UNC & Duke ABSN- Spring 2014

U.S.A. North Carolina

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I am new to the forum and wanted to see if there were any others applying to either UNC or Duke's ABSN program for the Spring 2014 entry?

I know this has been discussed in other threads, but I am a little apprehensive about the tuition at Duke, esp. now since they have done away with the repayment program they once had. On the flip side, I would love to end up at UNC, but know that it is very competitive!

Anyone out there currently in the UNC ABSN program that can speak to the application process/ chances of acceptance?

I am recent graduate (got my B.S. May of '12) with a 3.5/3.6 cum, all A's in pre-reqs except a B in stat and will be taking Micro this summer (but planning on an A!). I also have a lot of volunteer experience in non-clinical settings and clinical (currently work as PT tech, medical mission trip, and ~400 hours in other clinical settings- mostly in PT departments though)

I got an interview too! I just confirmed for July 29th! Anyone else coming from California??

@katcali I am coming from California too! Northern California, suburb outside of Sacramento.

Yes!! I'm coming from Union City...small city 30 minutes in between San Jose and San Francisco!

does anyone know how many people they give interviews for? And how many people they offer positions to. also what are people wearing to the interviews?

does anyone know how many people they give interviews for? And how many people they offer positions to. also what are people wearing to the interviews?

I'm not sure for this year but at the info. session I attended they provided numbers from Spring '12:

207 - apps

141 - interviews

101 - offers

69 - enrolled

I plan on wearing a suit with a sleeveless blouse, it's a summer weight suit so it's not terribly hot. I know the tour does go outside so I figured I can just slide the jacket off for that portion.

Hey ldbmoore, I'm also interviewing on the 19th and live in Raleigh! Did you go to NC State?

Specializes in BMT.

Former Blue Devil ABSN-er here (c/o 2010). I love reading all the excitement about interviews and attending the program! I actually still remember my Duke Days experience back in 2009. I had interviews at 3 schools all over the country, and I have to say I found Duke's interview day the most organized and informative day. The staff was really excited to meet all of us, my interviewer was VERY friendly, polite, engaging, and easy to open up to. She actually ended up being assigned as my advisor for the program. I know the the typical type A personality nursing student in all of you is tempting you to ask me all of your burning questions so you know EVERYTHING about the program, but just go with open eyes and minds and be surprised to expect anything, because everyone's experience is different!

Someone asked what to wear to the interview; at every one of my interviews everyone dressed in business attire. Durham is typical NC humid in the summer, wear layers so you won't melt outside on the tour and freeze in the building (on your tour take advantage and ask to see the campus too! You can still get involved in the campus and you'll have time to let out your inner Cameron Crazy! It's usually led by current or former ABSN students).

Apparently the repayment program is gone. I'm sorry to hear that; Someone on a former post wrote after taxes much of it was gone anyway, that's true but at the end of the year some came back. I was lucky to have enough money in the bank to get by on Stafford loans and a family loan but I realize not everyone can do that. I personally felt Duke was worth the money. I struggled in the beginning, I have never been a straight A student, and Duke took a chance on me. That being said, my instructors, advisor, clinical instructors all REALLY cared and wanted me to succeed. One professor and one of the directors of the program lead an NCLEX review that was mandatory for dome people and PERSONALLY met with us at the end of the program to create a custom study strategy. He even gave me his cell phone number and told me to call him if I'm freaking out the night before my NCLEX. Most students in my class had offers by graduation. Since my graduation I have worked at Duke, in New York City in a top facility and am now back in California about to start a travel contract at another high ranked advanced medical facility. My experience with Duke SON and DUMC has really prepared me well for a successful career in nursing.

I'm sorry it's long winded, but I had such a great experience and I know bad word of mouth gets out more than good. If you DO have a burning question please feel free to ask. I can even give some housing suggestions (and some suggestions on how to earn some spending money without sacrificing the studying too much). Congrats on your interviews and welcome to nursing!

I am going to the interview on July 19th. I am extremely nervous but also ready to be one step closer to being a Nurse. Is anyone else going to the July 19th Duke Days?

I applied to Duke for Jan 2014 and will be attending Duke Days July 19th. I'm very apprehensive about the cost. However, I am honored to have gotten this far.

I will be going to Duke Days on July 19th as well!

I'm going to the July 26 Duke Day! Looking forward to meeting anyone going that day! Good luck to everyone interviewing :)

Hey ldbmoore, I'm also interviewing on the 19th and live in Raleigh! Did you go to NC State?

Yes! I went to NC State! I'm excited to meet everyone! The 19th seems so soon.

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