Ucsf Mepn Hopefuls Entering 2010

[calconurse]

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.

[blustar46]

Is everyone surviving??

Geez, I seriously hate bad correspondence. My last letter of recommendation is proving very difficult to complete. I can't seem to get a hold of him!! And it's nearing the application due date. How nice.

In response to the last post--- I chose Peds NP because I love kids. I didn't have alot of health care growing up, in all respects, so for me, working non-profit for our youth has always been apart of my life. I can't imagine not giving back to kids. Especially those that need it. Sure, I'm exploring other options... but all those options involve working with youth.

I'm sure that some people would be happy doing whatever field they go into... but for me, I am not satisfied with being a waitress... I want to be an asset to our society. Not just an asset to hungry, unappreciative people... that leave below 15% tips!

Signed,

Can't wait to get out there.

[purlees]

hi everyone... good luck in the application process. I know how stressful it can be. I was in the same position last year. Don't limit yourself to only one school. In the end you'll be a nurse and perhaps advance to APRN. I applied to 4 schools (including ucsf). I got into two, but chose to stay at University of Hawaii because it's residency tuition for me. Good luck :)

[blustar46]

Purlees, I used to go to UHManoa!! Glad you are in the program at UH!! And congrats for getting into two schools!

[apalmer31]

Hi All,

Do any of you know if there is a place or way to upload our CV or resume? I thought that I had previously noticed the option, but now during the final dash to the finish I cannot locate it.

[blustar46]

Apalmer, I don't think there is an area for you to upload a resume. There is an area for your to enter your employment and volunteer experience.

Hope that helps...

How are you essays working out?? I am kind of stuck on my essays. I feel like they are done... but am in total doubt.

[apalmer31]

Thanks,

Personally I feel I have gotten to the point that they are getting worse not better. It is just so easy to second guess. I hope the recs add some dimensions I cannot hit. Also both are 2 pages. I heard personal should be shorter than goal, but cant get there.

[theswordfish]

Hm I was told that the personal history is only supposed to be about a paragraph. Mine was half a page..

[apalmer31]

I know you said that. I called and they said no longer than 2? I am confused.

[xtine009]

I'm in the same boat w/ my statements: my personal is 1.5 pages double spaced, and my goal is the full 2. I re-read each over and over trying to change things, make them better, but I get to the same point. Why...

By the way, did you guys talk much about your goals after program completion? I didn't address it right on (as in saying that I wanted to work in a certain hospital/clinic). I just answered it in a broader sense (what I think I will accomplish as a NP). Should I change that?

Oh, BTW, this is my first post in this forum. I will be applying to UCSF, Columbia, and USD (since those are the only MEPN-type programs I can apply to w/ the pre-reqs I have). Hello all!

[apalmer31]

I was very specific about my goals both short term and long, because mine are quite defined. I am going to use nursing to work with Doctor's without Borders and ultimately hope to set up a clinic or midwife training program for women in Africa. Another question for the group. I have work and volunteer references and have my 4; however, I am lacking an academic reference. My advisors are anthropologists and archaeologist who have been in the field all summer. As my fifth reference one professor could have it by the 15th. Should I list her and let her turn it in late knowing they may take it into cosideration, or not bother as it may appear that I did not adequately prepare?

[xtine009]

UCSF is one of the schools that don't explicitly list/require an academic recommendation... unless I'm wrong...

I only have 4 letters: 2 from work related health setting & 2 from volunteering in a clinic/hospital.

apalmer, I think you'll be fine w/ your letters. Besides, it might be awkward for that 5th writer... they'll have to mail it to the nursing dept (since your app will be locked) with a note stating why they couldn't get it in on time? Let's see what the others think...

[Sandman2855]

Hi everyone. I am also applying to the UCSF MEPN for critical care/trauma. I am all done with my app and havent locked it yet only because im afraid ill think of something I want to change after I lock it (I know... stupid). I originally considered my chances slim for UCSF but I have decided to go all out and present the best application I can. I have a 3.57 overal bachelors GPA.. but it goes down to about 3.33 using the last 90 units which is what I believe they use. I think this may be the weakest part of my app. However i have taken 3 chem classes, anatomy, physiology, and micro after my bachelors degree with a 4.0. My GRE was 690 verbal 690 math. 4 years experience as an EMT on an ambulance and in a hospital emergency department. Reading this thread I can see there will be a lot of very qualified people applying. Good luck to all of you and lets all get in!! I think Ill finally lock my app now haha.