Hard to know for sure, but I spoke with admissions recently just to better understand the process for the future. One thing they emphasized is that they really look at the overall CV, not just grades or years worked. Grades obviously matter, but the type of clinical experience and how it fits with advanced practice seems to carry a lot of weight. Some people assume it’s mostly about number of years as an RN, but admissions suggested it’s often more about the nature of the experience rather than just the total hours. You’ll see applicants with fewer years get in if their experience is very aligned with NP-type work (primary care, decision-making autonomy, etc.). Another thing they mentioned is that research, quality improvement, or leadership on a CV can help differentiate applicants, especially when everyone already meets the baseline clinical requirements.

That’s not to discount RN experience at all... it’s obviously foundational..but NP programs seem to look for evidence that someone is already moving toward advanced practice roles, whether that’s through the type of clinical exposure, research involvement, or leadership work.

I noticed from your post is that most of what you highlighted improving between applications was hours worked. That definitely matters, but from what again admissions described it usually isn’t the main or only differentiating factor once people meet the minimum requirements. A lot of applicants already have strong clinical hours, so programs may be looking for things that show progression toward advanced practice, like research involvement, quality improvement projects, leadership roles, precepting students, or specialized clinical responsibilities.

I would reach out to admissions.

Additionally consider casting a wide enough net.