Duke ABSN Spring 2011

U.S.A. North Carolina

Published

Hi there-

My name is Sandy and I am applying to the Duke ABSN for Spring 2011, just wondering if there is anyone else out there applying? Only 2 months till the deadline and I am trying to get my personal statement finished, as well as spiffy up my resume!

I think I am anxious already! This may be a long ride!

Anyway....a little about me...

I have a BS in Environmental Management with a 3.73 GPA, didn't take the GRE, still working on the prerequisites but so far have a 4.0 in those classes.

I spent 10 years in the Navy, working as an aviation electronics technician and supervisor. Also did hazardous material control and other environmental stuff for my command. I also taught CPR for 5 or so years, as well as blood drive coordination. I was able to travel to a lot of neat places, and some that weren't! All-in-all it was a great experience for me. After leaving the military in late 2007, I worked for a semi-conductor company in RTP, doing research and development (not my favorite job). So, I decided to go to school for massage therapy, and I'm now a licensed therapist. So, that makes me something like 34 years young.

So, here I am....wanting to pursue a dream that I have had for long time! Thankfully I have the world's greatest husband! He is my rock and has encouraged me to take this leap! So let's do this!

I'm waiting for you! Hopefully someone will be here soon to go crazy in anticipation with me! :)

LawnMowerBear - you had me rolling! Definitely something I'd do. Glad your strategy worked out well. :-D

I interviewed on the 23rd and had a lot of fun meeting all of you. I used to work at Duke and had to walk through the hospital to get places, so seeing the campus was no surprise, but I was blown away by the program and the instructors (and the new nursing building). I concur with all the other posts that say don't sweat the interviews, just have an idea of the main points you want to convey, 15 minutes go by waaaay too quick. Learn from my mistake, too, I did not pay attention to my watch on the 2nd interview and feel horrible for getting all the subsequent candidates off schedule. :-(

Another thing, especially for those of you interviewing in August, they said we should go ahead and start getting our financial aid applications in. The FAFSA and the DUSON fin aid applications are good to start. After admissions decisions are made, the financial aid dept will need those applications to put together a financial aid "packet" for each accepted candidate to use in considering whether to enroll.

BTW anyone who has questions about NC or Durham or Duke let me know. I'm a native to the area and can try to answer any questions you might have.

I like the idea of posting what got you interested in nursing to try and pass the time till 8/16, so here goes. I worked in biology research labs after I graduated college, but knew I didn't want to be a career research tech. I was inspired to enter nursing by the nurse practitioner at the Planned Parenthood where I volunteered. What about the rest of you?

Good luck to all!!

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A little more re: the financial aid.

From the Financial Aid info session it sounded like the order of things to apply for was FAFSA, DUSON financial aid, ABSN scholarship form, and then whatever scholarships and grants you can find through third party sites.

I wrote down from the financial aid session that the DUSON ABSN scholarship application deadline is August 6. If you are concerned about this you may want to confirm via the website or M, but just wanted to give y'all a heads up. The form (link) says the deadline is July 15, but we were told it is actually due 8/6.

Also, more forms are linked via the DUSON website under Financial Aid (here).

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Hey guys! Glad to hear everyone's interviews went well!! YAY! We are all gonna make it!

Elmo-

Thanks so much for all the great information! I was less than impressed by the financial aid portion myself. I just didn't feel that we really got any answers. I've emailed a couple times too and haven't gotten any responses. I may have to go there to speak with them if I can't get a hold of anyone or at least call M. M wasn't there when we interviewed on the 16th or at least I didn't see her anywhere. Thanks for the applicant stats too!! I try to convince myself that the chances of getting accepted are good, but every time I think about it I get anxious and my stomach drops! :( I can't believe it is the most competitive cycle ever!

LawnMowerBear-

I have not laughed that hard in a while! I was reading your post and my husband is like what the h**l is wrong with you? LOL! What a start to the day, but at least the interview went well!

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Wow- thanks again for the wonderful information! I'm so excited for August 6th to get here! Is anyone willing to share what they wore or what other people wore? I'm a little concerned about the extreme heat lately.

Also, does anyone know if I would have time to ditch my suit coat after the interview portion (quick trip out to my car)?

Okay, my last question is how many people brought someone along with them? I would like hubby to come with me, but I don't want to stick out too much if I'm the only one bringing someone else along.

Thanks again! I can't wait to meet everyone :D

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Yogi Mel,

I wore a suit and noticed the majority of people did too. Some girls wore a nice button down with suit pants. We were split into 4 groups throughout the day and I had the campus tour last...so luckily I didn't get hot and gross until the end. You might end up with your interview last =/ I guess it is the luck of the draw. I guess if you really wanted to change and you had your interview towards the beginning of the day you could...there is around a 5-10 min break between each portion of the schedule. I think I might have seen a couple of other people who brought guests, but they really didn't stand out so it was hard to tell. For all I knew, they were interviewing as well. I brought my Mom and she just stayed down the hall when I walked to my interviews. The ladies who interviewed me wouldn't have a clew my Mom was even there. So I would bring your hubby =)

I wish you the best of luck!!!!

If you have any more questions just ask

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oh I just saw you just wanted to ditch your coat...that's simple. Yes, you would have time to ditch it. They will even give you a locker to put your things in because some people had luggage with them...if you didn't want to go out to your car =)

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Great! Thanks so much. A locker would be perfect. I can't wait :)

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two MORE weeks... REALLY!??

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PaintedSky: My thoughts exactly :(

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yaaaaaay!

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So...just finished summer classes...gonna be a long 2 weeks 'til we find out about acceptances...

So, someone said the 16th? That's a Monday...think maybe we will find out the week before?

Friday is the 13th...hmmm...not sure if that's a good thing...:eek:

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Specializes in ER/ICU.

Sandy! You must be thrilled to finish summer classes.

I still have two more weeks to go....Ah....

My interview is this Friday and I'm excited and nervous.

I had a phone interview for U of Rochester on Monday and I felt "OK".

Hopefully, I will do better on Friday =)

BTW, did you apply for financial aid(especially grants) already?

I was bummed because the deadline is August 6th.

I wish I can do it after acceptance notification.

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