ABSN Duke Fall 2010

ybq2008 · Nov 9, 2009

Kelayy,

My undergraduate GPA wasn't as competitive and I was worried about my chances when I applied too. I had strong GRE scores, recommendations, and a great personal statement as well. Although my graduate school GPA, which was a 4.0, wasn't factored into my overall GPA, having that background definitely worked to my advantage.

Duke looks for students with life and professional experiences as they desire to train nurse leaders. We are all encouraged to continue our education beyond the BSN and the faculty is extremely supportive. If your grades in undergrad aren't as competitive, remember to talk about why in your personal statement. Also, talk about what you will contribute to the program. Keep in mind that perfect grades aren't the only thing that make a good nurse. Good luck with the process and feel free to PM. I'm home "studying" today, so I've been lurking on allnurses off and on all afternoon...

Hey everyone!
I'm applying to Duke's ABSN program for Fall 2010. I'm about to officially submit my application and will begin the waiting process! I'm pretty nervous about it... I feel like I have a *chance* but my GPA and GRE are just above the cutoffs. What I do have going for me are A's in all but 1 of my pre-reqs (a B in English Comp, ugh), experience working with patients, good recommendations from Duke doctors, applicable certifications and training, and a strong personal statement. I wonder if there are others out there who have previously been accepted to Duke's ABSN program or are now applying with a similar situation? Anyone besides me think I have a shot in the dark or are GPA and GRE heavily weighed??

ICU11 · Nov 10, 2009

Hey guys-

I just wanted to chime in and say what a great program I think Duke offers. I just applied for both Duke and UNC's ABSN program and was accepted by both programs. I think the choice is a win-win and probably everyone's situation is just a little bit different. My advice is to apply to both programs. UNC's program does NOT require a CNA license FYI. The application instructions are scary but once you get into the process it is not that bad. After getting accepted by Duke's program (what a great feeling that was), I almost did not apply to UNC. I am glad I did. After going through the loan counseling and receiving my financial aid, I really think the difference in cost is 15K (in-state) plus the interest that accumulates while you are in school and before repayment. (It's fine to disagree with this calculation :) If you have in the 3.5 range and have a good prereq GPA, I would apply to the UNC ABSN to possibly have the choice. In my case, I really want to go to grad school in the near future and don't want to overextend myself with undergrad loans- I want to make sure my husband can take over all the bills again so I can go full time to an anesthesia program. My choice is UNC but everyone's circumstances are different. Analyze your circumstances- you really can't go wrong with either program! Just apply to more than one school because it sure feels good to pick! :)

P.S. Do not blow off applying for the Duke in-house scholarships. Make sure you take the time to write those essays because they are not a waste of time.

Good luck everyone!

Maryash79 · Nov 16, 2009

Thanks everyone for be so supportive and amazing! I am wrapping up my application process and have left a message today.

Can anyone tell me about the social aspects of the program, do students get close and socialize together? Also do you all have a life outside of school or is it all study all the time. Thanks!! :yeah:

kebunt · Nov 16, 2009

JDCurly, Thanks for the input. I would love to hear your friends pep talk on Duke vs UNC if they're willing to join the conversation.

Momofthreeboys - Hello again! We've met on other threads. How great for you that you got accepted to two incredible programs. I assumed you had ended up at Duke, but wow, UNC has such a great program, good for you! And you're right, if I just buckle down and start all that intimidating paperwork it probably won't be so bad.

Part of me is tempted to appy because, well, you just never know. If I was instate, I would definitely give it a shot. Honestly though, I am not nearly as strong a candidate at UNC as I am a Duke. For Duke, I have a 3.87 gpa and good GRE scores. For UNC, I have a 3.04 gpa and no test scores. Does UNC interview? Perhaps I can sway them with my winning personality!

Thank you to the current and previous students for all the insight. Good luck to the rest of us!

kspills10 · Nov 17, 2009

No, I live in PA. Where do you live?

kspills10 · Nov 17, 2009

Hi, my name is Katie and I submitted my application a couple weeks ago. I'm anxious to hear back about an interview. Duke is definitely my first choice (and it doesn't hurt that I'm a huge Duke basketball fan). I interviewed at Case Western Reserve University about 3 weeks ago and am awaiting a decision from them. They have rolling admission which is nice, and their program is definitely impressive as well. I just hope I get in somewhere!

Maryash79 · Nov 17, 2009

Hey Katie!

Welcome to the big ball of nerves that is the Fall 2010 Duke BSN applicants. I have sent my application in but am waiting on one more rec letter. I am so ready to just know one way or another. Do you live in Durham? I'm still trying to get a feel for the area...

Maryash79 · Nov 17, 2009

Katie, I live in Asheville NC... about 3 hours and 15 mins from Duke. Sounds like you will have quite a move once you get in! Its nice that we are all able to "meet" on here before hand, it will make the crazy process that much easier.

kspills10 · Nov 17, 2009

Does anyone know how soon after the Dec. 1st deadline we can expect to hear about whether or not we're invited to interview? And is it an email or paper notification? Thanks!

kebunt · Nov 17, 2009

Hi Katie! I am applying to Duke for Fall 2010 also. I am not sure when they notify about interviews, I just know that the interviews were going to be three fridays in January, now they're pushed back so that one friday is in february. A lady there says they'll still send out admission notifications mid-february. Never thought to ask how soon interviews are set up. If we don't get an interview, do they send us a a denied letter, or do we just figure it out for ourselves?

Here's hoping for an interview!

kspills10 · Nov 17, 2009

I would think they would tell us either way about an interview, but who knows. So do they have groups of candidates come to campus to interview at the same time/day? Does anyone know what those interview days consist of and how long the day will last?

Columnist · Nov 17, 2009

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