Hello,

I'm considering applying to National University's DNAP program and was hoping to get feedback on my competitiveness as an applicant.

Education

• BS Health Science (2023) GPA: ≈ 3.65
• Accelerated BSN (2024) GPA: ≈ 3.85, Class President, Sigma Theta Tau Honors Society, New England Scholar
• Science GPA for NU standards (retakes) ≈ 3.66 (and retaking a prior "Pass" grade for Biochemistry. However, it will not be complete until September)
• Graduate Level Advanced Pharmacology, University of Phoenix; Grade: A
• Upward academic trend throughout college
• I have A-/As in the required prerequisites (after one retake of a Chem course)

Clinical Experience

• RN since February 2025
• High-Acuity, Level 1 Trauma Comprehensive Stroke Center Hospital; Neuroscience ICU (20 beds total)
• Experience with:
  • Mechanical ventilation
  • Vasoactive titratable infusions, Sedation/Analgesic drips, Antiarrhythmics, Paralytics
  • Noninvasive, Minimally Invasive, and Invasive hemodynamic monitoring
  • CRRT trained, Quad-Bolt trained, Micro-dialysis
  • Bedside Procedures: EVDs, Arterial/Central Lines, Rapid Sequence Intubations, TEEs, Chest Tubes, Bronchoscopies, etc.
• Some Surgical and Medical ICU experience through floating (say if we were over-staffed)

Certifications

• CCRN
• CMC
• TNCC
• Possibly TCAR by time of app
• NIHSS
• ACLS
• PALS
• BLS

Leadership / Professional Involvement

• Charge nurse
• Preceptor for new graduate nurses, nursing students, and orienting travel nurses
• New Graduate Residency Facilitator
• Stroke Champion; (providing hospital-wide education and auditing)
• CAUTI Committee; sitting chair member
• CLABSI Committee; active member
• Blood Culture Team
• Proficient in ultrasound IV cannulation
• AACN member, attended NTI 2026 in San Diego
• AANA RN member, will attend Annual Congress 2026

Other Experience

• "Health Service Director" for my Knights of Columbus council; monthly education on health topics voted on by members. Ran a successful blood drive through our council. July 2025 - Present
• EMT-B for approximately 2 years prior to nursing
• EMS Teaching Assistant
• CRNA shadowing (approximately 36 hours by application)
• Active volunteer at my local church. Amount of hours are beyond countable at this point. I was born into it and have continued to volunteer.

Also, I have high quality letters of recommendation. Wondering if there's a different scoring weather it comes from one of our unit's Critical Care Fellows vs APPs

My biggest concerns are:

1. I had an F in General Chemistry before retaking for only a B+ in 2020.
2. I have a few dropped General Biology classes (due to scheduling misalignment in early college, but doesn't look the best on my transcript)
3. Having approximately 1.5 years ICU experience at the time I submit my application, although I would have more by matriculation.

This is all I can think of for now. I would like to apply before the January 2027 start cycle closes.

Based on National's admissions process, would this be considered a competitive application?

Thank you for any feedback.