"smart enough" for DNP program?

Specialties Doctoral

Published

I graduated from an MSN program in May with a 3.3 GPA. I'm deciding to further pursue and get a DNP in psych/mental health. I took graduate courses to bump up my GPA, since I only graduated from my BSN program with a 3.1, but I'm still worried it's not enough. I know, I know - every program has exceptions and looks at you as a whole person. Just looking for reassurance. I know I'm smart enough to get a DNP but I still worry about being looked down on for not being "competitive" with such a low GPA. I had mental health issues at the end of my BSN program and throughout my MSN program and completed both programs with the support of my advisor/mentor.

Specializes in Renal/Urology/HIV.

I graduated from nursing school (Univ of Maryland) with a 3.1 GPA and have been working for 2 years. I recently got accepted into UPENN,Emory,Yale and I have an interview and Johns Hopkins next week for the BSN to DNP program. I made sure to make my resume absolutely flawless and I spent a lot of time on my essay. Don't let your GPA discourage you

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
I graduated from nursing school (Univ of Maryland) with a 3.1 GPA and have been working for 2 years. I recently got accepted into UPENN,Emory,Yale and I have an interview and Johns Hopkins next week for the BSN to DNP program. I made sure to make my resume absolutely flawless and I spent a lot of time on my essay. Don't let your GPA discourage you

There are plenty of schools who will accept any gpa, with a horrid resume and essay so just pull out the credit card and start applying.

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How disappointing that our doctorate programs which graduate supposed clinicians who will be attempting to diagnose and prescribe medication, often to children, have this as their main focus.

I wonder if a lot of DNP programs are pseudo attempts at getting people into the lobbying business lol

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Specializes in Step-down ICU.
I graduated from nursing school (Univ of Maryland) with a 3.1 GPA and have been working for 2 years. I recently got accepted into UPENN,Emory,Yale and I have an interview and Johns Hopkins next week for the BSN to DNP program. I made sure to make my resume absolutely flawless and I spent a lot of time on my essay. Don't let your GPA discourage you

I'm in the process of applying to a DNP program--any suggestions on writing the essay? The school I'm applying to requires two essays and a case study. I've been dreading it but need to get started.

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Specializes in Renal/Urology/HIV.
There are plenty of schools who will accept any gpa, with a horrid resume and essay so just pull out the credit card and start applying.

I don't know if this was a low blow at me but I don't want to go to any school- I want to go to the best which is why I applied to those schools. Schools like UPenn Emory or Johns Hopkins don't just accept anybody. My GPA is not great however my experience definitely makes up for it.

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Specializes in Renal/Urology/HIV.

My essay was very unique because I have extensive experience in global health in developing countries so I wrote about that and how it led to my career goals. You have to start out your essay strong and finish strong maybe if you describe a specific experience that has led you to wanting to attain your DNP?

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Specializes in medical surgical.

This is exactly what happened to me. I had to drop out of my program because I couldn't afford mandatory health insurance. I had a 4.0.

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