Western Health Sciences - Direct Entry MSN - Fall 2013

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I didn't see a thread, so I started one.

I am planning on applying this fall for the Direct Entry MSN program. Anyone else?

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I am! :)

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I start the MSN-E program at Western in just a few weeks. I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have :)

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Hi Maseca,

Does federal loans cover all of the tuition until you get licensed?

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You can get loans for the entire 4 year program, not just the pre-licensure portion.

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all federal or half private?

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I'm sure it depends on your individual circumstance, but I have a mix of Stafford loans and Grad Plus loans.

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I almost started a thread until I stumbled upon this one! If "Western University of Health Sciences MSN-E" is searched, this thread won't show. Is it possible to change the title so we can get a larger following??I was an chosen as an alternate for the 2012 cohort, so I will be reapplying for 2013. Good to see you here Maseca! :) the new applicants will be lucky to have you because you're such a big help! Can't wait to hear how the next year goes for you guys in the Class of 2016!

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BlueEyes and Maseca - do you mind telling me a little bit about your background? I'm trying to decide if it is even worth my time applying if I am not near competitive enough.

My Pre-Req GPA is about 3.2, my overall GPA is about the same. I have no volunteer experience in a healthcare setting but I am an online volunteer counselor for teens. I have also just started the process to become a volunteer host site to collect and give out free cloth diapers to families in need. I have two little kids and have to work full time to support my family so it is hard to volunteer outside the home much. I'm really hoping I would be competitive!

Any insight you have would be helpful and appreciated!

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The good thing about Western is that they use a more "holistic" approach. There's really no specific criteria or "point systems" that are found at nearly every other program. Each applicant is looked at individually. I graduated with a 3.45 undergrad GPA and have received mostly A's and B's (and one C! Ugh! Haha) in the prereqs. I do have volunteer experience in the ER and family situations that have included spending a lot of time in the hospital. I work in retail and have been promoted several times into management. I feel like they want to know what you've done with your life and how it's lead you to want to become a graduate prepared nurse. Hope this helps! Have you thought about attending Preview Day? Are you applying to any other programs?

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BeesMama,

I think the biggest question is what is your GPA for your last 60 college units? Western puts an emphasis on this, and really likes to see a strong upward trajectory for grades.

Western is a VERY competitive program, and they admit less than 10% of applicants. With that in mind, I honestly don't think that 3.2 and no healthcare volunteer work is sufficient unless your last 60 units are stellar. I don't want to be discouraging, but I want to give you realistic information.

Here's my background in a nutshell. My overall GPA is a pitiful 2.8, most of that from college 15+ years ago. I graduated with a BS in Public Health with honors in 2011, and my last 60 units are a 3.9. Western doesn't look at strictly prereq GPA (mine is 3.75 though), mostly last 60 units. I have over 1000 hospital volunteer hours, but all of that is from 15+ years ago. I've been employed full time as an executive assistant/paralegal for more than 10 years, and have been working on this career change while working full time. I'm also an Army veteran.

In my personal statement I really emphasized why my GPA sucked so much early on (single, 19 year old parent, etc.), why I want to be a nurse practitioner, and how I've proven my time management skills and academic skills have improved over the last 15+ years. I also discussed why I was interested in Western's program specifically, and why I would be a successful student there.

I hope that helps some. Please feel free to ask me anything, I'm totally an open book!

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Blueeyes- what is an alternate for 2012 cohort?

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