Columbia BSN/MSN ETP 2014

dhart17 · Oct 30, 2013

I'm going with 1 inch all around, double space, which isn't in the original instructions on the application but on the main website which almost tripped me up! Two pages can be tough, just try shortening sentences or have someone else proof read it and they may find new ways to restructure sentences and make them shorter!

wellthen · Oct 30, 2013

The instructions state to use any legible font style so I went with a quite narrow but readable font that took my essay from 2 1/3 to 2 pages!

wellthen · Oct 30, 2013

@aiwish Yeah I've been avoiding that kind of combing hah!

p_shannon12 · Nov 1, 2013

Hey y'all! I'm currently in the program as well, the Acute Care NP track. allnurses sent me an email and it reminded me how much I lived on this site during the application process. I've seen some of you post about the rec letters and I would like to add that I think they carry a lot of weight...in addition to your personal statement.

I know what I was thinking one year ago....what were the accepted students stats and how do I compare to them? For myself, I have my bachelors in respiratory care and worked as a respiratory therapist for a bit in the adult ICU in Texas. My GPA was 3.78, and I think my pre-req GPA was a 3.75. My transcript is definitely not without blemishes, but I'd like to think it speaks more to the student that can overcome those challenges. I do not speak any other languages. I haven't volunteered abroad. My GRE scores were around the 60th percentile I think....verbal was higher than math. my rec letters were from one of my undergraduate professors, one from my boss (worked for them for 4 years. CUSON suggested I use a work rec letter over a letter from an NP, which is what I submitted to a different school), and one letter from my clinical instructor in the ICU from my undergraduate degree.

After meeting the people in my cohort I was blown away. I can see how CUSON chooses the people it does. It isn't all about having the highest scores or GPA. It's about what sets you apart and prepares you for this program. There are people that volunteered with the Peace Corps, some delivered babies in Africa. Some worked for governmental agencies. Some speak multiple (4+) languages.

If I can help in any other way, let me know. I know this is a stressful time, but your hard work will pay off!

mewei · Nov 1, 2013

Thanks to all the current students who have come on to share about their experience and answer any questions. It is much appreciated! :)

smashnyc · Nov 1, 2013

Hi current ETPers.

Have you heard whether the program structure has changed from last year? It looks like the requirements are slightly different. They ask for nutrition, which I don't think was included last year.

Thanks!

aiwish · Nov 2, 2013

p_shannon12 - Thank you so much for the excellent words of wisdom!

lee11 · Nov 3, 2013

Hey friends - so I wanted to return to the essay question - would admissions deduct points for making the essay 2 pages single spaced? I understand that on the CUSON website it mentions a double-spaced requirement but there's no such mention on the application pages's instructions. Probably an oversight on their part. Still, my best guess is that we can't be penalized for submitting 2 page single-spaced document, even if the longer essay is a bit more work for admissions to get through.

mewei · Nov 3, 2013

I was wondering the same thing, so I went ahead and asked. Jose said that the admissions committee would NOT view our application favorably if we submitted the essay single space, so definitely go for 2 pages double spaced!

PsychologyArrow · Nov 4, 2013

is this rolling admissions? cuz i'm planning to apply closer to the deadline:(

lee11 · Nov 4, 2013

thank you!

aiwish · Nov 5, 2013

As far as I know, it is not rolling admissions. On their website, Columbia promises a decision for all applicants who submit by the deadline. It's my understanding that February is the month all applicants are notified.