I was surprised there wasn't already a thread for those applying to UPenn's direct entry program since the threads from previous years were so active, so I thought I would start one where this year's applicants could gather. :)
I'm just hoping to get to know some other applicants so we can support each other through this nerve wracking process! My name is Michelle and I am applying for the Nurse Anesthesia specialty, I'm in the process of working on my personal statement. Any others out there?
Not sure if you received my pm but....It went great, ------ is very nice and it felt like a natural conversation. You have nothing to worry about, no trick questions at all! She called me about 10 mins after my assigned time. Best of luck tomorrow!
I am trying to get in touch with ---- at UPenn and am having serious problems...anyone else?? I have been calling the number from her emails and I know it's right because I get sent to voicemail for UPenn School of Nursing Admissions. But I called at least four times between noon and 5 pm last Friday and this Monday, Tuesday, Weds, and today...and no one has ever picked up! I emailed her and didn't get a response either...has anyone had a seriously hard time getting in touch to ask questions?
I'm glad your phone interview went well, Ltmalli! And good luck on yours, JustD16! I just had mine, and it went really well. ------is really great and easy to talk to, and she just asked really relevant questions about why nursing, why Penn, etc.. Now we just have to wait until the first week of February to hear! Eeeeesh!
Fishe23a -- I've had the same problem reaching both ------- and the admissions office. I've called and emailed and never heard back. The only time I've ever reached a person at the admissions office was when I was transferred by another person within the Penn system (I don't know if that's a coincidence or if they picked up because it looked like an internal call). And even though I finally got a live person at the admissions office, she said she would contact someone about my question and have them call me back, which didn't happen. I can only assume that they're incredibly busy, but it's still frustrating.
I've experienced the same frustration as well while trying to contact someone at the School of Nursing. Quite a while before the application was due, I was never able to reach ----- by email or phone. I even left messages asking for her to call me back. I also sent emails to the School of Nursing in general, without any response. Once, I was able to reach someone at the general phone number, and when I mentioned my email they were able to look it up and confirmed they had received it, which I thought was interesting. I'm not quite sure what to tell you about trying to reach someone there, I guess just be persistent! I would definitely suggest calling the number listed under the administrative assistant's name though. That seems to be where I've had most luck!
MODERATOR NOTE: Several posts have been edited to remove a staff member's name in this thread. Please do not post personal names per our Terms of Service. Thanks :)
I'm applying to the CRNA specialty as well, but not until next Fall. Congrats on getting an interview! Would you mind sharing your GPA and things you put on your resume? I'm trying to see if I'm on track. Thanks!
I see you're from San Diego! :) That's where I did my undergrad, I love it there. I graduated with a 3.81 GPA (my degree was in general chemistry). On my resume I listed some volunteer/internship experience that I had for about two years at Palomar Health in Escondido. I also listed a non-healthcare related position that I had for about a year. I worked in a research laboratory for around a year during the beginning of my undergrad as well. Other than that, I listed some volunteer/leadership experience such as being an orientation leader. I also put some of my academic awards that I received as well.
hey all, just wanted to post a bit of encouragement! i'm in the current cohort, and FC is recruiting us to be present on interview days to meet you all. there are definitely people in my class who opted for the phone interview, so if finances are really tight and you can't swing the cost don't worry about it. the interviews are not very long, and i think there is a good amount of variation between interviewers so don't get too caught up on knowing specific interview questions. in general, be familiar with your application and of course know why you want to go into nursing! and why you think penn is the place for you. get a good night's sleep, breathe and smile. FC has a full day planned out for you all, replete with food, tours, and the chance to talk with current students and faculty. if the current students appear to be super stressed out and/or zombies, please forgive us we're in finals mode when you guys come out to interview. good luck!
also, i know this is a super crazy time of year for the SON staff but i understand that not getting your calls answered/returned can be frustrating. i can try to help by answering specific questions via PM, or general questions on the forum. please be patient though because time is a very precious commodity for us right now as the semester finishes up.
I'm doing the same internship at Palomar Health right now! It's a great program. Okay thank you so much. I'm rooting for you because it will give me life if you get accepted being that you're aiming for the same speciality. Good luck!
Ltmalli
35 Posts
Not sure if you received my pm but....It went great, ------ is very nice and it felt like a natural conversation. You have nothing to worry about, no trick questions at all! She called me about 10 mins after my assigned time. Best of luck tomorrow!