UCSF MEPN 2017

arobie · Aug 10, 2016

Hey! What specialty are you applying for and how's the application process going for you? I'm still waiting on a couple letters of rec to come in and working on my statements!!! I'm applying for PMHNP.

Marmite16 · Aug 11, 2016

I'm in AGNP. The toughest part about the program is just the sheer volume of work. You feel like you are always behind. This first quarter is supposed to be the toughest of the MEPN year, but I am amazed how far we've have all come in such a short time. The professors have all been great and we are trying to iron out a few rough spots so that next year's MEPNs will be able to benefit. Make no mistake, though, this is a fast-paced program and I work everyday. You have to really force yourself to take time off, but it's super important to do. Pharmacology has proven to be the biggest challenge, but we are chipping away at it. The best part of the program are my classmates. They are so smart and kind, you will bond quickly in this program. Good luck to everyone. BTW, don't do anything to try and prepare for the program apart from the prereqs you have taken - in other words don't try to review all of your physiology in the month or two before the program starts. Justice relax and take some time off, because once the program starts, you will be eating, drinking, sleeping nursing and UCSF.

lescoffeebeans · Aug 12, 2016

Hey Marmite, thanks for your inputs! May I ask why you chose AGNP?

Gilaria2015 · Aug 12, 2016

Hey Marmite! Thanks for taking the time to offer some insight into the program. Did you say you are employed? Would you say it is doable considering the work load? I thought I read somewhere that it isn't advisable to work while in the program, though if I was granted the opportunity, I may need to work contemporaneously.

arobie · Aug 17, 2016

Hey MEPN people! How's everyone doing with their letter of recommendations? I have four recommendations in and am considering asking for a 5th from an academic source. Do you think it's any better to have the 5th recommendation? What are you guys doing in regards to LOR's?

Jonesh27 · Aug 19, 2016

Thank you for reaching out to our group of applicants! I have a question- do you by chance know of any other students in the program who are from a non-graded undergraduate background?

thanks again!

WeartheRightShoes · Aug 19, 2016

Good luck you guys! I am still writing my essays and I am hoping my LORs submit my letters!

Moonpom · Aug 21, 2016

Thank you so much for this pay it forward! Looking for input in terms of strength of application: I have my prereqs completed, but finishing my bachelor's degree, majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Minor in Spanish. I've received input to change to a science-focus degree (no nursing degrees available where I'm living) and would love to get input from people familiar with the UCSF program. The program I am currently enrolled in is my passion and translates to the work I want to do as an NP; just not science-related. Thank you!

arobie · Aug 23, 2016

Hey Marmite,

Thanks so much for offering your help to us prospective MEPNs. Would you be willing to share your goal statement with us or would you be willing to look my goal statement over if I sent it to you? I'm struggling a little bit with it! Thank you!

Grant_MP · Aug 29, 2016

My application for the FNP track was just officially submitted after my last recommendation was sent in. Good luck everybody. Very excited and eager to hear more.

ckk90 · Aug 31, 2016

Good luck to everyone! Submitted my app for the CNM/WHNP track today. Now to wait anxiously for December to come. XD

Marmite16 · Sep 1, 2016

Hello, again, everyone. I just finished my first quarter at UCSF and want you all to know that this program - while challenging in a number of different ways - is also feasible. We have a number of parents who are making this work. Here are some answers to questions that were asked here:

1. Don't worry about the content of your degree. I was a humanities person and I know there are many others who come from diverse backgrounds. UCSF does an outstanding job of putting together a class of diverse students. It's remarkable how diverse everyone is, and I think is is the great strength of our program. Follow your bliss - that's the most important thing. And a background in Spanish will be a HUGE asset. Don't believe everything people tell you either. There's no one path to get where you are going. Stay in that Spanish program if it makes you happy. It'll pay off; I promise you.

2. There was another question about non-graded degrees. We have at least two or three people who went to schools like that in my cohort, so I don't think it's a problem at all.

3. If you are planning on doing any kind of "review" before you get into school (which is not necessary as I mentioned in a previous statement), I would make this one suggestion: Pharmacology is hard. There is a lot of memorization and you'll be required to take an ATI (these online modules that - at least in theory - help us prepare for the NCLEX). The people who did well on this exam this year (we just took it yesterday) were people who had some prior background in pharmacology. I'm not saying you have to take an actual course - though this could be helpful - but it wouldn't be the worst idea to read a basic primer before you get here. I purchased a book on Amazon called "Memorizing Pharmacology: A Relaxed Approach." It's a straightforward book that you could actually read in a week's time and get a LOT out of before you come to UCSF. It has some of the basic drug classes and some very generalized information on drugs. I think it's an amazing place to start. If you are more ambitious and have the time to take a pharm class at your local community college, it will pay huge dividends to you. Huge. That being said, don't feel like you have to do much in anticipation of the program. We all have come from very different backgrounds - some science, some humanities, some social sciences - and we have all been doing fine.

4. I chose AGNP because I had a previous background working with elderly patients and wanted to continue this work as an NP. That being said, there are many different specialties and everyone will find his/her niche.

5. As for the statement of purpose, I understand that it is challenging, but it's an important process to work through in your own time and way. If I had any advice to offer it would be this: be your best, most authentic self in the writing of this document. There is no standard "formula" for success. I think it's important that you communicate to the admissions committee who you are in your own words and in your own style. Avoid any references to what you "think" the committee might want to hear and tell them honestly and directly why you want to go to UCSF and why you want to become a nurse. I think the answers to this question are as diverse as those who are applying to the program. People who try to "impress" the admissions committee by writing what they "think" the committee wants to hear generally do not do very well in a process like this. Just be your authentic self and let the rest take care of itself. I know during an admissions cycle people want to know how to present their best selves, but there is no specific formula. You just have to make your case and hope that it works out. I can say this, though: if you get an interview, your chances of getting into the program are probably better than 50-50 at that point.

As for either sharing my own statement or reading others, I must respectfully decline. I don't want anyone to be unduly influenced by what I wrote and I don't have the time to read any statements. Just do your best. That's all anyone can ask.

6. It is NOT possible to work in this program. I don't work and I don't know of anyone else who does. It's just too crammed with stuff to do. You need to understand that this is an accelerated program on steroids. Depending upon the week, I can probably take a day off here and there, but I'm working pretty much 7 days a week on this because there really is so much to do. I've managed to keep my sanity throughout this first quarter, but it's been hard. You're not just going to classes; you also have two days of clinical during your first quarter and will progress to three in subsequent quarters (the first quarter you work 8-hour days; the second you work 12-hour days). You barely have time for anything but this. It's not a joke and if you try to work during the program it'll be hard.

I hope some of this information helps. I remember what it was like last year, coming to this forum and anxiously waiting for information. It'll be exciting when your letters arrive informing you of interviews. Interviews are VERY important. The best way to prepare for those is to actually know something about UCSF, its faculty, its program, and yourselves. More on this later.

Please let me know if you have any additional questions. I'm away on holiday for the next two weeks, but I'll check in periodically. Good luck to everyone. UCSF is a great program, but there are many out there, so cast a wide net. I hear really good things about UC Davis and know someone who is at Samuel Merrit and really likes it. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you all.

Best,

Marmite