UT AE-MSN 2017

slashdot · May 13, 2016

Hello, Rae.

What concentration are you intending?

I applied last year and was accepted to LeaDS, though my original designation was PMHNP. As you've already read a bunch of threads I just want to drop some stats that people generally have questions about. I remember scouring posts, so hopefully all who are doing that now will find this helpful.

Average GRE: 317

Average GPA: 3.7

Note this is to the psych specialty only. My cumulative gpa at the time was 3.28 with a graduate gpa of 4.0. My GRE was lower than average too but I don't remember what it was. As always, these numbers fluctuate a bit depending on the stats of everyone in the applicant pool. With no need to improve (based on the assessment of the Asst Director of Grad Academic Services at the SON, who all will come to know and appreciate!!) letters of recommendation, my statement, or beef up my experience, the numbers kept me out of the top 7, though I was one of 21 to make the cutoff for the interview. If anyone is sizing up their chances, maybe this will give you a relevant yardstick.

A note about deferrment: A spot is held for you, automatically, the following year. If, like me, you were accepted to LeaDS, you could defer with this promised spot in mind and *still* reapply to psych next cycle -- or whatever specialty -- without giving up that LeaDS seat. Deferment knocks you off the wait list, however. You can reuse letters of recommendation, statement, etc without having to furnish new ones, although you do have to update transcripts.

LeaDS is new so these policies may change.

Interviewing was very laid back. Group style at first, a writing/comprehension prompt, and a personal interview. I enjoyed this process, did not come away feeling intimidated, and the faculty were very friendly (and, knowing we were all terrified, did their best to keep us at ease).

Good luck to everyone applying this cycle.

Lady_Rae · May 13, 2016

Thanks so much slashdot! I'm applying directly to the LeaDS concentration. However, it seems like a lot of those who don't get into the other concentrations get put in LeaDS. I wonder what this means for those who are applying directly into LeaDS.

Lady_Rae · May 13, 2016

Also when you say avg. GPA.. Do you mean overall GPA or Prerequisite GPA?

slashdot · May 13, 2016

LeaDS has many more seats than the other tracks. Not everyone who truly wants LeaDS will get a shot due to the seat being offered to other students, but not every student who is offered LeaDS as a second chance will take it. Most applicants have invested in multiple schools. They will take another NP/CNS offer over LeaDS if one is extended to them.

slashdot · May 13, 2016

The SON takes all 3000+ level courses an applicant has taken in their academic career and, based on attempted hours and earned grades, arrive at each student's workable GPA for scoring.

The average GPA of accepted psych students (overall) is 3.7 I was told... but it's also worth noting that some years, applicant GPAs may trend lower than that. So it's not a hard and fast cutoff. Things like experience do count, but they won't compensate for a dismal GPA, only get you the most credit for that particular dimension. Now, if everyone applying with you has a lower GPA than 3.7 then that 3.7 isn't going to mean anything and you can still be considered competitive with a lower GPA.

Hope this clears that up!

AHawkins · May 30, 2016

Hi! I will also be applying to the UT AE-MSN program and am interested in the LeaDS track. My stats are not the most competitive (in regards to GPA,) but I'm hopeful that the other parts of my application will help me pull together a competitive package. I'll probably be checking in regularly for more info/updates, so thanks for starting this thread!

Wildcats9 · Jul 24, 2016

Hi y'all! So thrilled to find a 2017 thread!! I'll be applying in a couple weeks-- finishing up microbiology on Tuesday (YAY!!) and taking the GRE a week later. Just a bit about me-- I live in Austin, moved here after finishing grad school (Masters in Public Health) at the University of Kentucky in 2006. I am a die hard UK basketball fan and have a furry four legged baby named Pita! I'll be applying to the CNS track. Honestly, I'm most worried about my lack of experience but have worked in an OB/gyn practice with patients as a health coach, so hopefully that will suffice to at least get an interview. I may start looking for some volunteer/shadow experience for the fall and spring to help boost my resume; any advice for finding something worthwhile would be greatly appreciated. Good luck and hopefully we'll be almost 2 months into the program this time next year!

BrenBren02 · Aug 13, 2016

What a quiet thread so far! I'm sure it will pick up later in the fall when we're all anxiously waiting to hear back... Anyway, Hi everyone I'm applying to the LeaDs concentration this year. I was discouraged from the Psych NP track but that's my ultimate professional goal.

slashdot · Aug 15, 2016

BrenBren02, may I ask -- what discouraged you? Do you intend to enroll in the post masters certificate after graduating?

BrenBren02 · Aug 16, 2016

I was discouraged by the numbers. My overall GPA, GRE, and Pre Req GPA were all below average. I have several years of experience in psych but I didn't think that would be enough to make up for the other items. Plus, I know many applicants to this program already have a masters level education, I only have a bachelors. Given all of these factors and the small number Psych NP spots, I thought I would be more competitive for admission to LeaDs. I do intend on enrolling in a post masters certificate if I get accepted and complete the LeaDs program.

Yoyo1 · Aug 18, 2016

Thank you for starting this thread. I am applying to the psych NP program..almostttt finished with the application.