Anxiously awaiting admissions decisions in Capital Region, NY

Proton · Feb 19, 2015

Hi there. I'm a bit behind you -- taking prereqs this year and hoping to apply to the some of the same programs for the following fall.

If you have any advice or could share your experience through the admissions process, I would greatly appreciate it!

Thank you and good luck!

erpeters19, ADN · Feb 20, 2015

Hello Proton!

I'm actually still taking some prereqs too. Well they are coreqs for most, but since I haven't had math/chemistry/biology within the past five years, I had to either retake them or take an algebra class along with A&P I and II and Microbio to fulfill the requirements. So far I'm done with Algebra and Microbio, now I'm taking A&P I online thru Portage Learning.

I don't have much advice about the admissions process yet, except for being sure you start the process early enough. Give yourself enough time to order and receive all your transcripts, references, and also to write your essay. (Truthfully, the essay writing was the challenging part for me. I haven't had to write an essay in over 20 years! Ha!)

Although I applied online, first I dowloaded the paper application so that I could see the choices of essay questions. That way I could make all the revisions to the essay before before actually sitting down online to apply. There is no way that I could write a good enough essay on the spot like that. Egad!

I am so anxious for the results, I can barely stand it!

I'll keep you posted!

Thanks!

Proton · Feb 23, 2015

Hello Proton!
I'm actually still taking some prereqs too. Well they are coreqs for most, but since I haven't had math/chemistry/biology within the past five years, I had to either retake them or take an algebra class along with A&P I and II and Microbio to fulfill the requirements. So far I'm done with Algebra and Microbio, now I'm taking A&P I online thru Portage Learning.
I don't have much advice about the admissions process yet, except for being sure you start the process early enough. Give yourself enough time to order and receive all your transcripts, references, and also to write your essay. (Truthfully, the essay writing was the challenging part for me. I haven't had to write an essay in over 20 years! Ha!)
Although I applied online, first I dowloaded the paper application so that I could see the choices of essay questions. That way I could make all the revisions to the essay before before actually sitting down online to apply. There is no way that I could write a good enough essay on the spot like that. Egad!
I am so anxious for the results, I can barely stand it!
I'll keep you posted!
Thanks!

Hey erpeters19!

Thank you for this! I'm in the same boat - my science classes have expired. I am also dreading the admissions essay -- having the topics in front of me should make things a little bit easier (fingers crossed).

As far as the online AP, is it widely accepted throughout the area universities for it to be completed online? Any classes I can take online, would be extremely helpful!

I have to take the same courses that you've listed.

This is so great to know there are others out there in a similar position! Good luck with everything and please post some updates!

erpeters19, ADN · Feb 24, 2015

I got my letter from Ellis yesterday and I've been waitlisted. I'm bummed but at least I wasn't rejected, and there is still hope if a spot opens up! From what I recall hearing at the open houses I attended, it is common for people to withdraw from the program before it starts and therefore opening up some slots for people like me. I sure hope that's the case!

For now, I'll just stay positive. If it's meant to be, it will work out!

Proton · Mar 2, 2015

Yes! Stay positive!

I have also read that many applicants withdraw at the last minute.

In any case you're headed in the right direction, I bet things will work out. :-)

erpeters19, ADN · Mar 3, 2015

I just received an acceptance letter in the mail yesterday from Samaritan SON! Yay!!!!!!!!

What a relief!! At least now I know I'm definitely an enrolled nursing student in the Fall. I'm so excited I'm almost at a loss for words. (which is rare!)

Although it may not have been my first pick, it was definitely a close second. Each school has its pros and cons. I am hoping Samaritan is as committed to hiring their grads as I've heard Ellis is. (Ellis not only prefers hiring their graduates, but they also have a program that allows you to commit working to Ellis for 1 or 2 years, and they will in turn pay the 1 or 2 years of your tuition. So not only does it help eliminate debt, but you're guaranteed a job after graduation and able to gain that valuable new grad experience.)

I'm a strong proponent of the belief that what is meant to happen, will happen. So although I had Ellis in my mind, the universe may have something else planned for me. And whatever that may be, I say "bring it!!"

nc0720 · Mar 6, 2015

Hi erpeters19,

Congrats for your acceptance at Samartian SON! I got accepted at Ellis and Samartian SON, but I don't know much about these two schools. May I ask if you have any advices, please?

erpeters19, ADN · Mar 6, 2015

Super Congratulations, nc0720!!! That is fantastic!!

How did you come about picking these schools if you don't know too much about them? Have you gone to an open house at either location? If not, that may be something to consider. I visited each site last spring...got the rundown and a tour at both. It was pretty insightful.

Personally, I have different and specific reasons why I want to attend each school, so the things that are high on your list for what you're looking for out of the school may be different than mine. But bearing that in mind....

As you probably already know, they are both reputable schools in the area. The primary differences that I see are: the courses descriptions are slightly different (you can compare these online) and Samaritan is not accredited. Also, a slight cost difference and newer training facility/equipment at Ellis.

When do you have to committ to a program? Are you leaning one way more than another?

Isn't this exciting AND nerve-wracking?!

Proton · Mar 16, 2015

Congratulations you two!!

How exciting, wishing you luck in starting your new programs!

erpeters19, ADN · Jun 24, 2015

Hi Proton!

I wanted to let you know that I did receive your private message but was unable to reply to you due to something about not having enough posts yet. (??) I had a nice long message typed up to you and then it changed screens to give me a No Can Do message, so I lost it. : (

So far so good on my end. I've had a registration meeting thus far, where we received some information needed before starting school (ie., financial aid, registered for classes, immunization info, etc.). Since then I've gotten my final schedule mailed to me and my book list (Oh My!! What a list!!), but it's kind of a waiting game for now until Orientation on Aug 10th and 11th.

I hope your application process is moving along smoothly, and your pre-reqs are too. I'm actually under the gun a bit to finish up my A&P classes still! Starting to sweat a little, but I'll get them done! I'm on a mission!!

Best of luck to you!

Proton · Jul 1, 2015

@erpeters19!

I ended up receiving your original message and responded -- were you able to receive that one? If not I can re-write here!