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'll be there the 19th as well! Congrats to everyone on making it this far.

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Hi BD-RN,

If you don't mind, would you please share your experience in the ABSN program both good and bad? I know all programs have its flaws! Please provide any insight on how you maintained a sense of balance with the program and your free time if you had any. How long did you prep for the NCLEX? Why you chose Duke over UNC-Chapel Hill's ABSN program? Do you intend to pursue your MSN? Thanks for any feedback you may provide.

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Good Luck to everyone interviewing tomorrow at Duke Days!

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I don't know if anyone is in the same boat as me. One of the admissions officers resigned recently and they were in charge of my file. Apparently with their transition my application slipped under the radar and was not reviewed with the rest of the applications. I have called and emailed for 3 weeks and finally heard that my application will be looked at and because of the short notice I will either have an interview on the phone or the last day if there is room (if I receive one). The person I contacted made it sound like a couple of people had fallen through the cracks. Anyone out there in the same boat?

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Specializes in Neurology.

I applied and got into both Duke and UNC. I loved Duke when I interviewed, but ultimately the price led me to pick UNC. I am so happy I went to UNC. I would have really struggled to pay the Duke loans on a nursing salary. Go with UNC if you get in.

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No, I stayed on top of my application to the point where I know I became a real nuisance (it was NOT a smooth process), I did get an interview (19th). I was very impressed with the facilities, the staff, the professionalism. During the panel discussion with current and past ABSN students a brave young lady asked about the costs, her word was "daunting", I smiled thinking she asked the question I was going to, the response was a very pregnant pause. I even brought it up in my interview, probably not the smartest thing however, my choice, the looks they gave me was as if I had just suffered from flatulence. At the end of the day a fellow from the admissions office gave what amounted to a diatribe about the cost equaling the quality, and the world class cutting edge technology blah, blah. All VERY true, no arguments. If I were 20 years younger or the age of most of the people there I wouldn't blink but I'm 57, (58 in 2 weeks) and the cost is daunting. I wish I had waited to apply and tried for the HRSA nursing scholarship (not open for starting in January).

In summary, I do hope they call you and good luck. Personally I think it would be worth going.

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I also attended Duke Days on the 19th. The day was informative; I was really impressed with everything. They followed the schedule they sent in the email so you’ll have a pretty clear idea of what you will be doing. The campus tour was spent on a small mini-bus so at least you didn’t have to deal with the heat. They had a student panel during lunch, very interesting and honest feedback for the most part. They all spoke highly of the faculty and their desire to see you succeed which really stood out to me. I do agree when asked about costs, they kind of held back but you could tell it was an issue.

They said they would send out decisions in mid-August but didn’t want to give an exact date. They make decisions holistically and seemed to focus a lot of diversity (geographically, minorities, males, wide variety of majors, and careers) and leadership. The staff was open about how costly the program is but mentioned all the things they provide in return. He also brought up how many of their students do return to grad school so those 15 graduate credits saves some money and time for those particular people. Duke themselves doesn’t offer much in terms of “free money” so you really need to research outside sources if you don’t want to take out as much in loans. They did mention alternative sources of funding (HRSA, CFNC, military) and those are also listed on their website.

Other Funding Sources | Duke School of Nursing

Far as what to wear the men wore suits, sports coat with tie, or just a dress shirt a tie. The women were kind of all over the place. Some wore formal suits, most wore typical office wear (think Ann Taylor or Banana Republic) and some were very casual. It’s hard to tell exactly how many interviewed since some people brought spouses and parents, but it seemed to be slightly less than 50.

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No, I stayed on top of my application to the point where I know I became a real nuisance (it was NOT a smooth process)

....

In summary, I do hope they call you and good luck. Personally I think it would be worth going.

I agree about it not being a smooth process. Also, in response to being on top of it, I submitted all of my materials on time and with the mix up I have called at least 15 people, emailed 5, and constantly followed through. Just wanted to make sure it didn't come off as me being unprepared or unorganized. Hopefully I will hear tomorrow. I will definitely attempt to go to the interview if I hear in time. It sounds like a good experience!

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I am going on Friday, 7/26...my fiancé and my brother are coming with me, and I was worried that I would be the only one with guests! Haha! But seriously, I am excited and anxious, and if I am accepted, I am anxious about how I will pay for it. It is a program I need, since I do plan on specializing, so the getting the graduate credits would be awesome! But I guess my main worry right now, if I am accepted, is what I will be able to qualify for as far as financial aid. Let's see what information Duke Days has in store for us! Good luck everyone, I look forward to meeting some of you! (I'm coming from East Raleigh). For the ABSN alumni, if you don't mind me asking, how did you manage to afford going to Duke? Please PM me, I will tell you a bit about myself.

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Are they still saying that notifications will be going out middle of August? That seems so soon!

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I got an e-mail saying Aug-Sep timeframe.

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Yea I got that email too, but at the interview day I attended the admissions officer giving the final presentation said if we hadn't heard by August 17 that we may want to call their office. Did anyone else hear that or did my brain make it up after a long day?

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