UPenn vs Penn State for FNP

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I've been accepted into the Family Nurse Practitioner program at both University of Pennsylvania and Penn State Hershey. Looking for any advice or reviews on either school as I can't decide which would be a better fit for me!

UPenn is ranked higher, but also more expensive.

Penn State is closer to home and more affordable, but the program isn't as highly ranked.

What's your opinion??

Thanks!

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Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.

UPenn is the best school for nurse practitioner in the world.

Penn state is a good school.

I would go to UPenn in a heartbeat, but I also live closer to that school.

The money can be a big deal. What kind of funds do you have to help you? Is Penn offering anything to offset the cost?

I didn't consider penn's undergrad because of the cost.

I do think a Penn education is worth more, maybe even twice as much but not 4x as much.

Good luck! Either option is good.

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Hello,

Did you receive confirmation via email or snail mail from PSU? Congrats by the way!

Thanks!

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Thanks for the responses! UPenn would be about double the price of Penn State...so I can't decide if the rating of the program is worth that much more money.

And I heard back from Penn State via e-mail.

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I currently attend classes at Hershey and can speak to the environment. Personally I do not know much about the rotations at Hershey for FNP or your interests but there is a large amount of community experiences in the area. For example if you are interested in community outreach I experienced a large range of primary care settings like the Amish and in the city (Harrisburg). I think for the price its a good deal but that is a personal preference if you like the more prestigious name like UPenn. Most of the professors I have encountered really do care about the success of all the students and are always open to meeting for office hours etc… Anyway congratulations!

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Specializes in Urology.

Penn is Ivy League and with that comes Ivy League $$$. Its one of the top nursing schools in the country.

PSU has THE LARGEST alumni network of any university in the United States.

Do I think one is better than the other from a personal standpoint. No

Will attending one or the other increase job opportunities in your foreseeable future. Doubtful.

They both have good programs and put out quality practitioners. Do what suits you better. If I were you, I would save the cash from Penn pay for PSU and come out with less debt. Your career will dictate advances after this.

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Hello! I'm currently in the process of applying for the MSN FNP program at UPenn. If you don't mind me asking...could you kindly share what stats you applied with? I'm an ABSN student with 1 year of RN experience and will be applying with a nursing GPA of 3.5 and a cumulative GPA of 3.4. I'm worried that my GPA already puts me on the lower end.

Any input would be much appreciated!! Thanks ?

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Hi nursegirl20,

I believe I applied with a gpa of 3.7. Don’t feel discouraged about your gpa, it always helps to have it as high as possible, but my advise would be to try to highlight other accomplishments, experiences, and extra-curricular involvement. UPenn is unique in that they don’t interview applicants, at least that’s how it worked when I applied. The director feels interviews are too subjective so the whole decision is based off your application. It helps to emphasize why UPenn and why you’re a unique candidate. I had a great experience and received substantial financial assistance, don’t let the cost scare you too much, they do have a lot of scholarships available if you take the time to apply. The faculty and program is top notch. Best of luck!!!

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@lb088 thank you so much for your reply and your motivational words! I guess all I truly can do is try my best and apply ?

question regarding the application: the app opened on July 1st and the deadline is November 1st. Is it rolling-based admission at UPenn? And if so, do you think I'll be okay if I apply by the end of August or should I apply before that if possible?

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I'm not sure if they do rolling-based admission or not, maybe it would say somewhere on their website? Or you could email an admissions counselor? I emailed with some questions prior to applying and the director of the program called me! I was shocked. So they are very responsive to emails and helpful throughout the process. I went to a small liberal arts school in Virginia for my undergraduate and had four years of nursing experience when I applied, so I also didn't set my hopes too high on getting in. It is possible though :) I think in general with applying, the earlier the better, but even if you apply in August that is still far enough in advance before the deadline. Hope it works out for you!

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@lb088 thanks so much for the input! one last q: when you submitted your resume did you do it in the form of a CV or you just submitted your resume?

Also, any tips or words of advice to make myself a stronger candidate when applying? ?

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