University of Pennsylvania (Penn) MSN - Summer 2026

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Hi everyone,

I wanted to start a thread for those applying to UPenn's MSN programs. I applied to the WHNP program (full-time, Summer 2026 start). From what I understand, we won't hear back until February, which is totally fine. I know the waiting can be tough!

I'd love to hear what programs you're applying to as well. God's blessings to everyone during the process. If it's meant for you, you'll get in!

Hi everyone! I applied for the full time PMHNP Summer start date. My application still says "not yet processed.”

How long did it take for it to say complete or processed?

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Specializes in CTICU, NICU.
jcq92 said:

Hi everyone! I applied for the full time PMHNP Summer start date. My application still says "not yet processed.”

How long did it take for it to say complete or processed?

If you just submitted then it will take about a week or so for things to be reviewed especially since the application deadline was just 2 days ago. I submitted back in August and it took about a week.

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I applied to the adult gerontology primary care specialization! Anyone else also in the same boat ?

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Shevonne said:

If you just submitted then it will take about a week or so for things to be reviewed especially since the application deadline was just 2 days ago. I submitted back in August and it took about a week.

Do you know if my application will be at a disadvantage due to instructors taking forever to submit my recommendations 😞 ( my application is "incomplete" for longer) 

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Specializes in CTICU, NICU.
alfredlikes said:

I applied to the adult gerontology primary care specialization! Anyone else also in the same boat ?

No I applied to the womens health specialty but Im sure others applied to the adult gerontology primary care track.

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Specializes in CTICU, NICU.
artmedichong said:

Do you know if my application will be at a disadvantage due to instructors taking forever to submit my recommendations 😞 ( my application is "incomplete" for longer) 

From what they said in the webinars is that as long as your application is in by the deadline you should be okay. They give your LOR a longer chance to submit for you. Hopefully they don't take too long to submit. Maybe reach out to them and see if they can put a rush on it.

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Shevonne said:

From what they said in the webinars is that as long as your application is in by the deadline you should be okay. They give your LOR a longer chance to submit for you. Hopefully they don't take too long to submit. Maybe reach out to them and see if they can put a rush on it.

Did they say when is the deadline for LOR?

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artmedichong said:

Did they say when is the deadline for LOR?

also do we need 1 recommendation from a professor? It's so hard to reach out to them. Or charge RNs/preceptors are just fine? Thank you I missed the seminar!   

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Specializes in CTICU, NICU.
artmedichong said:

Did they say when is the deadline for LOR?

They were not specific from what I remember. All I remember is that they give LOR a longer time. Maybe a week or so.

artmedichong said:

also do we need 1 recommendation from a professor? It's so hard to reach out to them. Or charge RNs/preceptors are just fine? Thank you I missed the seminar!   

1 academic, 1 professional, and 1 employer

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Shevonne said:

They were not specific from what I remember. All I remember is that they give LOR a longer time. Maybe a week or so.

1 academic, 1 professional, and 1 employer

does coworker count as professional in this case?

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Specializes in CTICU, NICU.
artmedichong said:

does coworker count as professional in this case?

Yes a coworker would work but I would use a preceptor and charge nurse or even a provider. 

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Hi everyone,

I applied to the PMHNP program because I've always had a passion for both labor and delivery and psychiatry. When I earned my RN license, I had a hard time choosing between the two. Labor and delivery offered me a position first, so I took it, and I've truly thrived in that specialty and continue to love it deeply.

Over the years, my heart has pulled me toward psychiatry many times, but pursuing it would have meant giving up travel nursing and settling into a staff position at the time, which I wasn't ready to do. I always told myself that if I ever advanced my career, I would study to become a PMHNP. Both specialties remain close to my heart for very personal reasons.

Before becoming a nurse, I had the privilege of being exposed to the mental health field while completing my associate degree in Human Services. It was a blessing to serve the clients I worked with; they taught me so much at a young age and helped break many of my own biases. What started as a volunteer role eventually became a full-time position as a rehabilitation specialist. Those clients believed in me when I didn't always believe in myself, and learning their stories made me realize how fragile and vital mental health truly is.

I want to give back to the population that once inspired and encouraged me through my own difficult times. I wish everyone the very best in this process. I firmly believe that what is meant to be will be, and I'm excited to see what February brings, whether in my favor or not. I know everything will work out as it should.

Stay blessed, and good luck to everyone!

Danielle

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