Vanderbilt Fall 2010 ACNP

Rob_RN · Mar 22, 2011

Rob...since you already have a proven academic record with a Masters degree, you likely won't even need to take the GRE. You may want to call someone in Admissions to confirm that, but I think you're okay.
As for GPA, in talking with my friends who were pre-specialty last year...they were all over the place! I heard people saying they had 2.7 in undergrad all the way up to those with 4.0.
We had people who did their undergrad at Vandy, people from other universities around the country, people who came from community colleges, and people who had been out of school for many years. Depends on program you want to get into and I think most VUSN students will tell you that the applications actually are read by faculty within the programs, so how you answer questions about your goals and experience really matters.

Mammac5, I wanted to get your advise, or any others. I have a cumulative GPA of 3.46 and the admissions office said that if I chose not to take the GRE they will only award me the min required score. I think that it is 1000. I am looking at either the FNP or PMHNP specialty. Do you think I should take the GRE? I really don't want to go through that experience if I don't have to. What would you do? Thanks for any advise or suggestions!!!

mammac5 · Mar 23, 2011

Rob, if I were you I'd go ahead and take the GRE if they're only going to figure in 1000 pts for you without it. Honestly, there's no WAY you're not going to score higher than that on the actual test.

I've heard/read where people get really worked up about the GRE, take test-prep courses for the GRE, etc. I'm not the brightest bulb in the closet and I don't think any of that is necessary. I took mine about 3 wks post-op after a difficult surgery and prepared for it by buying 2 prep books at Books-a-Million and going through those for about one week prior. The information about how to actually take the test, how to read the questions, etc. was most valuable out of the review books so you'll want to pay attention to that part.

Not a life-changing event whatsoever. But it'll cost you some $$$.

Rob_RN · Mar 23, 2011

You're right Mammac5, it couldn't hurt. The worst that can happen is that I bomb it and don't send the scores. Plus, I got a lot higher on it about ten years ago when I took it last, but those scores are too old to be counted. I just took the MAT, so I really don't want to take the GRE now, but thanks for telling me to go ahead and take it. Sound advise.

Any thoughts on FNP vs PMHNP? It's a personal choice, but I didn't know if you knew any students doing either, or if you had any impressions of either program. Honesty, I like the idea of PMHNP better, but the FNP is so flexible.

Thanks once again for your reply. You're very kind for sharing your suggestions. I guess I will go to the bookstore tomorrow and get a couple of study guides. It's worth every penny and minute of time if I get in.

mammac5 · Mar 23, 2011

When it comes to choosing FNP or PMHNP...I think it depends on what you really want to do every day at work. The two jobs are entirely different and you may want to find two people working in these areas and ask to follow them for a day in their work environment. That will give you a clear picture of how a typical day goes for them and let you see yourself in those situations.

If you feel equally drawn to these two areas, even after shadowing some people working in these jobs...I would suggest looking around at the Advance for NP site where they have their salary surveys. You may be surprised to find large discrepencies in pay between the two, as well as big shifts from state-to-state (if you're in the U.S.). Depending on your age, how much debt you're taking on to go to school, etc., you may choose Psych just because the money is bigger.

CCRNDiva, BSN, RN · Mar 23, 2011

Hi, I'm hoping one you guys and gals can give me some advice. I'm applying to the ACNP program for fall admission. I'm an ICU RN w/7 yrs experience and CCRN and TNCC certifications. I'll graduate with a BSN in May. I finished my ADN with a 3.5GPA and I'm on the dean's list in my RN-BSN program. The issue is my first foray into college life was less than stellar. My brother was murdered during my 1st semester and I devastated. I couldn't concentrate in school and my grades were horrible. I left a year later but I returned to college 4yrs later with success.

I'm studying for the GRE now, hoping to take it in a couple wks. What do you think my odds for admission are? Would anyone mind sharing there GPA or GRE stats with me? Vandy is my first choice. I went to the open house earlier this month and that visit made me want it even more!!

RICU · Apr 26, 2011

Hi CCRN Diva! When I spoke to the head of the ACNP program, she made it clear that they look at trends in GPA. I lost my dad my freshman year of college and my cumulative gpa reflects that loss. That is something I put in my admissions letter when I applied. Have you heard back from Vandy? I applied there and they are also my first choice! Fingers crossed we get in!

CCRNDiva, BSN, RN · Apr 26, 2011

Hi CCRN Diva! When I spoke to the head of the ACNP program, she made it clear that they look at trends in GPA. I lost my dad my freshman year of college and my cumulative gpa reflects that loss. That is something I put in my admissions letter when I applied. Have you heard back from Vandy? I applied there and they are also my first choice! Fingers crossed we get in!

That's so good to hear. I put something about losing my brother in my application too. I really want to get into this program. I did the GRE today. The time ran out on me while on #24 on the math. I ended up with a 430 in math, but I did manage to get a 1000 total score. I'm kind of bummed about it. I sent an email inquiring about my chances and if they think I should retake it.

I graduate with my BSN in a couple of weeks so I'm really getting anxious about this next phase in my life. How long ago did you apply? Are you a RN already? It is so nice to talk to another ACNP to be! It seems like most on this site are coming in as non-nurses, into FNP, CNM or PMHNP, I feel kind of lonely:lol2: :lol2: :lol2: I'll keep my fingers crossed for both of us.

CCRNDiva, BSN, RN · Apr 27, 2011

I received an email back from Vanderbilt admissions and he said they still have ACNP openings. He also said that I seem like a competitive applicant and he would not recommend retaking the GRE. I feel so much better!

CCRNDiva, BSN, RN · Apr 28, 2011

I received an email from Vanderbilt admissions in response to my concerns. He said I should be a competitive applicant and he would not recommend retaking the GRE. I feel so much better now! I have been stressed out about this all week. Thanks so much for the advice, Mammac5.

mammac5 · Apr 28, 2011

Great news! I'm so glad you were able to get in touch with someone and have your questions answered.

RICU · Apr 29, 2011

CCRNDiva.. I definitely think you are a competitive applicant! I only made a 1000 on my GRE and I GOT IN!!! I just received my acceptance letter this week! (still on cloud nine!) Lets see.. yes, I'm an RN. I will also graduate with my BSN in a few weeks. Do you currently live in the Nashville area? I'm going to try to go visit next month to start looking for places to live. :) Just keep me posted on you soon to be acceptance!!! (fingers crossed!)

CCRNDiva, BSN, RN · Apr 30, 2011

Congratulations:yeah: :yeah: :yeah: :yeah: :yeah:RICU! I'm so happy for you. Thank you so much for the encouragement, I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed, :lol2: .

I actually live in IN but I want to move to Nashville if I get accepted. I do have that pesky task of selling my house. Did you go to the open house in March? I did and I fell in love:redpinkhe. I'm fortunate my 16 y.o. daughter liked it too but my 10 y.o. is taking some convincing. I'll keep you posted! Let me know how it goes on trip.