<p>On the nursing website, it states, "As an Ivy League institution, we prepare our students to become leaders of tomorrow integrating a strong liberal arts curriculum with a specialization in nursing." To what extent does UPenn nursing provide a liberal arts education? I would love to study nursing, especially at Penn though it is a reach, but I also want a liberal arts education. Granted, nursing is vocational, but I want to develop some of the skills that a liberal arts education allows for, such as critical thinking, and I want somewhat of a broader education. Would UPenn be a good fit for me in this case? Or is it possible to go to a LAC and then apply to a MSN program after so that I get my feet wet in both areas?</p>
<p>i’d love a response to this query.</p>
<p>Penn has the #1 nursing school in the country for a reason. You can still get the liberal arts education while being a nursing student 
You have sector requirements in addition to the nursing classes you have to take. Also, as a nursing student, you are allowed to take courses in the other schools (seas, cas, and wharton). My first semester courses are going to be biologically based chem, microbio/cellular bio, the nature of nursing practice, a writing seminar, and a language class. So, yeah, Penn would be a great fit for you :D</p>
<p>@mandypandy, since upenn nursing is really competitive, would it affect my admission if my gpa isn’t that top notch? Would I have a better chance getting into upenn if I applied for English instead?</p>
<p>It really depends on the classes you took and if your GPA is weighted or not. If you did poorly in basic high school courses and science courses, that doesn’t look too good for nursing. However, if it is your unweighted GPA that might be a little low because you were taking very challenging AP or IB courses, it’ll probably be fine. If you have good SAT’s this will help.
However, Penn does look at everything, especially your essays and EC’s. I will say this though, if you are deciding between english and nursing just depending on what is easier to get into, go with english. Nursing is extremely challenging and you really have to have a passion for it. If you aren’t completely certain that you want to become a nurse, don’t apply to the nursing school.
And if you apply to CAS for English, get in, and then realize you want to do nursing, you can look into during an internal transfer into the nursing school. It’s very competitive to do this, but the option is there.</p>
<p>@mandypandy thank you for the advice. I really want to do the dual degree program for nursing and healthcare management, and I think I’ve had a rigorous and very busy schedule for my entire high school career. I’m doing early decision by the way.</p>
<p>One of my best friends is in the Nursing and Healthcare Management Program and it is arguably the hardest program at Penn. The reason for this is that you are doing nursing, which is in itself a huge challenge, and being in Wharton at the same time which can be extremely stressful. It’s two of the most different majors combined into one! My friend gave up a lot to be in the program but he knows that it’ll all be worth it when he graduates. Generally, people in the program are just trying to pass their classes and graduate. They can’t put too much focus on their GPA or they’ll drive themselves absolutely crazy. It’s a fantastic program though and you graduate with two degrees from the #1 nursing and #1 business school in america. Pretty sweet. It’s EXTREMELY TOUGH but worth it in the end!! Best of luck! Hope to see you at Penn!</p>
<p>You should definitely apply to NHCM! I absolutely love the program! It has a nice blend of courses from both Wharton and Nursing! There’s not many people in the program, but I’ve found that the small network of people to be very helpful and supportive! If you have any questions feel free to PM me!</p>
<p>thanks for the reflective and informative submissions.
my niece has applied ED to Nursing.
While her grades are strong, they aren’t perfect, and she only earned a 31 ACT.
On the other hand, her APs are 5s and 4s, her ECs are amazing and demonstrate a passion and commitment for Nursing and for Leadership.
She’s a legacy, as well.
Mom graduated Penn nursing.
Dad graduated Penn undergrad and Penn Med.
Grandparents both are Penn grads (and even uncles).
Essays are strong as are recs shine.
What do you think?
Thanks in advance for your attention.</p>
<p>@SherBear: your niece shouldn’t have any problems…haha so many legacies</p>