adult/Gero!!!! SO pumped!

Hi everyone, I am pleased to say that I have recently been offered admission into the USM options MSN program in Portland, ME! I want to find out more about the program and what kinds of experiences current and past students have had. I've been having a hard time finding much "out there." Is there anyone on this forum who wouldn't mind sharing their thoughts with me? What do you think are the strengths/weaknesses of the program? Did the school assign you preceptorships and clinical placements? Would you choose USM again? Thanks!

Congratulations, Kateen! And thank you for the info. Fingers crossed!

Hi NPToBe! My application was complete as of last week. I was not expecting to hear anything so soon, but I can't say I'm sad about it.

I just heard back that I have an interview. Those of you who already did yours--any tips or thoughts in hindsight? What kind of questions did they ask? Thank you!

I understand and respect your opinion and believe that these are valid concerns. From what I can tell, it seems to be a common topic on this forum for people to criticize the direct-entry NP pathway in general. I fully understand the challenges that this path entails, but evidence shows that students graduating from direct-entry NP programs are equally successful in their roles as are nurses who have taken the traditional route. I have to believe that these programs prepare students adequately, or they would not exist. These programs are intended for students who are career-changers. For me, this is my only entry into nursing, and an ABSN is not an option, as I am unable to get loan funding for any more undergraduate credits. But since I know I want to be an NP anyway, I don't see this as a problem. I posted this question because I'm trying to gauge just how competitive these programs are, and how my stats and experiences will stack up, so I can choose my applications accordingly.

I'm wondering if anyone can shed some light on how my stats and experience will stack up in applying to Direct-entry FNP or AGNP programs this fall. I'm planning on casting a wide net, but I'd like to minimize the number of applications I complete as much as I can to cut down on application fees (and to have mercy on my gracious recommendation letter-writers!) I am a Massage therapist specializing in injury-treatment work, with about 3.5 years of professional experience, including management. I have a 4.0 GPA from my BA (religious studies--socio-cultural, NOT theology:)) as well as in my science and math prereqs, and a 3.9 from my additional Massage Therapy associate's degree. GRE is pretty good: 169 verbal, 156 math, 4.5 writing. My letters of rec should be strong. My biggest fear is that my massage therapy experience won't be considered "clinical" enough, although I firmly believe in the work and that it is patient care. I haven't had time to volunteer as I've had to work full-time to pay my way through school, although I have shadowed at a community health clinic a couple times. What do you guys think? How much is hospital-based experience held up in importance for admissions? I really want this so badly.