ABSN Georgetown Spring 2013

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Would anyone currently in Georgetown's accelerated BSN program like to share some tips about the interview for the WHC scholarship? Any other general comments or tips about the program are also welcome!!!

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Specializes in ER, IICU, PCU, PACU, EMS.

Moved to the Washington DC State Nursing Programs forum for more of a response.

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I was invited for the information session and interview this month and am also very interested to hear from current GU ABSN students about their thoughts on the program as well as insights around the WHC interview. Anyone out there have any helpful feedback/insights?

Have you received any feedback on your question yet eliz? I noticed not here but maybe somewhere else? Were you invited for an interview this month?

I found the following post which I thought was pretty informative but it's from 09 I believe. I figured I'd paste it here just in case you haven't encountered it--it was in the middle of a long series of posts.

"I'm reading all these comments about the ABSN program at Georgetown with interest, because I was just accepted for the Spring 2010 Accelerated 2nd degree BSN program at GU.

When I got to Georgetown for my interview last Saturday - which was also the last day of interviews - the rumor mill said that only 1/3 of applicants were invited for an interview, and only 1/3 of those would get offers. Yeesh. Since I was also applying for the Washington Hospital Center (WHC) scholarship program, about 40 of us were stuffed on a bus, driven to WHC for a tour, and had a group discussion with the teaching/RN staff at WHC. It was all supposed to be very casual, but I noticed the WHC staff taking lots of notes. After the discussion, we got back on the bus, drove back to GU, and had lunch. Afterwards there was a BSN overview video and a tour of NHS (School of Nursing and Health Sciences). More group discussion followed, and we got to hear from several current ABSN students (GU staff left the room). The students were positive about the program, talked about how much support they got from other cohort members, but did say new students were getting a break because the ogre who taught Patho was retiring - and anyone new had to be better. After all that, I had about a 4 minute interview with two prof's from NHS. The day started at 8:00am, and I got done about 4:30pm.

My takeaway from the day was: the group discussions are crucial. The staff at GU and WHC are watching all day, judging you, ranking you. Be an active participant and ask questions. Your 4 minute interview is just to confirm their preconceptions. I think they're looking for people with a passion to be nurses, who will fit in as team players, and who want to go to GU come hell or high water. The last part is important, because GU does only one round of admissions for each cohort, with no waiting list. If they make you an offer and you turn them down, that slot in the cohort goes to waste.

Anyway, the interview was on Saturday, and I got my acceptance email the following Tuesday. I'm still waiting to hear from WHC if I've been accepted for their scholarship program, but having come this far, I like my chances. :cool:

I've talked with a number of people who are/were in nursing school at some of the DC-metro schools. Everyone complains about Pathophysiology, the cost, the traffic, the pace, the occasional marginal teachers. Since everyone who gets into one of these programs is obviously smart, the keys to success apparently are FOCUS and SUPPORT. The focus part means don't try to hold a job during the program, and deal with potential distractions before starting the program. Drama at home would be a major roadblock. Support means you can't do this all on your own. You need a support network - friends, family, cohort - whatever holds you up when you're feeling down.

Anyway, that's my story".

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Hi mcobbey,

Thanks for your post! That was helpful, but I'm just curious to hear something more recent. I haven't received any feedback yet, other than yours. I am attending the information session and WHC interview the weekend of 10/19, and I'm really excited/anxious. Georgetown is my top choice, and I'd love to know how many people applied, were invited, will be accepted, etc. Which date are you attending?

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Hi eliz,

I'm sorry it's taken me so long to reply. I did want to make sure to respond before you go this weekend!

I went to the info. session on the 5th and WHC interview on the 6th. They layout/agenda is similar to the one described above--no one-on-one interview with NHS though. Everything for the university piece was group oriented. The WHC scholars piece has a brief one-on-one interview in addition to group discussions. I think if you have made it this far, are sincere about your interest nursing and in this program (GU's and the WHC scholar program--which, it totally sounds like you are) and you clearly articulate both of those things then you are in good shape.

It's hard to tell because I don't know how many prospective students will be visiting on the 19th but, it still seems slightly (not sure how much) competitive at this point. I think there were between 25-30 prospective students during my visit (that's my rough estimate) and I believe they only accept 40 in the Spring cohort. So, it seems there are some applicants who won't make it to the final round.

As for the scholars piece, I am unsure how many they accept--I lost that detail in all of the other information I was trying to take in. I would say there were 16-18 of us there for the interview though.

This is my best assessment, I hope it is helpful.

Congratulations on getting accepted for the interview! I hope all goes really well. I'd love to hear what you think afterward.

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Hi mcobbey,

Congratulations to you, too. I really appreciate your response - it was incredibly helpful. Perhaps there will be slightly fewer applicants at this next round of interviews...

I'll respond with my thoughts on everything sometime Sunday as we await the final decisions. I'm surprised no one else has chimed in yet, but I am glad to have heard from you!

Eliz

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I'm so happy it was helpful! Im nervous and excited to hear back the coming week. Would love to hear your thoughts after this weekend. Knock 'em out!

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Hi mcobbey,

Thanks for your encouragement :) There were only about 16 or so people in my group - it was the smallest they've ever had. I was so nervous the entire time, but overall everything went well the first day. I don't feel confident about my WHC interview - it felt pretty short and generic and I didn't get to make a lot of the points that I had been going over in my head. I'm glad that this part is over with, and I hope that we hear back soon! Good luck to you!!!

Eliz

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Oh wow, 16 that's pretty small. A lot of people who I talked with after the WHC interviews said they felt the same and I agree. They were pretty short and sweet. Over and done now though! Whew!

Do you know what day they said we'd hear back?? I looked through my notes but didnt write it down. Isn't it supposed to be Mon. or Tues???

Good luck to you too!

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I would think by Wednesday...

I'm glad to hear you felt the same about the interviews. I'll keep you posted :)

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Just curious to know is anyone else has heard anything? Waiting seems to be the hardest part of this whole process!

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I haven't heard anything yet, either! I'm dying!! Hoping we'll hear today...

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