UVA MSN CNL 2015

PVCCHoo · Aug 10, 2014

I wouldn't hold my breath on getting in to the UVA CNL program. It is very competitive and there are only a few dozen spots.

I applied last year with similar stats to yours and did not get in, not even waitlisted. I already have a bachelor's in another field (non-science) from UVA from over a decade ago with a GPA that was 3.1 something on that degree. 4.0 GPA at the community college for all my pre-req's. 310 on the new GRE (they say scores around 160 each make you competitive).

The one thing you have that I didn't is some kind of patient care experience. I only had a few months of volunteering at a local hospital, which I only really did to help my chances. Yes, it was also a good experience and I got to see nurses in action and make sure this career was something I could really do. But, I didn't do much except ask if people needed water and try not to get in the way of anybody who was actually working.

I still don't really understand why the healthcare experience is something they are looking for when it's called a Master's Entry program (with the ENTRY meaning you are trying to gain entry in to the healthcare field). Oh well, I went in to it knowing my chances were slim, but still was a little disappointed when I didn't make the cut.

Everything happens for a reason though. Starting my program at the community college in a couple weeks. A community college that has rewarded my hard work with scholarships that cover nearly all my costs for nursing school. I'm also getting a BSN through ODU and that will only cost around 10K. When it's all said and done, I'll have spent less than 12K to get both an ADN and a BSN. Sure it would have been nice to have that Master's, but the amount on the paycheck for a novice nurse is gonna be the same for any of those degrees.

blondyesb · Aug 13, 2014

angi24,

I too am applying for UVA's 2015 class. I fully understand being nervous about grades, and wanting to make sure you are "good enough" to get into the program. I am not sure if you have had a chance to attend any of the information meetings, but I went back in January. Almost everyone (myself included), was asking: is my gpa strong enough, what GRE score do I need, what grades are you looking for. While these are important factors, the information session definitely stressed that in the application the committee wants to get to know who you are as a person, why you want to become a nurse, and how UVA's program fits with your aspirations.

PVCCHoo I am sorry to hear that you did not get into UVA, but I glad to hear that you continued on your path to becoming a nurse. That type of strength is what I always admired in my mother who has been a nurse for 35 years. I am sure that you will make a great nurse, and hopefully soon angi24 and I will be joining you in the ranks soon.

Personally UVA is the only school I am applying due to the nature of the program. Their philosophy on nursing and looking at the change in healthcare is exactly what I love about the school, and while the sound of all clinical hours being 1 on 1 seems a little daunting, I could not be more excited about the learning experience that the clinicals will provide.

Hopefully, more applicants will post and we will get the chance to get to know and support each other.

angi24 · Aug 13, 2014

I haven't been able to make it to an information session, so that info about their approach in reviewing applications makes me feel a lot better! Thanks for sharing that :)

blondyesb · Aug 14, 2014

If it is possible I would definitely recommend attending an information session, it was great to get to see the facilities and talk with faculty and students about the program.

I believe that there are also online sessions each week to ask questions to school of nursing admissions. Last I checked information was on the school of nursing website.

PVCCHoo · Aug 17, 2014

Angi and blond, good luck to both of you. I was not trying to make it seem impossible to get accepted. Just letting you know that my stats were below what UVA said would make me competitive, and as expected, I didn't get in.

The people I know that got in to the class that just started both had real hospital experience as techs, so I think that kind of work history may make up for lower gpa's but who knows?

As an older student who was not able to leave Cville for school, I only had two possibilities for nursing programs- either UVA or Piedmont, so luckily I was able to get in to one of them.

soulshine101 · Aug 21, 2014

HI All,

I am in my final year in the UVA CNL program and I wanted to stress that they do take a holistic approach when making decisions. I don't know this for sure and the Dean does check in on these boards eventually but I think they hope to expand the program which will open up more opportunities. (He will correct this if I am wrong, I hope)

I didn't have any healthcare experience when I applied aside from some volunteer work in the community and the ED/PICU. I only volunteered for a couple years in the ED and PICU just to make sure this was an avenue I really wanted to pursue. You certainly don't want to sign up for a nursing program and then find in the clinical setting that its not for you. Nursing school is expensive!!!

soulshine101 · Aug 21, 2014

I would definitely attend an information session if you can. Often, I volunteer to work those so maybe I will see you. If you all have any questions, let me know! Good luck:)

UVA Grad Nursing · Aug 21, 2014

We do offer a very holistic review process. The faculty on the admissions committee consider your overall undergraduate GPA, the particular grades received in the 5 prerequisite classes, your volunteer experience, your healthcare experience, your professional work experience, the quality of writing in the essays, the content of the letters of recommendation, and your performance on the GRE (if needed).

If a candidate is invited for an interview, then the responses from the interview are added to the consideration of the above factors.

elefant3 · Aug 24, 2014

Hi all, I'm applying. Besides my GPA, I do think I am a good candidate - Mostly A's in my pre-reqs, volunteer experience, good GRE scores - but I think the chances are stacked against me since I am an out-of-state applicant. I believe that half of the class has to be Virginia residents so I'm crossing my fingers and toes.

UVA Grad Nursing · Aug 25, 2014

elefant:

Most of our applicants are instate residents anyways (nearly 70% last year), so we have not needed to focus on the 50% Virginian requirement. The admissions committee focuses on selecting the best candidates -- instate/out-of-state status has not been a discussion point when the final decisions are made for this program.

pbergen · Aug 28, 2014

Good Evening,

I am curious if there are any opportunities to complete clinical hours in a medical setting abroad during the 24 month program.

Very Respectfully,

Phil