UCSF MEPN 2021

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Hi, I searched for a thread for the UCSF MEPN 2021 cohort, but did see any. I hope this help. I am looking to apply for the CNM/WHNP speciality. I wish everyone one of us all the best n our application.

Hi @sc1234, can you tell us a little bit about what the interviews were like? Like how did you prepare and what kinds of questions were asked?

 

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Specializes in Geriatrics.
13 hours ago, lemonlove said:

Hi @sc1234, can you tell us a little bit about what the interviews were like? Like how did you prepare and what kinds of questions were asked?

 

Hello @lemonlove

To be honest I didn't do too much prep work prior to the interview. However, I did write down maybe 5-10 moments/experiences which were defining moments that made me want to apply to the program. These were interactions I had with patients, some moments I had leading a pre-health club, and mentors which brought out the best in me. I got stuck a few times and when I had those go-to moments it helped smooth out moments when I froze up.

I don't really remember the exact questions I was asked because I was super nervous. The two people who interviewed me were amazing, kind, and created a great space in which I felt comfortable to show the best of myself. They focus on the population for which you'll be serving. I really leaned on my time as a CNA at the nursing home because that is where I want to be as a nurse practitioner.

This was my experience for the adult geriatric primary care NP interview. Others may have had different experiences. The interviewers my year were one administrative UCSF employee in your department (geriatrics) and a community alumni. My alumni interviewer also went through the MEPN program. Also, this is not just an interview to see if you are the right person for the program but if the program is right for you. I asked him a lot of questions about his experience with the program and he was very candid with me which I greatly appreciated. 

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Specializes in Clinical Social Work.
23 hours ago, sc1234 said:

Hello @lagranhermana

This first quarter is extremely intense. It is very fast-paced and little to no breaks. Tests are taken on Sunday's so there are no real gaps when it comes to new information. The hardest thing is not studying but learning when to give yourself a break. In undergrad I often felt like "when am I going to need/use this information". But with MEPN everything feels extremely important and necessary to become a competent nurse. Students who have just finished their first year always tell us that material is repeated and not knowing everything we learn within 10 weeks is OK. I do really want to know everything we are taught at a high level, but it is not realistic in the short period of one quarter. 

I worked as a CNA for three years, primarily in the long-term ward. However, I would switch over to rehab often. I worked two years part-time while I was in school. Once I graduated, worked full time for one year. I then moved to Santa Barbara and worked as a scribe in a vascular surgery office for another year. 

Just a bit of unsolicited advice, try not to compare yourself to current applicants or previous ones. I am guilty of this and it's hard to not see the person who got in last year with a 4.0 GPA with amazing work/volunteer experience. I applied to UCSF with what at the time felt like a faint hope of getting in. But I had a real passion for serving the geriatric population, which I discovered while working at the SNF, and I was able to express that in my essays. The biggest advice I can give to anyone applying is to be genuine and trust yourself as an individual. Good luck and when you submit your app reward yourself because it is very hard and stressful!

Thank you  @sc1234 for your thorough response and for your reflection on your experience with the application process and being in the program so far. I can't speak for everyone on this blog but I definitely appreciate you taking the time from your busy 1-st year MEPN schedule to support us in this process. Good luck to you!

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Well, finally got everything finished and submitted.  Hopefully everyone else was able to, as well.  I was wondering if anyone has had an issue my final recommender is having: she logs into the site UCSF emails her but where she is meant to check the box next to my name, there is a blank screen instead.  I thought it might be a computer setting but she has tried it on more than one computer, with the same result.  We both emailed --------------------- but I know they are swamped, so I'm not sure how long it will take for him to get to it.  Has anyone else had this issue? If so, how did you resolve it? 

My whole application hangs on her getting that recommendation in, so I'm definitely feeling the pressure. 

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Specializes in Future_PNP.
On 9/1/2020 at 5:45 PM, srowe said:

Well, finally got everything finished and submitted.  Hopefully everyone else was able to, as well.  I was wondering if anyone has had an issue my final recommender is having: she logs into the site UCSF emails her but where she is meant to check the box next to my name, there is a blank screen instead.  I thought it might be a computer setting but she has tried it on more than one computer, with the same result.  We both emailed ------------------- but I know they are swamped, so I'm not sure how long it will take for him to get to it.  Has anyone else had this issue? If so, how did you resolve it? 

My whole application hangs on her getting that recommendation in, so I'm definitely feeling the pressure. 

Wish you the best  of luck ?

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Hi everyone! I just wanted to say good luck with your applications! Though being anxious is sometimes inevitable I believe you all gave all you could in this round. Regardless of the decision, you are on the right path! And all of our journeys to fulfilling our goals may won’t look the same. Good luck with all of your applications and keep checking in with yourself! ??

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To all of the applicants ! This year has been full of uncertainty, pandemic, systemic racism, economic crises and more . So many things that we had planned for 2020 did not happen so many things fell apart including my undergraduate ceremony, however throughout all of it we made it to the end of the application cycle even when situations wasn’t on our side . I am proud of every single one of you and I am hopeful that was is meant for the good will occur. Congratulations to all and good luck to all . This year is special and there is something about 2020 that will change things . ?????????❤️ ?????

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CONGRATS to all the applicants! You all have worked so hard to get to this point. ? Good luck to all of you and thanks for the inspiration!

I’m planning to apply next Summer but the pandemic has limited my volunteer opportunity at a county hospital.  I have no prior experience in healthcare, hence the volunteer program was my only way to gain relevent work experience.  I’m wondering whether any current applicants are in a similiar situation.  Is there any word from the admissions team on how it will factor in the pandemic disruptions and other uncertainties of 2020?

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Good luck to every one !!  We should be hearing via email sometime in December if we made the cut for interviews. Last year they had 550 applicants and 160 got interviews, then they reduce that down to 80 to start as MEPN's late June.  Interviews should be in late January.  Last year we had face to face interviews but who knows what will happen this year with COVID-19.

Good luck and relax for the time being!!

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Specializes in Non.
12 hours ago, mlpmft said:

Good luck to every one !!  We should be hearing via email sometime in December if we made the cut for interviews. Last year they had 550 applicants and 160 got interviews, then they reduce that down to 80 to start as MEPN's late June.  Interviews should be in late January.  Last year we had face to face interviews but who knows what will happen this year with COVID-19.

Good luck and relax for the time being!!

Goodluck to you too

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Hi All,

Best of luck! Just commenting here to follow the thread ? 

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Specializes in Phlebotomy.

Hi everyone! I just joined this forum. I hope everyone is doing okay (': I wanted to ask if its okay that my application does not appear as "complete" right now because my not all of my transcripts were uploaded. I entered a school but intentionally did not upload any transcript (unofficial or official) because I am currently taking my first class at that school so I do not have one available. I'm assuming the school will let me know if they need anything from me, but I hope that my application will still be reviewed. Does anyone have experience with this? Thank you so much!

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