UCSF MEPN 2016

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Hello!

I know this is a bit early, but I'm planning to apply to the apply to the UCSF MEPN program (among a few others) this summer/fall. I've seen similar forums for past application periods, and thought it might be nice to get one started so we can start to bounce ideas and questions off each other.

Has anyone been to an open house? Any information worth sharing?

Haha emara9, I'm pretty sure we had the same interviewers because I got asked the same question! I was like oh..... This is so easy because I have experience working with ppl from all backgrounds!!! But how it came out... Was totally different lol

i asked the interviewers to give me a minute to think about a question and breathe (I don't know if I should have said that?) but they were super nice.... Ah I'm overthinking again. I think I'm going to just relax and enjoy my week and stay away from here :-)

i also loved meeting everyone on the 29th . It actually got me so excited to be part of the program because I know i would be with such amazing people!!

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holahawaii, I bet we did have the same guys then! That's exactly what I had to do actually, I had to sit there and think for a bit before I could answer. And because I didn't have an immediate answer, I got nervous and probably spat out whatever came to mind haha! That's the one question I know I didn't do well on :/

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I think everyone was asked the same list of questions, so we all had to answer that one!

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I just got into Columbia! Just MDE, not the DNP portion. I know we haven't heard back yet, and my heart has been set on UCSF this whole time, but I also wasn't really considering that I might ACTUALLY get into Columbia also. The reason I'm telling everyone is this: in your opinion, which program is "better" for your career? Since I just got into MDE, I won't be an NP and will have to go back for a doctorate. But, this could also provide more options for specialization ad potentially jobs. Also, I've never even been to NYC! I know this is all really personal but I'd love to hear some opinions because I have no idea where else to turn if I'm actually faced with deciding between the two.

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I am also curious everyone else's thoughts on UCSF. I have applied to other programs I'm very interested in (CNM), and a downside I see of UCSF is how difficult and expensive it is to get housing in SF and the bay. However if anyone has any thoughts on pros and cons of UCSF and any other programs I'd be interested to hear!!

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Hi emara9 and sml14 -- I definitely agree with both of your comments above! Emara9 I'm very confident UCSF's program is much better than Columbia's for a variety of reasons: 1) UCSF is ranked #2 in nursing nationally 2) almost all of its specialties are in the top 10 3) the program is much smaller (roughly 60 students) which means you get more personalized attention (Columbia has upwards of 200 admitted students so it's easy to get lost in the shuffle 4) from what I hear, the preceptors and faculty are much better at UCSF, especially during the foundation year whereas Columbia's seems very disorganized

I, too, worry about the housing situation in SF - probably my biggest qualm (that, and how pricey housing is in general) but I think there are options.

Please let me know what you guys think and other inside info you have regarding both UCSF and other programs. I applied to about 8 so I have a lot to consider though UCSF is my top choice!

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Hey emara and everyone else, I've been debating the same thing! I just got accepted to their DNP program, which sounds like it would be awesome because of the year of residency, as well as the fact that I would get a Doctorate at the end, but Columbia is such a huge school, I feel like I would definitely miss out on a lot of the closer learning that UCSF or Yale offers. (Don't get me wrong, I am 100% ecstatic that I was accepted). My biggest worry at UCSF is honestly the administration, I've heard from more than one student that communication is lacking. I absolutely love UCSF and its had such a large presence in my life, but all programs have pros and cons! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that come March I will have a very hard decision on my hands...

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I agree with you emmafleur18! I think Yale and Penn would be pretty good. Any thoughts on Penn and Vandy anyone? They seem incredible!

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Noticed that @FutureNPisMe started a great topic on comparing programs here (https://allnurses.com/online-nursing-schools/direct-entry-2016-1031450.html), others should check it out and chime in!

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Thanks for the link, sml14!

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I've been hearing back from a bunch of schools this week, and I'm now going crazy about UCSF decisions!! I'm ready to make an official decision between my options. I really hope we know before the end of Feb :(

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Which school are you thinking? UCSF really needs to post ASAP -- I'm getting ansty over here haha

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