UC Davis MEPN

KO.SRNA, MSN, RN · Jan 11, 2016

Master's Entry Program in Nursing
This would be there first cohort. I remember looking at this page about 3 weeks ago and the application was closed. Im surprised they opened it so soon and have a quick deadline coning up (Feb 1). I already applied to programs but could definitely use a back up since I live in the bay area. I just dont know if I can make that deadline (as far as LORs)

Hi again Sweetmemi! I also applied to UC Davis' MEPN program on Jan 8th. I signed up for the text msg alerts and received an alert saying they opened the applications on December 23 or something like that. Super sudden. It would be cool to be apart of the first cohort at UCD, but it's kinda nervewracking considering we'd be guinea pigs for everything. What I especially like is that it's only 18 months compared to other MEPN programs. I wish UCD also used NursingCAS, so I didn't have to bother my recommenders again. Had to bug em for USF's application too -_- lol Good luck though!

Sweetmemi, BSN, MSN · Jan 12, 2016

Hi again Sweetmemi! I also applied to UC Davis' MEPN program on Jan 8th. I signed up for the text msg alerts and received an alert saying they opened the applications on December 23 or something like that. Super sudden. It would be cool to be apart of the first cohort at UCD, but it's kinda nervewracking considering we'd be guinea pigs for everything. What I especially like is that it's only 18 months compared to other MEPN programs. I wish UCD also used NursingCAS, so I didn't have to bother my recommenders again. Had to bug em for USF's application too -_- lol Good luck though!

Yay someone finally replied haha. I looked in Dec as well and it said by the end of 2016 hopefully or 2017. Not sure if I should even apply... My undergead gpa is a 2.7.... But my prereqs are over a 3.0 , so its like opposite of theie requirements.

I also gotta re bug my LOR( for SFSU and USF)

KO.SRNA, MSN, RN · Jan 12, 2016

I would call and ask on how firm they are on the admission requirements with regards to the cumulative GPA. I feel like the prerequisite GPA, personal statement, goals statement, etc are much more important, but if it is a firm no undergrad degree under 3.0 GPA, then I wouldn't apply and bug your recommenders again. The application fee is hella expensive too at $90.

If they aren't firm on the GPA requirement for the undergrad degree, I would apply simply because I don't think so many people have heard about this program yet as they opened the applications up suddenly. Also, it's a brand new program, so lots of applicants may shy away from it as there may be plenty of kinks to fix before the program is where it needs to be.

Sweetmemi, BSN, MSN · Jan 12, 2016

Yeah $90 is a bit steep, but yeah I will def. call them to double check. I have a good background as far as volunteer experience, work experience, etc, but it's just my undergrad gpa isn't the greatest that I think holds me back.

KO.SRNA, MSN, RN · Jan 13, 2016

Yeah I think they definitely take a look at the holistic aspect to the application. With your volunteer and work experiences, i think a strong personal statement and future goals statement may sway the admissions committee to look past your cGPA. Besides, I would think that the prerequisite GPA is more important, so hopefully they are a little more lenient especially since this would be their first MEPN cohort.

KO.SRNA, MSN, RN · Jan 16, 2016

Earlier today I called them, and they stated that this cohort will not have in person interviews. The email from them also stated that they will only admit 24 students into the program. Sounds like it'll be very competitive!

Sweetmemi, BSN, MSN · Jan 16, 2016

I called to check to see about the gpa requirements. I was sent to some woman's voicemail and i left a message but did not receive a call back.

KO.SRNA, MSN, RN · Jan 17, 2016

@Sweetmemi yeah same here. Seems like they're busy? Idk I had a few questions too and I kept getting deferred to some woman's vm. The personal statements/scholarship essays are a lot of work for this app too, so hopefully she gets back to you soon since the deadline is coming up.

richj86 · Jan 20, 2016

Earlier today I called them, and they stated that this cohort will not have in person interviews. The email from them also stated that they will only admit 24 students into the program. Sounds like it'll be very competitive!

Whoa, only 24? Yeah that sounds like its gonna be pretty competitive. I'm guessing they'll get a lot of applications given that UC Davis also has the only NP/PA program in the country. It would be a good decision for anyone wanting to get acquainted with faculty/admissions for that next step.

I've also applied to UCLA's MECN program but think I would choose UCD if I had the choice. I'm finishing up my undergrad at UCLA right now but am ready to leave LA. I grew up in SF and miss being able to walk around.

KO.SRNA, MSN, RN · Jan 20, 2016

Whoa, only 24? Yeah that sounds like its gonna be pretty competitive. I'm guessing they'll get a lot of applications given that UC Davis also has the only NP/PA program in the country. It would be a good decision for anyone wanting to get acquainted with faculty/admissions for that next step.
I've also applied to UCLA's MECN program but think I would choose UCD if I had the choice. I'm finishing up my undergrad at UCLA right now but am ready to leave LA. I grew up in SF and miss being able to walk around.

Yes only 24! They plan on increasing the amount of students in the program to 48 by 2020. I'm guessing they'll get a lot of applications too for that same reason and also because the tuition would be a lot lower than a lot of private schools such as USF, Samuel Merritt, etc. I'd definitely be interested in the PA/NP track later on down the line, but from a practical standpoint, I may have to choose a post-masters program I can do part-time while working as an RN later on. The PA/NP program is pretty long and requires full-time concentration, but only time will tell on what happens.

Good luck on the UCLA MECN program! I wanted to apply but they required more pre-reqs (O-chem, biochem, epidemiology, etc) that I won't be able to complete unless I apply in future application cycles. Other than location, is there any other reason as to why you'd pick a brand new program at UCD over UCLA's?

richj86 · Jan 21, 2016

@ KO_1219

I guess the short answer would be that I'm ready to move on from LA. Don't get me wrong, my undergraduate experience was awesome--definitely no regrets--but I would welcome a change of scenery. I've applied to Penn, Columbia, JHU, OHSU, Duke, Georgetown, Univ. of SF, UC Davis, and UCLA. I'll wait and see what happens in terms of where I get in (or don't get in) and go from there, but I can say that I prefer more of a casual urban vibe than the experience I've had here in LA. There's a chance that I'll stay out, but I can honestly say that I don't see myself here long-term.