Rush to Apply? UCSF MEPN

srl77 · Apr 20, 2016

Hi All,

I need your keen advice and insight. After studying English at UC Berkeley and graduating in '13, I had no idea what I wanted to do. Almost 3 years later, I'm working in healthcare, became EMT-certified, and really want to become an NP. I would love to attend UCSF's MEPN program (in my home state of CA and close to my family), and just need to take Microbiology, A&P 1, and Human Development. The application deadline is Sept. 1 and if I don't apply this year, I'll have to wait a full year to apply, which I'd really rather avoid.

I need advice on whether it's worth it to do this (sort of) insane schedule over the summer in order to apply in time. I work full time at a Boston hospital in clinical research and am currently taking a statistics class. My plan is to study for the GRE as I finish up stats, and then do the following:

Take GRE on June 13

Microbiology- online through Johns Hopkins, May 23-August 1

A&P 1- in-person class through local community college, June 7-July 29, Mon and Wed from 5-10pm

Human Development- online through local community college, July 11- August 19

Apply for Sept. 1

I could either do all these classes this summer and apply, or take two classes this summer and the GRE, take more classes over the fall and perhaps get some EMT work experience. I would also have stronger job experience, as I'm moving into a clinical research coordinator role. If I waited, do you think that would make me a stronger applicant? I feel that it might be good to apply this year in case I don't get in, and then apply again the following year. I'm pretty conflicted.... Any advice would be really appreciated!