VCU Accelerated BSN Summer 2015 Hopefuls

[Ph33rbenkthankslol]

Hello,

I'm curious about other people applying for the accelerated BSN program that starts in May 2015. I found the threads on this website about the 2014 applicants very helpful and with the application deadline for next year coming up, I figured I'd start a thread. I'd like to know what this years applicants are going through and any insight that those who are in the program (or have graduated) can shed.

I'm currently a senior at George Mason University finishing up a double major in biology and forensics. My GMU undergrad GPA is pretty low (3.16). I started school at a community college, got an associates then transferred to GMU. I've subsequently returned to community college to finish a couple of prereqs. A few of questions about what the program is like.

Question 1: Whats the program like (general impressions)? I loved the atmosphere when I first visited the campus and the (often referenced) seediness of Richmond doesn't really bother me too much (at least from what I've seen). But what are the people like generally (in the hospital, teachers, fellow students, differences between traditional and accelerated students??

Question 2: I often took 18-21 credits a semester when I was at GMU, so I'm used to heavy academic workload. But what is the workload for the ABSN program like? I heard some people can get jobs as techs (or something) at the hospital starting the Fall, but how doable is that.

Question 3: living recommendations: I live too far from Richmond to commute and am looking into living near or at the city. does anyone know anything about living options?

In addition, if anyone has questions about the application process, I'd be happy to help if I can.

Thank You (to anyone who gives feedback)

[PVCCHoo]

@wimeraww - yes you are correct. ODU is pretty much automatic. Yes, you can get financial aid from both the CC and ODU. I get most of my CC paid for with scholarship, but am getting direct subsidized loans for ODU.

Overall, with the research I have done, this is the cheapest way to get your BSN in Virginia - other than getting the ADN at CC and then getting a hospital job and having them pay for the BSN. People still do this, but with the current climate for new grads, I do not want to take the chance. I am getting the BSN now to stand out from the other 100 ADN grads from my class who all be looking for jobs with me.

All said and done, I think the total cost with the pre-reqs I had to take this will around 20K.

[bboy45]

Thank you very much for getting back to me. I just want to say its great talking with someone who went a different route than the accelerated option. I am really giving your path a second thought because I am in a lot of debt from my first degree (30k) so I cannot justify spending anymore than 20k for my BSN, but that's just my perspective based on my personal situation.

Congratulations to you - I'm sure you will have no problem getting that first job!

[Morjayne4]

@alliegem Thanks for your replies to everyone's questions. I was wondering how much you're paying monthly to rent with two other roommates. I'm from Northern VA and applied to GMU also so I just want to get a feel for how much it would be to rent down there versus up here. Thanks!

[alliegem]

Hey Morjayne,

I used to live in Sterling and paid $1400/mo for a 2 bed/2 bath without any utilities included.

I moved here to Richmond and we have a 3 bed/ 2 bath apartment with all utilities included (minus cable and internet) and it is $1325 a month, total. The studios/1bedroom apartments can definitely be pricey. It helps to find a roommate or two and search out for the deals! I know craigslist can be sketchy, but I highly recommend it if you're trying to get a ball park or even to look at places (just stay away from Church Hill and you'll be golden). :)

Hope this helps! I know you must be getting antsy with only two-ish weeks left til decision time!

[Morjayne4]

Oh ok that's awesome and a good price. I've been looking on Craigslist and there seem to be options which is great. Yea I'm excited about finding out their decision! Thanks again for being so helpful!

[bboy45]

Will we find out decisions through email?

[Morjayne4]

Yes, they'll notify us through e-mail.

[cvillefredrva8]

Hey everyone! I am incredibly excited to be starting VCU's ABSN program this May! Who else is going? I am trying to find a Facebook group or something, but there doesn't seem to be anything yet.

[alliegem]

Hey @cvillefredrva8 - There's another thread with a lot more action going on. Try posting there!

https://allnurses.com/virginia-nursing/vcus-accelerated-program-955136.html

Or just search "VCU's accelerated program 2015" :)

[LRN2525]

Hi guys,

I'm applying for VCU's ABSN program starting in May 2016. I was wondering if any accepted or waitlisted applicants minded posting which test they took and test scores. GPAs would be helpful also. Also I took statistics and sociology at JMU, but didn't do as well as I would have liked (freshman year slacker). I've done well in all other pre-reqs but I was wondering would VCU take into account my sociology and statistics grades if I retake them in the Spring 2016. I don't know if it's worth it because decisions would be mailed out before I finish those two classes. Thanks for any advice!

[alliegem]

Hey LRN2525...

I was initially wait-listed (rank #4) when I applied to start in Summer 2014. I was still completing A&P II and Developmental Psych in Spring 2014...I think if I'd had those completed, I wouldn't have been wait-listed initially. Anyway - I was pulled from the wait list in the first round.

I would call the nursing school admissions office and talk to someone about sociology and statistics - they can better answer your question. However, I don't think retaking them will be helpful unless you can do that during the fall semester.

I have a Bachelor's degree in Biology (3.31 GPA) and took some prereqs at NOVA (3.64). SAT from high school was 1180.

GPAs for students in my class ranged from 2.95-4.0, SAT average was 1135, I think.

After the first bachelor's, I worked in ophthalmology for three years doing patient care every day. I had quite a bit of volunteer experience outside of the medical field, too.

A&P I - B

A&P II - A

Developmental Psych - A

Micro - B+

Stats - A+

2nd science - A+

Hope this helps,

Good luck!

Allie