Ucsf Mepn Hopefuls Entering 2010

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Hello to aspiring carreer changers contemplating and gearing up for the MEPN program at UCSF. I am starting a thread for those working on prereqs and doing volunteer work at this point while dusting off old transcripts and beginning to package a stellar application for the "main event." I also want to solicit advice from recent RN's from the program who can help me and others who are considering this path.

I am an English major on course to become a writer when I decided that onc/ gerontological nursing is what I want to do and that UCSF will allow me to broaden my reach into research, science education, teaching, international outreach and writing. I am working on my prereqs right now and will take the GRE prior to Oct. '09 application deadline for the June'10 batch. If you are doing the same footprint as I am - please reply and share your plan of action. RNs now successfully progressing to fulfill their dreams please share valuable insights - coping skills, study tricks, best preparation path, etc. It will be very much appreciated.:bow:

I'm applying for the second time to the UCSF MEPN program...I am definitely freaking out!! I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Africa and have spent the last three years working in public health for vulnerable populations. I have a lot of good experience but I'm a little nervous about my GRE scores. I scored in the 90th percentile on verbal but didn't do so great on the quantitative (540)...I imagine it's too late to take them again, no?

I'm also a little nervous because I might be switching tracks...I have been persuaded by a UCSF faculty member to apply to a different track than I applied to last year. Has anyone on the message board made a similar decision and switched specialties the second (or third) time around? For those of you who are reapplying, I have been told that it's very common to be rejected the first or second time then admitted the following year. That gives me some hope!

Any insight would be much appreciated.

Good luck to you all!

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Hi again,

I am working on my goal statement as we speak and am still confused by the difference between it and the personal history statement. I believe the goal statement is the most important. Still, I would rather do one long essay rather than two and it feels very disjointed. Any tips?

Anne

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My take on it, and I could be way off, was that the goal statement is more focused on why you want to be a nurse, why you want to pursue a certain specialty, and what you plan on doing with your degree. The personal history is more about what you have overcome or any unusual life journeys and how it will make you a better nurse.

For me they break into two essays pretty cleanly, but I am struggling with how personal to get on the second one.

From the information session I attended, I would agree that the goal statement is the most crucial. They really want to see a passion for nursing and congruence between what you write and the specialty that you are applying for.

I really thought the GRE would be the hardest part of the process - but these essays are killing me. And every school asks something different, grrrr!

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Yes,

I agree completely! These essays are kicking my ass. Would you like to exchange and read each others for tips and help. FYI I probably still need a day or two before I would even feel comfortable sending mine to you! I never made it to info sessions and I am going for the midwife track, did they state how much experience in the field they required?

Anne

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That would be great! I will look through my notes from the information session too. I see you don't have 15 posts yet, but you can email me at my yahoo address: protongryl. I am going for the FNP specialty myself.

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Hey Protongirl.

I emailed you my history statement on Sat. Let me know if it did not go through!

Thanks

Anne

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Hey guys!!

This is my 2nd time around applying to UCSF MEPN. Essays are killing me too. Let's keep this thread going!

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Yes - lets keep this thread going! To update my earlier post... I have received my GRE scores from taking them in the Dominican Republic (570V 730Q still waiting on writing). I volunteered with a group of US midwives who were down here on a service trip and I got to see three lady partsl births! It was super cool and I'm planning on working with them again in November when they send the next group. I also completed an online birth doula course, so now I'm a registered birth doula. I guess that will be my Plan B for next year. Work as a Birth Doula and gain more experience. I am putting the finishing touches on the essays. I can't seem to keep them short though... My goal statement is about 2 &3/4 pages and my personal statement is just under 2. I'm also putting gentle pressure on the last two people who haven't sent in letters of recommendation. And, I will be starting online Anatomy and Physiology on the 24th through Barton Community College.

Sept 1st is getting closer by the day...

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I emailed UCSF for how long the personal history statement should be...and they wrote back..."a few sentences or a paragraph or two is optimal". I was prepared to write an essay, but now I am going to write a paragraph. Just thought I would share this information for anyone forcing themselves to write a lot.

Goodluck everyone. Can't believe its 10 days away, crazy.

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How can someone's personal history be a paragraph?!! Any suggestions? Mine is about a page, not double-spaced.

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I guess because they are asking what about your personal history in the categories given are relevant to you choosing to go to grad school, I don't think they want to read an essay, or one's entire personal history. I just picked 3 things to say, I think they just want to know the major driving factors and just get a quick feel for where you are coming from. Although, mine is like half a page not double-spaced so its hard. I have no suggestions but just cut out the extra stuff, they might appreciate a shorter answer. Anyone else not done with their essays? Its crunch time, goodluck on finishing everyone!

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Hey all! I'm working on my application too. I was wondering what the reason was for your chosen specialty? I heard there was a lot of emphasis in the admissions process on whether or not a person's application is a good fit for their chosen specialty...and I'm not sure if my arguments/ecs are strong enough.

I'm also under the opinion that people put too much weight on choosing the right career/specialty. My career isn't going to fill some hole in my life, nor is it going to drive me into the depths of depression. I have the kind of temperament that would allow me to be happy and successful in a lot of different places. /end rant

Or maybe I'm just tired of staring at my goal statement for so long.

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