Yale GEPN competitiveness - advice please!

Published

Hi all,

So I am trying to decide if I should go ahead and apply to Yale's GEPN program for 2016 (I would specialize in PNP).

I am in the process of deciding if I would like to pursue a career as a NP rather than a PA.

I am almost entirely convinced to go the NP route, with one main concern: location. I am in CT and not in a position where I can move to go to school. Obviously, this greatly limits my options. The only two direct entry programs that are close enough for me to commute are Yale (51 min) and UMASS (1 hr). I am also keeping UConn's cein/bs program in mind, but its not ideal for me as I you have to work as a RN for a year before you can apply to MSN program.

Yale is also the only school that has a PNP specialty. I know I could choose FNP and ultimately still work in pediatrics, but this is another big reason I much prefer Yale.

Anyways, I'm not sure if I am really competitive enough to apply to Yale. I would love to hear about the experience of past/current applicants or current students.

I graduated from UConn this year with a 3.464 overall GPA and 3.9 GPA in my major, Human Development and Family Studies. It may be useful to note that I maintained at least 1 part time job my entire undergrad career, at times 2. I was a part of the honors program and graduated with honors. I volunteered occasionally as an EMT while I was in school, and I am now working as a PCT at a nearby hospital. I am continuing research on my UConn honors thesis, which is examining social anxiety in survivors of pediatric cancer. I designed the study myself, do all the data collection myself, and an old advisor helps me with the analysis. I have put a ridiculous amount of time and effort into this project, and the doctors I am collaborating with hope I will go on to publish/present at ASPHO this spring.

I was involved in numerous extracurriculars including Greek life and an honors society. I also single-handedly started a club water polo team my sophomore year, and this team is now a member of the Collegiate Water Polo Association and flourishing.

I have not yet taken the GRE... I haven't started studying. If i decide to apply I will take it on October 30th or 31st. I'm not super worried as I have very strong verbal/writing skills and got a 2100 on the SATs without ever cracking a book (I know they're not the same.. but I figure it's some indication...)

I feel that my grades are a bit low, but I am a very well rounded person. I am also extremely passionate about working in pediatrics and I am very much a people person so I interview well. If anyone has any input for me on what my chances of getting into Yale are I would greatly appreciate it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I know that you wrote this a while back and I hope that this will still be helpful. I am just starting my GEPN year in the midwifery cohort and all I can really say is that it doesn't hurt to try. I think the biggest thing in that I'm seeing in my classmates is that it's not only about intelligence and statistics- it's about your experiences and who you are as a person (I remember looking at allnurses last year and seeing that people in the 98% percentile for GRE were not accepted). It's about our life stories and what brought us to want to go into nursing. Don't try to mold yourself to what you would expect Yale to want. Stand true to who you are and tell them why you would be a great fit for our program.

Either way, I'm not sure if this helps, but I have 3.7GPA in Global Studies, 80% in verbal and 25% in Quantitative (really subpar, but they didn't seem to mind), and 3 years of experience as a doula. They are huge on service and I think it helped that I was an AmeriCorps member started a small non-profit, and have done a bunch of international travel. Another big thing that they are into is experience in the field that you hope you work in. They want to know that you know what a NP does, both the good and bad.

Good luck! What is meant to be is meant to be... try to relax and enjoy the process! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you so much for the input! I'm sure you're crazy with classes but if you think you could spare some time I would love to get your input on my essay :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Sure. Is there a way I can private message you my email address?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have a junk mail email .... [email protected]. Shoot me an email there!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi, was just wondering why we are so few on the thread...lol. I am applying to Yale GEPN 2016 as well. I have chosen the midwifery specialty as well. I am a little scared because my scores are very low compared to what I see on this site but I am hoping that all goes well in the end. I graduated from the University of Benin, Nigeria with a bachelor's degree in microbiology. Upon conversion of by GPA by WES I have a 2.63. I graduated 8 years ago and have 7 years of work experience but I haven't utilized my degree all these seven years. I took to IT project management in the e-payment industry and I have a couple of year s of experience in operation. I have always wanted to be in the medical profession as a child but getting into the major then was very highly competitive hence I got microbiology instead. I took GRE on Saturday and scored 286 (the percentile is yet to be known. I am about to start writing my essay as only it and a couple of recommendations are outstanding. I have only applied to Yale because it is the only scholars I have found that do not require prerequisite courses. I need some advice on what my chances are. I really want to be an advanced midwife practitioner. I mean it will be a dream come true. Advise please. Thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi Julie, I am also applying to Yale's midwifery program and would love to ask you a few question/get some advice on my personal statement if you had the time! I also have low quantitative (32nd) and decent verbal (81st). My undergrad is in psychology. GPA was 3.7. Most of my experience comes from being a lactation counselor and working for a non profit with pregnant women with substance abuse and mental health issues. I also applied to Columbia's program, and will apply to the MGH program, if anyone has experience with those.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

We sound very similar! I'd rather not put my email open to the public, but I'm definitely open to talking. I think that there is a perception that Yale wants the best and highest testing scores, but it's not the case. At one point in time of my the professors said something along the lines of "we could fill this room with 4.0 gpas and the top GRE scores, but we want more than that". They really are looking for people with a strong sense of self, the intelligence and stamina to get through a demanding program (scores may help demonstrate that, but not always), a dedication to community service, etc.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The only thing that you can really do is try! Work hard on your essay and do your best to tell your story- show the admissions panel that you are unique individual with a lot to give not only to the school but to the field in general.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion