Pace University BSN/MA- Westchester, Spring 2010

kirham · Jun 25, 2009

Hey I am starting to apply now, and haven't taken the GRE yet. I still have to take Statistics and Chemistry in the summer and fall of 2009 (YIKES). My ungergrad GPA is not so great, but my prerequisite GPA is maybe 3.6-3.8. I didn't know you could apply early without being finished all the requirements. If I may ask, If you were acepted, how would you finance it? I'm considering quitting my job, but not really sure what to do. When did you apply?:nuke:

GoalsInTransition · Jun 25, 2009

Hi there,

I just applied a couple of weeks ago, and also recently attended an information session. I am still taking the prerequisites, but the graduate admissions advisor I am working with said that I will still be able to apply and be accepted while these are in progress. My undergrad GPA was 3.85, and I hope to keep that up for my remaining prerequisites this summer/fall.

I know I will have to take out some Stafford loans. Other than that, I am applying for a graduate assistantship (I work in reseearch now), even though I was told that they usually do not take accelerated degree students for assistantships, due to the time commitment involved. FYI, they also told me that they believed it was "impossible" to work while in the program, but I am not so sure that is accurate.

Otherwise, I will be looking like mad for scholarships. Worst case scenario, I will keep working part time, and devote all of my earnings to the tuition. Luckily for me, my husband should be earning enough to cover our expenses- for one year at least.

What about you? I'd love to know more about you, especially if we'll be classmates! By all means, apply now. BTW, when are you taking the GRE?

Take care, and good luck!

Stacy

kirham · Jun 25, 2009

I'm not sure when I'll take the GRE. probably within the next few months. I am also looking at other schools (NYU, Suny Downstate). I will prob be taking out loans as well. originally I applied to an RN program, but was denied because my prerequisite GPA was too low (3.7). In hindsight I should have applied to an Accelerated BSN program in the first place! Are you applying to another program?

GoalsInTransition · Jun 26, 2009

I probably won't apply to any more programs in NYC, since no other programs are starting in January (that I am aware of).

My husband will likley take a job offer out of state within a few months, as his job here is being phased out. I was willing to stay back and do the program at Pace, then move wherever my husband goes when I complete the program next December. If I do not get accepted at Pace, I will look for a program wherever my husband takes a job.

I can't believe your 3.7 GPA wasn't high enough! I guess the public schools have so many applicants that they can be overly choosy. The Pace asdmissions rep told me that the average GPA for incoming students in our program is a 3.3- 3.4, so you should be ahead of the game, as far as they are concerned! :-)

What field is your bachelor's degree in? May I ask what your current occupation is, and why you are considering nursing?

Good luck!

Stacy

kirham · Jun 26, 2009

My B.S. is in Business, but oddly enough I have been working in healthcare all my life. I've been doing administrative duties for most of it. Plus most of my family are either nurses, or doctors. I can't believe it took me this long to decide on a nursing career. Also you should def consider Suny Downstate and NYU. Suny starts next June and NYU starts in January. Both schoold do not require the GRE, but Suny requires something called the N.E.T. exam (Nursing Entrance Test). Do you know anyone who has taken it? I am short a nutrition course, do you know of any online courses I could take?

I'm def gonna have to take out loans, but I think I've kind of maxed out my undergra because I went to a school that cost as much as PACE. Do you know what the borrowing limit is?

GoalsInTransition · Jun 26, 2009

I just checked into my alma mater, Davenport university. They offer online tuition classes, but at a higher rate than CUNY schools, as it is a private institution. I believe the rate is around 300/credit hour.

I looked at the NYU program; unfortunately, I have taken neither developmental psych (I just took general psych) nor nutrition, so this would take me extra time and money. Also, it is a 15-month program, whereas Pace is 12 months (less chaos, less time off of work).

At the information session, the reps told us that you could borrow up to 18,000 in unsubsidized Stafford loans for the CDP program, regardless of prior loan history. I would check into this, though. The interest still accrues if you defer it, but it a pretty reasonable rate (8% or so). Plus, once you start working, you may find an employer will ing to repay some part of your loans.

I will check into SUNY's program. Thanks for the info!

Stacy

kirham · Jun 27, 2009

I did get an intersting call yesterday. I was denied entry into the RN program for this coming fall. There still may be a chance that I will get in according to this person I spoke to. If I get accepted I may go for it even though it's an RN program because I will be able to pay for it and I can still work. Cross your fingers for me.

:nurse:

GoalsInTransition · Jun 27, 2009

I will definitely be hoping that you get into the program- you deserve it! It's amazing how selective the community college programs are able to be due to limited seat availability! Too bad other fields can't afford to be as choosy-- public school systems are crawling with underqualified teachers!

I assume you are still considering a private BSN program if the you are not placed in the RN program??? It is definitely a bigger sacrifice, but totally worth it!

Good luck!

Stacy

kirham · Jun 28, 2009

Yes! I will most def still apply to other accelerated BSN programs, but it would be so cool if I ws accepted. I think my boss would have a heart attack if I quit. I will keep you posted. Did you look at Suny Downstate? I know they start in June, but financially it would be worth it. They are having an information session on July 16th. Plus I can't remember if I mentioned L.I.U. to you. That's another accelerated program. If you're looking for a short program and don't mind a move Drexel University has an 11 month program. ttyl

kirha

nnicolee · Jun 28, 2009

Hi you all, sorry to intrude on this post, but how in the world is a 3.7 GPA not good enough?!?! That is pretty high. I'm looking to apply to NYU BSN/MS program or even Pace's, and I'm worried now that I'll need ALL A's on my pre-reqs to even be accepted

kirham · Jun 29, 2009

If you don't mind me asking, what is your GPA? NYU is competitive, but they accept a larger class then some other schools. In my case, my prerequisites averaged a 3.70. Most RN programs @ BMCC only look at grades and do not look at the whole picture.

I was told by the recruiter @ PACE that you must at least have an 1100 on your GRE as well as other contributing factors. I'm not sure how many people they admit to the program. The spring semester may be less competitive in both schools.