Applying to the Metro State ANO Program - Spring 2014 Start

[Colorado Hopeful]

I haven't seen a thread for those applying to this program yet so I thought I would start one. This thread is for anyone applying for the Accelerated Nursing Option (ANO) at Metro State University in Denver. I know there are a few older forums for this program, but I think it is smaller and not much discussed. I just submitted my first application (just to be admitted to Metro State) and plan on submitting my nursing application soon after. Anyone else out there in the same boat?

[SweetCorn]

I got my acceptance email on Monday (Oct. 18th).

However, I'm not accepting, so there is another slot that is going to be open for someone else!!

Good luck to those who got in and are on the waiting list.

[ac1125]

Hi CBOZZ525, what did you find out at the information session? I live out of state so I'm not able to attend any of those. As far as financial aid, I know we're not eligible for Pell grants, and I heard scholarships are pretty much gone for next semester. Any idea on how you'll be paying your tuition? Any information will help. Thanks! Look forward to meeting in you January.

[ac1125]

any one who got accepted having trouble finding housing? I am! I'm looking for subleases/room shares for my husband and I but there is little to no one accepting! arghhh. help!!

[CBOZZ525]

ac1125- I really didn't get any information on financial aid. I am pretty sure that second degree students do not qualify for grants such as the Pell Grant, so assistance will probably be limited to loans. If you haven't maxed out the lifetime limits of your Stafford loan, you can take that and then take private or PLUS loans to cover anything beyond what the Stafford covers. The amount we will qualify for is based on estimated cost of attendance and estimated family contribution, so it is hard to know anything for certain until these factors are estimated. I would contact the financial aid department and see if they can tell you more. I am still waiting to get an information packet in the mail, as I hope that it will contain at least our ECA per semester. I planning to take out loans and work minimally to pay for it, though I am very apprehensive about living almost entirely on borrowed funds. However, the program is short and I am sure the experience will merit the sacrifice.

Just out of curiosity, why are you looking for room shares / subleases? When are you planning to move? I live in Denver and I imagine it is tough looking for places to live sight-unseen. Craigslist is a good resource, but rentals move very quickly on there, and you pretty much have to be willing to put down a deposit the day that you apply so that it doesn't get snatched up. I don't know what your budget is, but I could give you some pointers regarding neighborhoods, etc. if you need it. If you are looking for rentals, try Zillow, Walkscore, and Padmapper as well. Sometimes they have listings that aren't on CL. Feel free to private message me.

jschr- MSUD ANO only looks at your GPA from your prerequisite courses (though this may change in the future), so even if you botched your GPA from your first degree, you could still have a good chance of getting in. I was accepted with A's in all pre-req's besides A & P II (B), an undergrad GPA of 3.56, hospital volunteer experience, and I have my CNA. MSU Denver also looks at awards you have received, and I had a couple of those from undergrad as well. At the informational meeting, the director said that most applicants did not have a CNA/prior healthcare experience. Therefore, if you do well in the pre-req's and volunteer a bit, you chances should be good! Good luck :)

[ac1125]

Hi CBOZZ525- I'm not able to private message you for some reason. so ya, I figured we won't be eligible for grants. I already received my information packet. You should be getting yours soon. It wasn't very informative in terms of financial aid either. I'm looking for room shares/subleases for now because I live out of state and I don't feel comfortable putting a deposit or making a commitment for an apartment I haven't seen in person yet. Also, my husband and I are very new to the leasing world so we wanna make sure we know what we're getting ourselves into before signing anything. A room share/sublease would be ok until we get settled with moving there. I heard I should stay away from Aurora, so now I'm looking at areas like Lakewood, LoDo (which looks really expensive), and Park Hill. Any good/safe places you know I can get in the $700s?

[CBOZZ525]

Personally, I would try and find a place close to campus.The Denver area is great and I think you could find a one-bedroom in the 700'seasily. There is a lot to do and explore. I would check out Congress Park, Capitol Hill (though it gets does get seedy the closer you get to Colfax) and Sloan's Lake. All are nice areas and close to either the 15 bus or the lightrail, bothof which will take you right to campus. Parking on campus is expensive and a headache, and since you pay for a bus pass with tuition & fees you might as well use it. You can also check out the Curtis Park area (it used to be sort ofsketchy but is growing in popularity) and Cheeseman Park. Places closest to Cheeseman or City Park (a great area!) might get more expensive, however. LoDo is expensive, hectic, and overrated IMO. If you want to head out to LoDo frequently, consider the Highlands as it is a great area that combines the best aspects of the city with quaint neighborhood living.

As for the suburbs, Lakewood would be fine because much ofit is by the lightrail and the views are gorgeous. There are a lot of decentand inexpensive apartments near Red Rocks Community College (where there is a lightrail stop), so you might search for that area when looking for places. Aurora is less scenic, but south Aurora is really not that dangerous (Park Hill is probably more so). The lightrail runs through it, so I would consider searchingfor places near the Nine Mile Station. I would avoid Commerce City, apartments in Five Points northof Martin Luther King Blvd., Brighton, Swansea, Globeville, and Federal.

Search for apartments on CL using the map function and trace the lightrail if you can. Look at reviews on apartmentratings.com but take themwith a grain of salt as usually only the most irate people will write those.Use google street view. It might be a bit early to find a sublet or room share, but it can't hurt to look. I will try and private message you with my email. Let me know if I can be of more help and good luck to you!