University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa | Graduate Entry Program in Nursing (GEPN) MS-DNP - Fall 2025

[Mmo9]

Hi everyone, I'm opening up this forum as applications have opened for Fall 2025. Hoping we could use this platform as a way to send updates, ask questions about the applications, etc! Has anyone submitted yet? ☺️

[Mele]

Mmo9 said:

SAME! I literally got waitlisted for the second year in a row... 😭

What program did you apply to? 

May I ask what your GPA from undergrad ? And grades for the prerequisite classes?

[Mele]

Charlie_Em24 said:

OMG! I just got my acceptance letter! I applied MS-APHN! Good luck to everyone! 

Hi Charlie, I am very interested in hearing about your submitted application and experience prior to deciding to go into the accelerated MS nursing program. I just decided I want to apply to the program so my time line is this: volunteer now at the hospital for experience, take two prerequisite classes this Summer, apply, take the other four more prerequisites. If I get in, great, if I don't take more prerequisites and apply to RN program at KCC and reapply to MSN. Time is of the essence but I am willing work my but and bend over backwards to do whatever it takes to get into the program. Any advice you can offer and if you are open to sharing your application I am all ears.

[Uhmnurs25]

Hi Mele! I definitely recommend you reaching out to the UHM GEPN coordinator. The GEPN coordinator has all the advices via through zoom. I met w him through zoom, and he was very helpful! Many of us are in the process of getting our ck list done. 

[Mele]

hoc said:

Hi Mele! I definitely recommend you reaching out to the UHM GEPN coordinator. The GEPN coordinator has all the advices via through zoom. I met w him through zoom, and he was very helpful! Many of us are in the process of getting our ck list done. 

Hi! Thanks for your response. I am skeptical of the GEPN at UHM... it seems scrutinized for being a money making avenue for the University... producing a graduate degree without bedside RN experience. Maybe a route for those in the science or public health sector wishing to pursue more administrative career ?

[Mmo9]

Mele said:

May I ask what your GPA from undergrad ? And grades for the prerequisite classes?

Sorry, forgot to share but I actually got off the waitlist for the DNP-FNP program! I'm not sure if I'm the best person to go to with questions regarding GEPN as everyone has different experiences. It's best to reach out to the GEPN coordinator who is very helpful and friendly. He may be the best person to go to, especially if you have personal questions, etc. They also have informational sessions as well, you should check their website. Best wishes to you! 

[Alia]

Mmo9 said:

Sorry, forgot to share but I actually got off the waitlist for the DNP-FNP program! I'm not sure if I'm the best person to go to with questions regarding GEPN as everyone has different experiences. It's best to reach out to the GEPN coordinator who is very helpful and friendly. He may be the best person to go to, especially if you have personal questions, etc. They also have informational sessions as well, you should check their website. Best wishes to you! 

Awesome!  Congratulations to you!!
I remember you said you were waitlisted last cycle as well.  May I ask if your prerequisites were complete last cycle or this past cycle?

[Alia]

Hello everyone,
For those of you accepted into GEPN, may I ask if all your prerequisites were complete prior applying or if you had some pending?  I'm actually on the alternate list and wondering what I should do to increase my chances of being selected.
TIA

[Charlie_Em24]

Alia said:

Hello everyone,
For those of you accepted into GEPN, may I ask if all your prerequisites were complete prior applying or if you had some pending?  I'm actually on the alternate list and wondering what I should do to increase my chances of being selected.
TIA

Hi Alia! 
 

I had completed all of my prerequisites prior to applying; however, there are some students who were accepted without having all of them completed. In the GEPN Webinar they talked about how the personal statements and resume can help you stand apart as an applicant. I highly recommend reaching out to the GEPN coordinator as well. Hope this helps! 

[Apex226]

Congrats to all who were accepted. Get ready for a year full of studying, studying, and more studying! I've been with the program since Covid, and I can confidently say it'll probably be the hardest year of your academic career.

[uhmc2022]

Apex226 said:

Congrats to all who were accepted. Get ready for a year full of studying, studying, and more studying! I've been with the program since Covid, and I can confidently say it'll probably be the hardest year of your academic career.

Hi Apex226, that's awesome you completed the GEPN program, congrats! Can you please share what the first year of the GEPN program was like for you? How much homework/tests/quizzes were there in the first/second/third semester? How were you able to balance the workload with clinicals and social life, etc. What were your emotions throughout the first year - were you happy, stressed out, or both? Any response is helpful, thank you!

[Alia]

Charlie_Em24 said:

Hi Alia! 
 

I had completed all of my prerequisites prior to applying; however, there are some students who were accepted without having all of them completed. In the GEPN Webinar they talked about how the personal statements and resume can help you stand apart as an applicant. I highly recommend reaching out to the GEPN coordinator as well. Hope this helps! 

Hi Charlie,
Thank you for your response!  I was giving up and losing hope.  But after reading your response, I will reach out to them.  Thank you! 🙏🏽