Vanderbilt Pre-Specialty Applicants 2014

TarraLune · Jan 14, 2014

They said the latest we would hear back would be the first week of March. What I gathered is that during the priority acceptance strong applicants are notified first in mid - February. Others are weighed against the regular applicants and decisions are again sent out during the first week of March. If you are wait listed when a spot opens up they review all the applications again and decide. If it goes to the committee they review your application and those who want you in the program go to bat for you. But the latest is March for a decision. Because the $200.00 place fee is due March 27th so they can't push it back anymore.

TarraLune · Jan 14, 2014

Mzaur - Wasn't that nerve wracking? They called me late as well and of course I was panicking thinking they had forgotten me. I was calm as my appointment approached but as the minutes passed without a call I became nervous. I was excited and nervous on the phone talking about a mile a minute. Hopefully the nerves didn't impact their opinions of my answers.

CNMhopeful · Jan 17, 2014

I got an email today to schedule my CNM/FNP interview for next week! So nervous and excited! Seems like most people felt like their interviews were pretty relaxed and not many surprise questions. Did anyone else have a different experience?

gabookworm · Jan 17, 2014

Mine was yesterday and very relaxed. It was as much about me getting my questions answered as it was about me answering theirs.

nkw05 · Jan 17, 2014

I know we shouldn't expect to hear anytime soon, but that doesn't stop me from compulsively checking my email and mailbox. :cat: Haha.

So does anyone have any idea how many pre-specialty students are accepted each year total?

Ames78 · Jan 17, 2014

Hi All,

Aside from those who have received emails about scheduling an interview, has anyone received any other communication from the SON? I submitted my application (for FNP) in mid-November, and all I received was the initial email in November that my application was submitted and my payment accepted. According to the application website, it appears that all of my materials were received before 12/1 (save for official transcripts, which are probably languishing somewhere in Vandy's giant mail room). I'm just nervous that my app has somehow fallen through the cracks. I know the chances of that happening are quite small, but I've also worked in college admissions for the past seven years and know that it's a (slim) possible.

s-lizzy · Jan 18, 2014

Hi All,
Aside from those who have received emails about scheduling an interview, has anyone received any other communication from the SON? I submitted my application (for FNP) in mid-November, and all I received was the initial email in November that my application was submitted and my payment accepted. According to the application website, it appears that all of my materials were received before 12/1 (save for official transcripts, which are probably languishing somewhere in Vandy's giant mail room). I'm just nervous that my app has somehow fallen through the cracks. I know the chances of that happening are quite small, but I've also worked in college admissions for the past seven years and know that it's a (slim) possible.

Hi Ames78, I personally haven't received any other information/e-mails from the SON since the receipt of my application and fee, either (other than my PMHNP interview details). The situation is also similar with a couple of other programs that I've applied to: no correspondence at all since the confirmation e-mail. It definitely leaves you biting your nails, but it seems to be the norm at least from what I've been experiencing. (It would be nice to get something, though!) If you are worried, a call to the admissions office could probably clear things up :)

Ames78 · Jan 18, 2014

Thanks, s-lizzy - I will relax now! :)

MMarch71 · Jan 19, 2014

Hi Sarah, I'm in the pre-specialty year (FNP) right now. I know what you all are going through, and can only say you all are probably making it worse in your minds than it is...so stay positive. I can tell you that they absolutely do look at the whole picture. I can also tell you they interview based on competition. Last year, there were enough FNP applicants to have interviews. It is my understanding that it has been that way for the last couple of years. As to the comment that they take more FNPs than any other specialty, that's not necessarily true. Last year they took more Peds Primary. It really depends on the number of 2nd year distance students and local preceptor availability. My GRE scores were near the 60th/50th percentiles, but I had a great story in my statement. Be yourself, trust in all your hard work, and realize they need students in their program. You just have to convince them that you are up to the challenge. Good luck to all!

gsills · Jan 20, 2014

I'm with you. I also applied to FNP. It was my understanding that our specialty didn't have an interview. I actually work at Vanderbilt and I went and spoke to them a few months ago. They told me that they don't interview. They base your acceptance on your overall picture and most of the focus is your interview questions and essay :) Hope that helps!

MMarch71 · Jan 20, 2014

gsills- I appreciate that you spoke with someone at vandy. I certainly can't tell you what they are going to do this year. I can tell you that I did interview for FNP for 2013 pre-specialty COHORT as did all the others who are here at vandy for FNP with me now. I just wanted to put that out there, so don't be surprised if there are interviews for FNP. If there aren't then no worries. Good luck to you all.

TarraLune · Jan 21, 2014

MMarch71 - How is your first year going? What is the curriculum like and how many days to you attend classes/clinicals? Maybe finding out about the program through the eyes of a student will help us pass the time without compulsively checking the mail and application status. :yes: I attended the open house last October and the students were swamped within seconds of being released so while I have your attention I figured I would pick your brain.