UMASS Worcester - GEP 2021

AMPatts1190 · Dec 11, 2020

Hi Niithompson22:

I’m happy to hear you are applying to the GEP/DNP for 2021. I am a current year 1 GEP student and I can answer any questions that you (and others) may have. To sail through the interview, I would come prepared ready to answer:

1.) why do you want to be in this program (and sub track) at UMass? Why not MGH or MCPHS?

2.) What experiences made you prepared for this experience (it is rather intense)? How are you disciplined?

3.) (the tricky one) Have you ever not done well in a particular course or assignment and what did you do to overcome this? Explain with examples on your ability to be resilient or overcome adversity in an academic setting.

4.) Research your interview members before hand and integrate it into your interview. For example, I noticed that my interviewers published an article on getting jobs post graduation. I asked them to explain this article in a way it was relevant to my question (Do GEP/NP students get jobs easily?)

5.) Know a potential DNP topic of interest. Mine was working with Veterans in an acute care setting. It shows that you are thinking long-term and know what might interest you (fully knowing that could change).

6.) Lastly, I’ll include to think about your support systems and how you will utilize them. An example would be peers if you start to struggle (many do) or going to the professor for study strategies.

That was a little long, but feel free to ask more questions if need be. I don’t know if I will get notifications unless I’m tagged, but I’ll check this periodically. ?

Best of luck in your interview!

Niithompson22 · Dec 12, 2020

@AMPatts1190 Thank you so much for taking time to give me helpful tips.

I think the deadline will fall on Tuesday the 15th so after then I will start looking our for interviews dates. There's faculty member Ms. Harding's work on Self-Stigma and Veteran Culture which interests me.

Now that you are in the program, how do you like it so far? Do you get a break in-between the semesters of your first year and for how long?

Again, will the subsequent years be flexible enough for me to get an RN job in order to get some practical healthcare experience?

I appreciate your time.
Regards.

AMPatts1190 · Dec 12, 2020

I like the program so far, but like all programs it has its pros/cons. It is a lot at first (especially since you don’t know anything about nursing), but you will adjust quickly. PM me if you want specifics (this forum is public).

We do get breaks periodically throughout the semester. We get one week off during each of the semesters (Columbus week and I think the weeks of patriots day) and two weeks off during Christmas time.

The subsequent years are flexible enough to work as an RN and it is expected to do so. Only the first year is crazy and impossible to work (since it is an accelerated RN) and the rest of the years are more manageable. You will get plenty of healthcare experience in clinical and eventually your RN job. ?

Rouge_bbase · Dec 14, 2020

On 12/11/2020 at 12:30 PM, AMPatts1190 said:

Hi Niithompson22:

I’m happy to hear you are applying to the GEP/DNP for 2021. I am a current year 1 GEP student and I can answer any questions that you (and others) may have. To sail through the interview, I would come prepared ready to answer:

1.) why do you want to be in this program (and sub track) at UMass? Why not MGH or MCPHS?

2.) What experiences made you prepared for this experience (it is rather intense)? How are you disciplined?

3.) (the tricky one) Have you ever not done well in a particular course or assignment and what did you do to overcome this? Explain with examples on your ability to be resilient or overcome adversity in an academic setting.

4.) Research your interview members before hand and integrate it into your interview. For example, I noticed that my interviewers published an article on getting jobs post graduation. I asked them to explain this article in a way it was relevant to my question (Do GEP/NP students get jobs easily?)

5.) Know a potential DNP topic of interest. Mine was working with Veterans in an acute care setting. It shows that you are thinking long-term and know what might interest you (fully knowing that could change).

6.) Lastly, I’ll include to think about your support systems and how you will utilize them. An example would be peers if you start to struggle (many do) or going to the professor for study strategies.

That was a little long, but feel free to ask more questions if need be. I don’t know if I will get notifications unless I’m tagged, but I’ll check this periodically. ?

Best of luck in your interview!

The last place I interviewed at didn't tell me the names of the interviewers. So when UMass sent you an interview invite, did they also include the names of your interviewers?

AMPatts1190 · Dec 14, 2020

What you experienced is common for in-person interviews where you might know only the person who contacted you. Even so, this person may only be the secretary.

In my case (and assuming for this year too due to COVID), I did know who the interviewers were ahead of time as they sent me a zoom link with their names attached. I met with those who were directly affiliated with the AGACNP track (the head, a junior faculty member and recent graduate). I believe the head of each NP track (when possible) interviews all potential candidates so I would look into that individual at least.

Rouge_bbase · Dec 21, 2020

Hi everyone, I am unsure if MGH and UMass are connected. I am under the impression that they are different institutions and different programs. Can anyone provide insight? Thank you!

AMPatts1190 · Dec 22, 2020

Yes, MGH institute and UMass are different programs/colleges entirely. ?

Rouge_bbase · Dec 22, 2020

3 hours ago, AMPatts1190 said:

Yes, MGH institute and UMass are different programs/colleges entirely. ?

Heh, thanks! Now I feel silly

Rouge_bbase · Dec 29, 2020

Good luck to everyone interviewing

Rouge_bbase · Jan 8, 2021

@AMPatts1190I'm wondering if you can share when you heard back from UMass regarding financial aid/how much aid/scholarship they gave you.

I'm also wondering why this thread isn't as active as I was hoping it would be.. it's worrisome ..?

AMPatts1190 · Jan 8, 2021

Hi wp650:

In terms of financial aid, mine was covered all federally through the FAFSA. I don’t recall them giving me any aid, but I think in DNP years (2-4), they have internal loan options with very low interest rates. I would reach out to financial aid directly (email) and they have drop-in zoom office hours. Either way it is significantly cheaper than other schools. I also did a Grad Plus loan separately through FAFSA as well which allowed me to quit my job for the first year since it covers some additional expenses (rent, cost of living, etc.) until I pass the NCLEX. The grad plus loan wasn’t as much as I hoped, so I highly recommend that you save a little for the first year since it’s difficult to work with the schedule (or work as little as possible).

In terms of activity on here, it is disappointing that not a lot of applicants found this site yet. About 400-500 applicants apply every year and I think only two of you found this website. It usually picks up in January. I wonder if Diane Brescia can notify incoming applicants of this site? That or you can make a facebook page group for next year’s incoming class since that’s more commonly used? I found this site originally just by googling the program, but it is a little hidden. I am sure that many incoming students have questions and we are all here to help. :)