It's pretty disappointing (I'm not a girl that gets rejected often!), but I figure it will give me time to really prepare to apply again next year. Applying for this fall was a last minute decision, that left me feeling rushed and only able to apply to one school before their deadline (though, really, I only wanted to apply to one school, as it was the only one I could afford).
I didn't anticipate getting rejected so I didn't worry about only applying to one school, but next year I will make sure to apply EVERYWHERE.
I'm also not entirely sure why I was rejected. Of course they give you no explanation. I'm hearing from a lot of people that NP school is incredibly competitive, so the only thing I can surmise is that they were going to pick a nurse that had more experience over me. I've got everything I needed - the grades, the recommendations, (some) floor experience as well as office experience, volunteer work, (what I thought was) a bangin' good essay re: why I wanted this...but going into the school year I will have only had one year's experience as an RN (seven months at the time I applied). I figured in a large pool of applicants where they are trying to pare down best they can, cutting me would be easy from that perspective.
How else can I prepare for next year?
I'm wondering about the essay - I guess knowing how competitive it is, I need to REALLY make sure my essay stands out (I whipped that bad boy out in about three minutes). What kind of things do I need to write about, besides why I want to be an NP? What do you think they're looking for?
Thanks so much, Juan!! I really needed to hear that.:redpinkhe:redpinkhe:redpinkhe
I think you're right about the increased competition. I'm trying not to kick myself for not pursuing graduate study earlier (that story is long and neither here nor there, lol) because I can't do anything to change that. I want to get into a program so badly now that I think its really fueling my anxiety.
Thanks again for the vote of confidence, I could just hug all of you right now!!
I also got rejected from np, well I was put on a wait list. I was discouraged and bummed because I thought my application looked really good. I was even called for an in person interview. I have applied to another school which is equally competitive and accepts 35 students only per year. So I will wait n see, in the mean time, I am trying to come up with a plan B incase I dont get to start school this fall.
I think the OP had 1 year experience. But then again, she might be on her second career too. Everyone's situation is different, who am I to second guess everyones desires. Yet, I can definitely imagine someone, fresh out of school, believing that reaching the pinnacle of one's career as quickly as possible is the goal. And maybe that is a great goal, reaching the pinnacle as quickly as possible. But once there, its not as though you live happily ever after, and the movie ends. You're stuck, it may be the pinnacle, but you're still stuck, for the next 30 years. Anyways, an unrelated issue, your future kid might take you out for a year or two, but that's it. There is life after kids!
There's no such thing as being "stuck" as an NP. First of all if you really don't like it you can still do everything that an RN can do. Also NPs function in many different arenas -- yes, you'll have to lock yourself into one track like peds, adult, women's health etc, but within that field there are a range of opportunities. I can see the logic in getting the school-based part of your education out of the way so you can concentrate on other career goals for the rest of your life.
Specializes in ICU,CCU, MICU, SICU, CVICU, CTSICU,ER.
AbeFrohman said:
Here's what happened..
Admission Director:"Where's the pile of applicants that met the minimum requirements?"
Secretary: "On the left side of your desk."
Admission Director:"How many are we taking this year?"
Secretary: "75."
Admission Director: "Okay, grab the first 75 in the pile and send the rest a denial letter. Wow, I'm exhausted from all this work."
I'm not saying there aren't selective schools out their, but they are not the norm. I have been through the application process at several schools and friends all over. I'm telling you, it just SEEMS competitive because the person with a 3.9 GPA just had the bad luck of having their application seen after all the slots were filled. I've yet to see a person who met the minimum requirements not get in within at least on the second try, even at the same school.
ETA: I had a 3.5 GPA, ZIPPO experience, the GRE was waived for me (>3.2 GPA), and no interview, and UAB ACNP program took me without hesitation. Just to show schools that are online and take huge class numbers (despite being renowned medical institutions) are really easy to get into.
I may be interpreting this wrong, but it seems you are saying online programs let anyone it because of their large class sizes. I disagree. Professors have limits on online class sizes, too. I know you said selective schools are not the norm...maybe, but reputable or not, Universities need to maintain graduation averages to remain competitive..yes, its a business. My school interviewed me twice, gave feedback on my application and essay, I was assigned an admission specialist to assist in the process (except the essay), and they phone interviewed my letters of rec. This was their standard. I didn't assume I'd get in...I was told this school is highly competitive, and it will get worse because of the surge of NP students trying to slip in before the 2015 deadline. I was the only summa cum laude to graduate in my class, I have more than enough experience in nursing in some of the best Michigan ICUs, have taught, managed, and hold my CCRN. The GRE was waived b/c of my 4.0, and my resume I was told, and the GPA cut off was 3.5. Just as they did their homework on me to ensure I can pass their courses (and support their graduation rates..its a business) I did my homework on them. Research the schools, know their graduation rate, where the grads end up working, how much they make compared to other 'popular' programs, and how much support you can expect..I would not choose another institution over the one I'm in...I even turned down acceptance at my home state university in lieu of this program. (but still a football fan )
I'm not saying there are school out there that are glad to get your money by accepting (you) into their program...you get what you pay for though. I would suggest researching the schools and choosing one that fits your interests, not one that is easy to get into, or easy to pass. If it focuses on passing board certs, think twice! Like I said you get what you pay for. I pay more, but to me its well worth it because the quality of the education and the content is what counts in the end, and the support doesn't stop on graduation day if its an exceptional program. (I'm not a recruiter, even though it sounds like that :)) I'm very proud of my choice...its distance learning but that doesn't make it easy:twocents:
I will PM you the name of the school I am attending. My Undergrad GPA was a 3.3 which I don't think is very competitive at all for graduate school. I am however an excellent writer and think I may have won them over with my goal statement. Either way, I feel that my school was relatively easy to get into.
CCRNDiva said:
Thanks so much, Juan!! I really needed to hear that.
I think you're right about the increased competition. I'm trying not to kick myself for not pursuing graduate study earlier (that story is long and neither here nor there, lol) because I can't do anything to change that. I want to get into a program so badly now that I think its really fueling my anxiety.
Thanks again for the vote of confidence, I could just hug all of you right now!!
I was rejected the first time, but got in the next year. What I learned:
1) Talk to your admission committee. Ask them directly why you were not competitive. Ask for ways to strengthen your application. Thank them graciously. They will probably give you several clues in how to get in. Some schools want to make sure that you really want to be an NP, and thus want to see persistence in applying.
2) Make sure your essay matches what they are looking for. For example, if the website focuses on research and service work, make sure these are the focus of your essay. Scour the website for clues. Look at the kinds of research conducted by faculty. They will contain hints for your essay.
3) Do not use primarily physicians for your letters of recommendation. Make sure you have nurse leaders, too. Provide to your references a resume & one-page description about yourself and why you want to be an NP. Use key words from the SON website. A big reason letters of recommendation are rejected, even if written by important people, is b/c they may not provide enough information to indicate that they know you well enough. The admission committee wants to see that you match their school mission statement precisely -- so make sure your reference describes how you are a good fit.
4) Take a course w/in the school of nursing. Even if you went to a prestigious school, this SON may reject you if you did not obtain your BSN there. All schools think theirs is the very best. Show you can do the coursework, make an "A". The best thing is to directly ask the admissions committee which course they would recommend.
5) My school does not accept applicants w/out research and volunteer experience. Publications help, too. Maybe the school to which you applied has the same bias. If so, look for some quick volunteer opportunities that allow you to work w/ under-served groups, or move into research nursing. Take a volunteer position that allows you to demonstrate leadership skills. Or, find a job as an RN working w/ a researcher affiliated w/ the SON to which you will apply. This would give you a killer reference, too.
NP student gives excellent advice here. The only additional I would have is to #4 -- taking a graduate class at the school where you want to attend as a non-degree or visiting student. Get to know that faculty member well. Go to their office hours. Assuming you get to know them well and received an A in the class, this is another option for an academic letter of reference. Admissions committees do look at the signature at the bottom of the recommendation. A strong letter from someone they know well (close colleague, nationally-known nurse researcher/scholar, etc.) can matter.
One drawback of distance learning classes in general is that most classes only last a few weeks, and students do not get to know their faculty well. A good letter of recommendation provides a detailed assessment of the applicant, citing specific examples how the applicant meets the criteria listed on the recommendation form. It is not uncommon to see good letters of recommendation that is more than a page in length (500 words). Most letter of recommendation that I read have all checkboxes marked in the strong/excellent level. What distinguishes a letter is those specific reasons why an applicant meets/exceeds those criteria that is described in an attached letter.
I appreciate the comments of UVA and NP Student but how are we to know how someone will complete the recommendation form? if they are submitted on paper, they want them sealed and the majority of recommendations are submitted electronically. I had recommendations from our unit's CNS and intensivist, my PhD nursing instructor and a clinical instuctor. I also had experience volunteering in Haiti with a regional healthcare team in Haiti. I've called several times to inquire what I could do to strengthen my application but I have yet to receive a response. I don't know what else to do. I'm limited in where I can apply because I need to sell my house before I can commit to relocating across the country.
I have two more applications pending and I'm trying to remain positive. I don't want to abandon my goals but I have started researching CRNA and PA programs just in case I'm not admitted to a good ACNP program. I've had friends with lower GPAs and less ICU experience than I be accepted into some good CRNA programs. Maybe it is what Juan, UVa and others have said and it's just the shear increase of applicants to NP programs that is making admission more difficult.
You have great experience, so I'm unsure why your application was rejected. However, the other applicants are likely just as strong. I bet you will gain acceptance into at least one of the programs from which you are waiting to hear.
About letters of recommendation, sometimes references will provide a copy if you ask. This obviously doesn't work for online submission, though.
Good luck to you! If you don't get into NP school, the CRNA makes much more money (even 200K around here) & PA school is also a great choice. I would have chosen PA over NP just to avoid so much nursing theory.
I finally received a response from the program director at one of the schools I was denied admission. She suggested taking courses there as an non-degree seeking student and getting a B or better, just as some of you suggested. It was a relief to know they didn't think I was a total lost cause. I'll keep that as an option if I'm not admitted somewhere else.
I don't know how financial aid works when you're a non-degree seeking student though.
At my university, there is no financial aid or institutional assistance for non-degree students. Because you are not admitted to a program, federal funds, loans, and University scholarships can not be used. This may vary from school to school, so ask at the school closest to you.
Most non-degree students at my school are using tuition benefits from their employers (hospitals) though.
That's what I thought. I don't think I will be able to go that route then. I'm not in the position to pay out of pocket for the tuition. My current employer's tuition reimbursement leaves much to be desired. I don't think it would cover one class at this institution. ?
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CCRNDiva, BSN, RN
365 Posts
Thanks so much, Juan!! I really needed to hear that.:redpinkhe:redpinkhe:redpinkhe
I think you're right about the increased competition. I'm trying not to kick myself for not pursuing graduate study earlier (that story is long and neither here nor there, lol) because I can't do anything to change that. I want to get into a program so badly now that I think its really fueling my anxiety.
Thanks again for the vote of confidence, I could just hug all of you right now!!