Umass Worcester GEP!! Please reply!

LewisNClark · Mar 6, 2010

It wasn't condescending at all! I appreciate the info and detail a LOT!

katie w. · Mar 13, 2010

LewisnClark,

I am going into the FNP program in the Fall as well. I know the anxiety you are feeling! The faculty at the info sessions sort of made it seem like you would have absolutely no life, but I've been in contact w/ a current student and she absolutely loves it. She says that there are those people that HAVE to study every second of the day and get all A's, but there are also people who spend time on themselves and with friends and do just fine in the program. One thing Briang30 didn't mention that I thought you might like to know is that for the first year, most of the classes are at the Shrewsbury campus. I'd say its about 10-15 min away from the main campus. I hope that doesn't complicate your commute! My friend in the program also said that clinical is the best part of the week, so 6:30 isn't as horrible as it seems! Lab is one day every other week and I could be remembering wrong, but I think I was told it is 4 hrs long.

LewisNClark · Mar 13, 2010

LOL, my commute is so bad that another 15 minutes doesn't matter much. The perils of home ownership, I guess. You'll know me on early morning clinical days as the one whose hair looks like it hasn't been combed.

Zippy010 · Mar 14, 2010

I was accepted to the acute care track on Friday and I plan to attend. I am so thrilled! Looking forward to meeting all of you.

jb2010 · Mar 14, 2010

I'm in the acute care track too! See you all at orientation in June!

Julie

Zippy010 · Mar 31, 2010

To current 1st year students: Is lab scheduled on a Monday or Friday? I imagine having three days off every other week would be tremendously helpful...

For students that moved to the Worcester area upon acceptance (which I plan to do), can you provide any insights into how you went about finding housing? Is there an online forum for students who are looking to share housing near the Umass campus? Craigslist? Or maybe just meeting one another at orientation?

Thanks for your insights!

briang30 · Mar 31, 2010

Congratulations everyone.

Labs are every other Thursday. Days without classes are not necessarily "off". Expect to be reading and studying most weekend and evenings. That being said, do take time for yourself or you will burnout very quickly.

Someone in the admissions office may be able to put you on the right track. I know that several of my classmates live with medical students, so there is definitely some kind of resource out there. If you happen to be on campus, people often post ads for roommates and rentals on some of the bulletin boards on the first floor of the school.

Jillian01520 · Apr 29, 2010

So do you all have a degree in another field?

briang30 · Apr 30, 2010

Yes, it is a requirement for this program that you have a BS or BA in some subject, obviously not nursing.

JTN333 · May 11, 2010

Hi everyone! For those of you who were accepted into the GEP program, If you don't mind me asking, what was your undergraduate degree and what was your overall GPA and your GPA in the pre reqs? Also, how did you guys score on the GRE's?

I plan to apply to the GEP program for fall 2011 admission and I'm really nervous to about getting it. Its my top choice! Right now, I'm getting a double degree in biology and psychology and I'm taking a course at the American Red Cross to become an acute CNA. My current GPA is 3.0 and I feel that its not high enough. However, I do have a lot of experience working in a clinical setting and strong recommendations.

Any advice for making myself a more stronger candidate?

thanks :)

JTN333 · Jul 25, 2010

Congrats! I'm applying to Umass Worcester for Fall of 2011 admissions for the acute care track and I'm a bit nervous about getting in. If you don't mind me asking, what was your overall gpa? I have a decent gpa in both of my undergrad degrees (bio and psych) and I'm getting all A's in my pre reqs. Also, I have 5 years of experience working in a clinical/acute setting. Last month I also got certified to be a nursing assistant. I hope I'm a strong applicant... I don't know, I'm just really worried I won't get in; I heard they're really selective.

jalin_2009 · Jul 25, 2010

JTN-

You sound like a good candidate with strong academics and healthcare experience. In your application, just make sure you clearly state why you want to be a NP and why acute care. The school is looking for interesting students with broad experiences.

There are only 30 students in each incoming class so it can be selective. Also you are accepted by your specialty which makes it even more selective. There may be only 7-8 acute care slots.

I would suggest working on putting together strong recommendation letters and personal statement. There is not too much you can do about your experiences and GPA at this point. Don't worry too much. The faculty are very nice. If you get an interview, they really try to get to know you and your strengths.

Good luck.