Pace University BSN/MA- Westchester, Spring 2010

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

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

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

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