UPenn accelerated BSN 2011...anyone?

AccelCNL, MSN, RN · Aug 27, 2010

I am applying for the BSN/MSN program. The specialty I am applying to is the Neonatal NP program. MY GPA is like a 3.9 and all my prereqs are in the B+ range.

I have not taken the GRE yet but I will in October. I hope we will all get good news in Feb.

nvsmom · Aug 27, 2010

I'm not going for the MSN, just the BSN. I thought admissions stated we could only apply to one program, not both for the BSN and MSN??

AccelCNL, MSN, RN · Aug 27, 2010

I'm not going for the MSN, just the BSN. I thought admissions stated we could only apply to one program, not both for the BSN and MSN??

If you know what MSN specialty you are interested in then it is encouraged that you apply to the MSN portion as well. If you do not then just apply for the BSN portion.

dorshee · Sep 3, 2010

I'm going for the BSN/MSN ACNP specialty. I'm applying all over the place, so hopefully I'll get in somewhere.

AccelCNL, MSN, RN · Sep 6, 2010

Where else are you applying? I am applying to a number of schools as well.

cartwheel · Sep 7, 2010

Hi All -

I thought I'd chime in here as I'm considering applying to Penn's BSN/MSN program and specifically the Ped NP program. I'm waiting to hear back about one of their prereqs and hope what I've taken will be satisfactory.

hopkins76: What about the visitor's day made you decide against Hopkins?

Good luck to everyone here!

C.

hopkins76 · Sep 7, 2010

Hi, Cartwheel-

Don't get me wrong, Hopkins is a great school and their nursing program is well respected--I have several friends who went there and had a really great experience. That being said, their student demographic didn't fit my profile--students tended to be younger (several just a year or two out of college) and there seemed to be a strong preference towards returned Peace Corps volunteers. Feel free to PM me for further details.

-H

amojo99 · Sep 16, 2010

Hey guys-

I'm a Penn student in the accelerated cohort that just started a few months back. I was in your shoes a year ago getting recommendations and my app together. Feel free to PM me with questions.

meeeshelllie · Sep 28, 2010

hi amojo99,

would you mind sharing with us your experience so far in the program? whether or not you like it, if it is what you thought it would be, what you wish you would have known before, pros and cons about the program, etc.?

thanks in advance!

amojo99 · Oct 2, 2010

I think that Penn really wants us all to succeed in the program, and I feel like there is plenty of support available for those that need it.

So far my experience has been positive. Aside from me questioning my decision and my abilities every so often, I've enjoyed school. I had this fear that the summer start would be an intense 7 weeks, and it was, but the fall is a whole different beast. Not to say that things are too intense--at 18 months, this is one of the longer accelerated programs in the country.

My classmates are very supportive, not cutthroat in the least, and we have access to the resources of this great university. Another plus--Penn was one of the first schools to notify me of their decision, and within a week had sent me a financial aid package. Their financial aid package was incredible, especially as an independent student, compared to schools like JHU or Columbia, Penn offers a lot of grant money to 2nd degree students, and I didn't have to even think about private loans.

Any more specific questions?

hopkins76 · Oct 2, 2010

Thanks, Amojo, for posting about the program. Was wondering if you are working with any faculty on their research or are finding time to work a few hours each week? I'd really like to do some research work if I survive the summer session :)

amojo99 · Oct 2, 2010

I actually just started a research job with one of my summer professors. Not hard at all, and a lot of interesting work happening. I think Penn is #1 in NIH funding.