UCSF MEPN 2016

SBCvixen · Jul 16, 2015

I don't think they offer rolling admissions, but it might be worth asking admissions?

Thanks to all who have shared their backgrounds- I think it helps to have a better idea who we are applying with/what the pool will look like.

As for me, I'll be 27 when applications go in. I'm finishing up my last pre-req (microbiology) and am taking the GRE mid-august. I have a Master's in Health Systems and Public Policy already, spent 2.5 years working in IT (I wrote my thesis on IT in healthcare, found a job that fit half that interest) and now work for a health systems non profit. I've also spent about 100 hours volunteering at the local children's hospital in two different roles- which is actually what helped me decide I'm more interested in a Family specialty than Pediatrics. I'm not sure where that puts me in terms of what they're looking for with regard to experience, but I guess we'll see!

littlefeets · Jul 22, 2015

Hi all! I am also in this same boat, currently about 50% done with my UCSF application for 2016's MEPN. I'm applying in the Midwifery track. I'm having a hard time writing the Personal History Statement and the Goals Statement, they seem so similar to me! Has anyone else started writing yet?

FutureNP2019 · Jul 22, 2015

I am also having a hard time distinguishing between the two, but I know they are such an important part!!

SBCvixen · Jul 23, 2015

I have an outline for both but haven't started really writing yet.

I saw on one of these forums a distinction that's been helpful in shaping them: the goal statement should focus on why nursing is a good fit for you, and the personal statement is more about how you are a good fit for nursing.

So far I've found that helpful- hope it might be helpful to you all too!

emara9 · Jul 25, 2015

I'm finally done with my pre-reqs meaning I can start on applications now and I've been making my official application list and have some confusion. This is sort of a general question (assuming everyone is applying to multiple schools and not just UCSF)- Is there a push for DNP now? When I first started researching these programs, barely any of them even had a DNP option and I was just looking at Columbia and it looks like they don't even have an NP option anymore, just DNP or a generalized MSN. Does anyone know if this will negatively effect the job outlook? I really want to be an NP specifically, not CNL or generalist like many of the programs are currently offering. Anyone have any insight? Thanks!

emmafleur18 · Jul 27, 2015

@emara9 I think that's because they changed the requirement for nurse practitioners to have a doctorate instead of a masters by a certain year. I think that if we enter school in 2016 we won't be affected by that, but I know a ton of schools have started the push to change. I know that if there's an entry level program for DNP, I'll apply for that instead of the masters, but some schools just don't have it yet (be careful when searching though, getting a DNP doesn't mean you'll leave school as an NP. Most programs will say if a DNP student will graduate as an NP or not, but some are really vague. I've stayed away from them). Other advanced practice nurses such as CNLs or CNSs or generalists can still stay with masters, I think.

Is anyone here bilingual? I think that UCSF probably loves spanish-speaking applicants, and I'm worried that may hurt me. I used to be pretty proficient - almost fluent - in Spanish by the end of high school, but I stupidly abandoned it in college. I'm embarrassed to say that I've pretty much forgotten all Spanish I used to know, and I'm frantically trying to find audiobooks to listen to during my commute to bring it back. Does anyone know if this will hurt chances of getting in?

FutureNP2019 · Jul 27, 2015

@emmafleur18 check out University of Hawaii Manoa. I saw that they had an entry level DNP but not sure if you become an NP with that.

SBCvixen · Jul 28, 2015

In filling out the pre-req portion of the application, does anybody know what they mean by unit?

I am under the impression it is supposed to be the number of course units, so Nutrition would be a 3 unit course but I don't want to put the wrong thing if that's not what it means.

emara9 · Jul 28, 2015

That's right, unit means semester unit, AKA 3 per class (unless there's a lab).

SBCvixen · Jul 28, 2015

thanks @emara9 !

Marmite16 · Jul 30, 2015

Hi, Everyone!

I am applying to the MEPN as well for adult-geriatric NP. I'm slightly older, a career changer in my 40s, and I've been working for the last four years in an assisted care facility in Southern California. I used to be a college history teacher, so this is a departure from my previous life. I'm excited to finally be applying! I wish everyone good luck.

emara9 · Jul 30, 2015

I have another general question for you guys: I've been looking at the letters of rec requirements, and most of the programs state that at least one letter should be academic. I have one letter lined up from the professor running the lab I worked in during my undergrad, not from a professor of a class I took... Do you think this works? The lab counted as hours towards my degree, it wasn't a paid job or anything, but they know me very well and are the only "academic" reference I have. I'm kind of worried that this won't show my academic abilities necessarily because it was a lab, although it was clearly research-based. Any opinions on this? I'd appreciate any feedback!