Yale GEPN vs. UPenn BSN/MSN

[agk24]

Hello! I was accepted to Yale's GEPN Program and UPenn's BSN/MSN Program. I was admitted into both for the FNP specialty, although I am hoping to get to focus on the populations I am most interested in (women and/or adolescents). I am so torn between the two and am hoping for input from others deciding between the two and/or people who have attended the program(s). 

 

Yale

Pros: More time spent in school, collaboration between med school/PA school, can take courses in other specialties, more affordable, can tailor clinical placements (my interviewer told me this), location - I prefer New Haven over Philly

Cons: Lower ranking, come out with just an MSN, apparently there is a lot of shifting of faculty happening in the GEPN program

UPenn

Pros: Wider variety of clinical placements, higher ranking, get a BSN and an MSN, seems easier to get RN experience during the program since there's a short break between the two portions and you can do the MSN part-time, research interests of faculty seem to be more vast

Cons: More expensive, starts in June, BSN portion could be taken with undergrads, less familiarity with the school/program/city/etc.

 

These are two amazing programs that I am lucky to be choosing between but it is a huge investment and I want to make sure I am considering every factor before deciding so excited to hear any thoughts!

[NursingMentorPRN, BSN, MSN, NP, CNM]

Hi! I had to make the same decision a few years ago (Yale v Penn v Hopkins for ABSN/CNM+WHNP). I ultimately went with Penn and was happy I did. But you also really never know what another choice would have been like for you. I think you're on track with your pros and cons list. A few thoughts to add: Philly was a big point for the pro side for me because I wanted to be able to network with people outside of Penn as well. Because of how big Philly is and all the nearby med schools, nursing schools, and residencies, there are a lot of opportunities to get involved in specific organizations that interest you outside of Penn. It's also a great way to develop relationships with Penn alum. Because the city has so many jobs, grads are more likely to stick around. A point for Yale and Hopkins is that I really didn't consider much but turned out to be a thing: brand familiarity. Having Penn on my CV definitely helped me get my first job, but I was really surprised how many people assume Yale is better because they know the name. This doesn't really matter if you're applying to jobs that are super involved in the nursing world, because everyone knows the top 10. But if you're like me and end up venturing a bit outside the realm of a conventional nursing career, where people are less familiar with nursing schools, it might come as a surprise. 

Also, there are a lot of opportunities for scholarships each semester, but cost definitely hurts. 

Let me know if you have other specific questions I can help with. ?

[agk24]

Thank you so much, that is really helpful and great advice! Do you know of or feel that there are major differences between the two schools/programs to be aware that people outside of the nursing community may not know (I.e. me!)?

I really like your thoughts on the benefits of being in Philly, I hadn't thought about all of the resources that would be available in a larger city that may not be in a smaller one like New Haven. 

Could I ask what ultimately swayed your decision one way or the other? I am so caught up in them both being amazing that I don't know where to focus my thoughts/energy!