University of California San Francisco MSN Program

[chuddlymuffins]

I am currently a BSN student with dreams of becoming a nurse practitioner. Does anyone have any tips about how to prepare myself so that I have better chances of being accepted to their MSN program? I am not yet sure what I want to specialize in. I plan to work for two years after I graduate with my BSN, then apply to UCSF, UCLA, or CSU LA for their NP programs. Could anyone tell me their experiences applying, general requirements, what it takes to be competitive, and how competitive it is?

Thank you a bunch! I am trying so hard in my classes but I am worried that I will not be accepted into these dream programs. Any help is welcomed!

I am also aware that most of the world is shifting toward the DNP. If anyone knows about UCSF or UCLA switching to DNP, please add your input!

[matthewandrew, NP]

I was admitted to UCLA with less than 2 yrs of acute care experience.

Matthew, RN

UCLA FNP 2016

[Kuriin, BSN, RN]

It is still a RUMOR that we will be required to switch to a DNP. Before it was 2015, then it got moved to 2020 or something. UCSF does not see any reason to implement a DNP program (as my per my professor who works there).

[Euthymia]

Obviously you should have a competitive nursing GPA, however, beyond meeting that requirement, its usefulness is limited since most applicants have top grades. Thus standing out from the applicant pool is vital.

Here are a few important things that I think helped me get admitted to UCSF:

Explore potential recommenders - coworkers, supervisors and professors - early on and choose those who will be writing recommendations carefully. You want to utilize people who you established/have a good working/academic relationship with, who know you well, including your personal, educational and professional strengths, weaknesses and overall potential. It is also important for recommenders to know which school and specialty you are applying to so they can tailor the recommendation to fit the application and give reviewers a pertinent profile of you. Make sure that they include what is unique about you and your strengths in respect to preparation for graduate study and fit for the program.

Take the time and effort to build a strong and unique personal statement. It it basically your mission statement, consisting of your academic and professional goals and values, a description of the driving force behind pursuit of graduate study and petition for why you are worth the investment. It should be passionate, but professionally stated. It is important to remember that many applications read like carbon copies, everyone talks about their "love for patients," "making a difference," "love of nursing," etc. You want to go beyond writing about general or anecdotal patient interactions and care to a more cogent and directed statement detailing how and why you will impact/contribute to/change for the better your specific field of study, domain of employment/occupation, the community at large and the nursing profession. Think along the lines of - What about your background, goals and strengths make you stand out from other applicants? Are you willing to take risks, assume leadership roles, petition for change at the organizational level? Are your goals and expectations realistic and do they convey your experience within and understanding of your field of study and the nursing profession overall?

Utilize any opportunities for initiative or leadership in your current job. This can include developing a QI or research project, promoting positive outcomes (petition to change/amend policies, procedures or protocols), implement a program (for example to improve patient education, safety, documentation, etc). This will not only show that you are willing to go beyond mere fulfillment of basic job duties, but it will also arm you with enhanced knowledge, skills and confidence.

Hope this helps!