Vanderbilt 2020 Pre Specialty

AmyS4, MSN, CNM · Oct 31, 2019

7 minutes ago, Psychme1929 said:
I saw @AmyS4 say that they said Mid February for decisions and that is for both the direct entry and prespecialty programs. That is pretty consistent with previous year's forums and they are pretty firm in the fact that it will not be available before that, no matter when you turned it in. I think they just pay attention to if you have everything in by the 1st since it is rolling basis. They just start with people who have their materials in by the 1st and go from there. So essentially, we have a long wait between now and Valentine's day or the week after. A student who was admitted said on another thread they did not recieve notifications until feb 22

Thanks Psychme1939!

Tloo9301 · Nov 4, 2019

I think it’s great y’all are already nurses. It says a lot that you have already passed NCLEX. I applied to the psych speciality as well. Fingers crossed! I wasn’t able to attend the open house... but I’m trying to stay positive. Best wishes to everyone.

The mandalorian · Nov 16, 2019

Hello all, I’m applying to AGACNP Prespecialty program. I’m pretty optimistic about the program because I don’t have a significantly high GPA, but the school seems great.

MV3, BSN, RN · Nov 27, 2019

Hi all! I applied for the PMHNP program. I am a BSN RN with 5 years inpatient psych and 2 years outpatient addictions experience. Went to the open house. 3 letters of rec from 2 MDs and 1 DNP. Hope I get in!!! Good luck everyone!!

Psychmeout2 · Dec 13, 2019

Does anyone know if having pre reqs left over hurts your chances? I have 3 left and I saw someone comment they feel they were waitlisted for just having one left. I already have a lower GPA so I don't want two strikes against me.

AmyS4, MSN, CNM · Dec 13, 2019

1 hour ago, Psychme1929 said:
Does anyone know if having pre reqs left over hurts your chances? I have 3 left and I saw someone comment they feel they were waitlisted for just having one left. I already have a lower GPA so I don't want two strikes against me.

That scenario seems odd. I would think they would offer acceptance contingent on completing those prerequisites rather than waitlisting... But that's just my suspicion.

Psychmeout2 · Dec 13, 2019

You're righ, that is what I was told but I feel in case with lower GPA it would probably make them feel more secure to see grades in those courses prior to acceptance. That's just my thoughts anyway. I plan on sending them one grade after I finish the class to at least demonstrate that I'm making progress. I would've done more but I could only afford to pay for one class at a time.

AmyS4, MSN, CNM · Dec 13, 2019

2 hours ago, Psychme1929 said:
You're righ, that is what I was told but I feel in case with lower GPA it would probably make them feel more secure to see grades in those courses prior to acceptance. That's just my thoughts anyway. I plan on sending them one grade after I finish the class to at least demonstrate that I'm making progress. I would've done more but I could only afford to pay for one class at a time.

Can’t you just send an updated transcript? Or are your classes at different schools? I think it’s smart to send updated grades.

Psychmeout2 · Dec 13, 2019

They're at a different institution and it's only for one class so far. I was sending it regardless, I'm more concerned about not being able to have them all done in combination my GPA. I feel qualified though.

AmyS4, MSN, CNM · Dec 14, 2019

I'm not sure what you'd consider "low GPA" but I think that the reason they look at applicants so holistically is because they realize that there are good practitioners who don't have a 4.0 GPA. They have the cut off at 3.0 and I believe they said the average GPA was more midline, like 3.5 or 3.6, which means they choose applicants from GPAs above and below that (obviously). If you have demonstrated your commitment and qualifications in your resume, personal statement, and essays, I think you will be a competitive applicant, regardless of your GPA.

ShellztheNP2b · Dec 17, 2019

Does anyone know if you can switch specialties after you’ve applied, or do you pretty much have to just stick with what you chose?

AmyS4, MSN, CNM · Dec 17, 2019

2 hours ago, ShellztheNP said:
Does anyone know if you can switch specialties after you’ve applied, or do you pretty much have to just stick with what you chose?

I suspect that once the deadline has passed, it would not be possible. I would also be concerned that requesting to change specialties will come across as being less committed to the specialty. From what I understood at the info session, they are really looking for applicants who are committed to a chosen specialty and who won’t possibly switch interests in mid degree. Unless there are extenuating circumstances that influenced your choice, I would stick to your original specialty.

That being said, I don’t know specifically if the pre-specialty cohort is able to change during the first part of the program. I’m applying for the direct entry MSN so it may be different. Maybe someone else can speak to this further, but that’s my take.