UCSF MEPN 2016

emara9 · Dec 1, 2015

Are we going to be getting letters or emails about updates, or are we going to keep having to check up on the website? I'm still unclear about that for all of the schools. A few have told me to track my application online, but I'm not sure if that means it'll be up to me to find out the verdict or if I'll be getting some sort of notification.

SBCvixen · Dec 1, 2015

The website says:

Invitations to interview letters and initial deny letters typically are dispatched in the second week of December. Be sure that we have your correct contact information and address for important messages.

I believe that means we will be informed via email.

ma peche · Dec 2, 2015

I'm guessing via email. That's a lot more reliable than snail mail for most folks, and that's how I heard back from UPenn (they were really early this year! I'm sort of nervous, they're going to be my first interview, and I wish it were one of the less-prestigious schools I applied to).

Good luck everyone! I wasn't thinking too much about it up until December started but I'm sweating about UCSF now. I'm A MEPN applicant for PMHNP specialization.

SBCvixen · Dec 3, 2015

Also, reading through previous years' threads it looks like a majority (if not all) the communications were delivered via email.

1 more week!! Fingers crossed :)

Half Windsor · Dec 7, 2015

Current MEPN here - Hang in there everyone, you're all SO close to getting news. Some random info you might find helpful: Our 2015 cohort is 60 students (selected from 300 completed applications) and they look to be admitting a similar number for your application cycle. We received our notification for interview via e-mail, that arrived at 4:45pm on a Thursday. They tend to invite exactly twice the number of applicants per speciality to interview as they will choose to admit - so you're only actually "competing" with other applicants from your proposed speciality. Each specialty has a different number of applicants they can accept (FNP generally has the most with around 15).

The waiting game sucks, but you'll all have answers very very soon!

SBCvixen · Dec 7, 2015

Thanks for sharing that information! I have actually been wondering what proportion of the of applicants were invited to interview, so that's great to know.

Half Windsor · Dec 7, 2015

I'm happy to answer further questions anyone may have as well.

emara9 · Dec 8, 2015

Thanks for the info! I'm curious about interviews... What was the process like/what should we expect? Also, how do we prepare and dress for a Direct-Entry interview? Just some things I've been wondering about :)

Half Windsor · Dec 8, 2015

Interviews occur over two Friday's in January. Local candidates are generally interviewed on the first date and out of town/state candidates are interviewed on the second date. You are assigned one of two interview sessions on your selected day (morning or afternoon). It's random and not based off specialty.

The first part of the interview day is a general info session where you can ask questions, talk to other candidates, and get assigned a specific interview time with two nurses - a faculty member (they try to pair you with a faculty member in the specialty you've applied for) and a nurse from the community (usually from one of the many possible clinical locations you'll rotate through over the course of school).

The interviews are 45min-1hr, predetermined questions read off a note sheet. Even with that structure it's very casual and feels more like a friendly conversation. Come prepared with questions you want to ask them, it helps show interest.

Approach the the questions from an NP perspective -meaning think of your long term trajectory and not specifically the MEPN year. Display passion, clarity, and understanding of why Advance Practice Nursing, why your proposed specialty, and how UCSF will allow you to achieve that.

Dress attire: most candidates looked business casual, to give an air of "professionalism" but there doesn't seem to be specific requirements. Don't stress on what to wear, allow your attire to bring your personality, and know that a more conservative attire is always safe if you have concerns.

Half Windsor · Dec 8, 2015

Also all that was based off my experience last year and should only be taken as such - one person's opinion.

SBCvixen · Dec 8, 2015

Thank you for offering to be such a helpful resource for us :)

I have a couple more questions for you:

In hindsight are there any questions you would have liked to ask your interviewers but didn't?

Was there an opportunity for you to meet with any of the current students?

Half Windsor · Dec 8, 2015

I can't think of any questions I wish I had asked in hindsight. I think over the course of the interview you'll find aspects of the interviewers' experiences you'll be drawn to ask questions about. I treated it as an opportunity to ask two nurses in the field about their personal journey and passion for the field and reflexively highlight my passion as well.

Last year we didn't have an opportunity to meet with current students, but that has historically been part of the interview weekends. My cohort is interested in providing that opportunity again and will discuss our ability to meet with the applicants either for a quick lunch, or possibly on the next day (Saturday) when we aren't all in class/clinicals.