UCSF MEPN 2020

Nursing Students School Programs

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Hi everyone, I just wanted to start this new topic for those like myself who are interested in applying to the MEPN program for the 2020 cohort.

Specializes in AG.

There will be a meet and greet this year, you will get more details from SJ (let's not write out his name out of respect, initials work ?). I expect there will be some MEPNs there, some from first, second and third--it's worth going to just get out of your head after the interview and just to get some perspective. This program attracts people from all walks of life, it's amazing that way. I would advise you work on calming your nerves more than rehearsing answers. I really do believe they are looking for you to be your authentic self. Anyone can look up interview questions but your experiences and personality is what has brought you this far and that you can't make up. As mentioned before, the interviewers should be super kind but again each program is looking for something different. Good luck to those getting ready for the interview and those reapplying reach out for support from the many people in admissions and recruitment/outreach.

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On 12/16/2019 at 12:54 PM, NMtobe said:

@sfdoggy thank you so much!! Do you have advice for those of us preparing for our interviews and what to expect? Like the intensity of the questions, what to wear, and so on?

I'm so sorry for the delay! Illness + tech issues.

Super good luck to you! Honestly, I had quite a few interviews for school, and UCSF had the friendliest process. You get interviewed by a faculty member and a community nurse, so the intensity of the process does depend on the people, but most people I talked to had a pleasant experience.

I would dress more formally--same as you would to a job interview. I wore a suit, but it's not entirely necessary to do that--a nice shirt/blouse and pair of pants/slacks would be fine, as well. And unless you love them, I would not worry about wearing heels.

In terms of questions, I'll echo what other MEPNs have said and practice questions--with family, friends, etc. Ask them not to emote too much, as the interviewers won't. I would also go back and write down major accomplishments and experiences in your life, and try to figure out how to weave those stories into interview questions such as, "Why nursing?" They really didn't throw any curveballs--lots of "why" and "describe yourself" kind of questions. Similar to job interview questions. And if you're someone who hates talking about themselves (like me), be sure to speak more slowly than usual.

The interviewees were divided into three groups, and were interviewed one group at a time. I was in the first group; afterwards, we went on a campus tour and then talked to financial aid. My friend who was in the last group did express that she was exhausted by the time her interview came around. Bring snacks, water, etc. (they do feed interviewees a little) to make sure you have enough energy to get to your interview, just in case! She also recommended relaxation exercise; whatever works for you!

Good luck! It's REALLY not that bad!!!

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On 12/17/2019 at 6:45 PM, ac1025 said:

@sfdoggy Thank you for offering help to the community! I applied but I wasn't offered an interview for the AGPCNP speciality. I was wondering if I can send you my application and give me any feedback? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Sorry for the late reply! Tech issues + sick for a few weeks.

Sure, I can take a look: [email protected].

You can also contact the school directly, although I do know that this is intimidating. Many people in my program applied at least twice before getting in, so please take that to heart!

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Has anyone received their interview time yet?

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Not yet! All I know is my interview is the 24th

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When I first received the rejection email, I was okay and thought positive things. But now I am feeling a bit lost because I'm not sure how to improve my application. I did my undergraduate degree in Public Health 3.2 gpa, I have about 800 hours of clinical volunteering. I have experience working with adult and adolescent homeless individuals (3 years) & it's the population I love working with. I applied to the PMHNP track and did not get an interview. Any current MEPN PMHNP students willing to take a look at my application to suggest improvements? I will definitely be re-applying for the next cycle but feel really discouraged when I think about my chances... Thank you.

@AScreenNameofOnesOwn Wow I read every bit of that -- thank you so much. Your words provide a lot of hope.

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Hi everyone I had a question regarding scholarships. How generous are they and has any student received a full scholarship from the school ? Interviewing for psych on the 31st. Looking forward to meeting you all

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Hello,

Great hearing about the preparation for this application cycle!

My interviews on the 24th, for AG-CNS.

About me: previous masters in healthcare discipline (non clinical). Undergrad/ graduate Gpa 3.63ish. Around 6 yrs in healthcare, currently at KP, with previous work all over the continuum in both clinical/ administrative duties - Army med. corps., volunteering, health ed, psych and insurance. My goal is to work in QA or Nursing administration after.

Questions:

-how does being a CNS applicant affect my admit chances?

-any idea how much the prelicensure year would cost (ballpark) with/ without basic FA

Wish everyone the best and keep practicing those questions!

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Hey! I have been following all the exchanges on this site for a while and wanted to finally participate. I'm interviewing for Midwifery on the 31st and really looking forward to meeting everyone who will also be there.

I will be in Portland visit a friend that week and wanted to see if anyone is planning to drive down around the 28th-29th from the Portland area. If so let me know if you would like some company, to split gas money and snacks. (email - [email protected])

I was planning on taking the Train but figured I would see about sharing a ride before buying my ticket. I've got some good stories and am very down to earth.

Very thankful for this group, it has been an amazing resource the past couple months. Hope 2020 is treating everyone well so far! Take Care!

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On 1/9/2020 at 11:26 AM, selialy said:

Hi everyone I had a question regarding Scholarships. How generous are they and has any student received a full Scholarship from the school ? Interviewing for psych on the 31st. Looking forward to meeting you all

For our MEPN year the Financial Aid team from the School of Nursing specifically sent us an application to apply for small scholarships that (to my knowledge) whoever filled one out got at least some sort of aid. Maybe just one or two thousand but it all helps. They will make sure to let you know and to remind you to submit it, and they will give you more information too after your interview if you choose to stay and do the financial aid presentation. I know of a couple people at least in my cohort who have gotten full rides through the HRSA scholarship where you commit to working at an FQHC once you graduate for a certain amount of years. Not too familiar with it since I did not apply but it exists! From what I know, most of my cohort has been using the loans that the school offers us.

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On 1/13/2020 at 1:26 PM, Telemetry care in Jamaica said:

Hello,

Great hearing about the preparation for this application cycle!

My interviews on the 24th, for AG-CNS.

About me: previous masters in healthcare discipline (non clinical). Undergrad/ graduate Gpa 3.63ish. Around 6 yrs in healthcare, currently at KP, with previous work all over the continuum in both clinical/ administrative duties - Army med. corps., volunteering, health ed, psych and insurance. My goal is to work in QA or Nursing administration after.

Questions:

-how does being a CNS applicant affect my admit chances?

-any idea how much the prelicensure year would cost (ballpark) with/ without basic FA

Wish everyone the best and keep practicing those questions!

Being a CNS applicant affects your chances of getting in as any other specialty does in that all the specialties have a certain number of slots that they reserve. So although FNP is usually the most impacted, they reserve more spots for that specialty. And there are less spots for CNS, but less people will be applying for it anyways. Of course, it all depends year by year also how many people overall end up applying. I think the year I applied there were 7 or 8 who interviewed for public health and 5 of us were accepted.

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Just finished my interview for the FNP specialty! Anyone else? How did you feel it went?

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