University of Maryland Spring 2010

ahhhhhhh. come on Wednesday. good luck everyone....from looking at your stats- you have nothing but good news ahead!

Hi future classmates -

I have been reading and keeping up with most of the posts though i haven't had time to post anything this semester. I know the suspense is unbearable but hang in there. I know I must have checked online a million times to see if I got in and I didn't break the system though I did wear out my keyboard! If its any consolation I applied to a couple of programs and got offers as late as December last year. UMB is by far the best value for your money, it's a top 10 US Nursing School (Johns Hopkins is the other one in MD but far more expensive) & has a reputation for top notch students. For those of you who might be weighing between a BSN and ADN program, steer clear of the ADN programs if you can afford to. Many hospitals are trying to get "Magnet Status" (look it up online if you want to learn more) which require 75-80% of working RNs to have a BSN degree or better. This is making it difficult for people with ADNs to get hired and those who are working with ADNs are faced with having to go back to school to get their BSN. It's a shame given the fact most ADNs end up going to school for 4 years just like we are doing, but unfortunately that is the reality today.

As far as number of applicants to UMB goes - it really isn't relevant. I know a number of people apply who don't meet the basic requirements. Like Grey Lady said or implied the applicant pool for those applying during the Spring is usually lower. And because its a "nontraditonal" time to start, things seem to be more last minute.

I had to chuckle when I saw the post about socializing. You will - whether you want to or not - become close with most of those you start with in January. The amount of time you spend together for school work alone will make this happen. Because of the common struggles you face and our unique schedules - trust me your friends and family will never understand how difficult & stressful nursing school is unless they have been there themselves - you will end up spending time with classmates outside of school.

Best of luck and look forward to meeting those of you going to Shady Grove in January.

JR

I would imagine that the goal would be to send out all letters at once but would not be surprised if batches are sent out as they are ready. When your letter gets to you will depend on the Baltimore mail service and yours. I was able to check the applicant status report yesterday and nothing has changed since last week. I am wondering if letters will go out before your status in the system is updated. That is not the way it has been done in the past but things can change.

Hang in there, everyone, it won't be long now!

What is in an applicant status report? Just the names?

Names and status - like Requirements Outstanding, Complete and Ready for Review, Committee Ready.....just what you see when you check your status online. I have connectivity issues with the system right now so I can't see this report until it's fixed. I am on pins and needles, too!

I just received an email from the admissions office apologizing for the delay, etc... There was no mention of an updated decision date. I'm thinking this means at least a couple more days before we're notified of any decisions? Grey Lady, do you have any insight you can share?
Thanks so much and best to everyone!

I think the time UMaryland is taking to make their decision is ridiculous. Towson is already putting my information through and signing me up for classes. I would have liked to have a choice, but I feel like this delay has made the choice for me and I'm irritated with Maryland's lack of organization and speed in this decision!!! Argh!

It is totally understandable to see the delay as a lack of organization. Believe me, UMB knows that we are losing promising candidates because of it - it is our nightmare, too. In addition to the applications for CNL and BSN programs, the Office of Admissions is processing applications for the 12 masters' specialties. Altogether, there are thousands of applicants. It is a huge job.

I agree.

GreyLady-

I have a question, what's the attrition rate for the BSN program at MD? Are there a lot of students who start and subsequently drop out?