Anyone apply to GMU Fall 2009?

U.S.A. Virginia

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Hello -

I'm relatively new to the site and have found it helpful reading other's posts on certain things I, too, have been wondering as I pursue a career in nursing.

I am just about finished with all my nursing pre-reqs and have applied to various nursing programs in the NoVa/DC met area. Basically hoping to get accepted into a program this Fall, preferable an absn as I already have a bachelors in Biology.

Just wanted to get a feel if anyone else is in the same boat...'the waiting to hear from any school to accept me' one. In particular, anyone planning (hoping) to go to GMU? I've heard mixed reviews about the program and wanted to get some more direct feedback, both from those applying to GMU and students currently attending there in one of their nursing programs.

Best of Luck to everyone who is working toward this career path!

For those people that are attending the accelerated program this Fall, are you attending the transfer orientation sessions that they keep e-mailing us about or are you guys waiting for an "accelerated nursing program" orientaion session?

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Specializes in Psych, Stepdown, Research.

I received a reminder card for transfer student orientation and chose one of the last times available for the 21st of July in the evening. Even though I'll be in the Accelerated BSN program, I don't see why it would hurt and I have a feeling it is still a requirement. It did say in my acceptance letter (from the school, not CHHS) that it was.

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Everyone has to attend the transfer orientation, no matter what program you're in. You'll be able to sign up for your first class there, get an email address, etc.

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I'm going into the Accelerated BSN program this fall and I'm attending orientation on Tuesday July 21 during the day -- I hope that was ok because that was what worked with my schedule. I also didn't know we had to take the TEAS so I'm trying to schedule that, too. I probably won't take it until the 20th or 21st of August. I would love to know about classes/registration/clinicals. I saw the book list -- that is going to be expensive!

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Specializes in Psych, Stepdown, Research.

Yeah, I'm pricing the books this morning. I think I'll start purchasing them as I want to get a head start on all of this fun!!!

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Anyone notice that the required uniform is actually khaki scrub pants? Is this new because I remember all the previous students had white. I actually prefer white even though it's hard to keep clean among issues. The hunter green top remains, however.

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Specializes in Primary care.

Hhi vwde,

Congratulations! You must be relieved!

If you don't mind can you answer some questions for me? I am also interested in accelerated program at GMU. Currently, I am working on my biology degree at GMU and have 4 more semesters to go. I am a military spouse and have been moving aropound the country and world for a long time. So, this whole application process is totally alien to me. Can you please share your application experience? For example, your GPA, any medical background etc. I have been to the nursing school advisor and she was not giving any specifics. Kind of frustrating! Anyhow, I would greatly appreciate your answers. Congrats again!

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I am also interested in accelerated program at GMU. Currently, I am working on my biology degree at GMU and have 4 more semesters to go.

Have you considered switching from your biology degree to nursing? It might save you time and money to apply to the traditional program next year instead of finishing this degree and then paying for another one. :twocents:

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Specializes in Psych, Stepdown, Research.
Have you considered switching from your biology degree to nursing? It might save you time and money to apply to the traditional program next year instead of finishing this degree and then paying for another one. :twocents:

Yeah, that may be a good idea. Also, since you're military (I just got out of the Army), I would recommend a school that would be better at accepting more of your credits for your BA/BS. I know a lot of these schools can be not-so-great with taking transfer credits.

Anyway, for GMU, I would just recommend going to one of the information sessions and checking out all the info on the website. For the accelerated program, your essay is going to count the highest so work on that. You also need to apply pretty early in the year. This year, the cutoff was early February. Let me know if you have specific questions. I'm always up for helping fellow military.

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Specializes in Primary care.

Thanks for the replies. I appreciate it. I heard that traditional program is really competitive:700 applicants for 120 spots. And many 4.0 were turned down. As now I have 3.44 GPA. I feel like I am not competitive enough. If I have my BS in biology and some volunteer work in the field, I think I might have a better shot at it. I signed up for the information session. But I feel like they are not providing a clear picture about application process. What other advice you can give? My plan is to bring up my GPA to 3.6 level. I am trying to be realistic. We have three teen agers at home who still need their mother. And I am an army wife myself whose husband will deploy this fall. So I have a lot in my plate. In any case, I planning to apply in 2011. In your opinion, what are they looking for in an applicant? Do you have experience in the medical field? I truly appreciate your inputs. BTW, Thanks for your service to our country. Believe me I understand the sacrifices you guys make.

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Specializes in Psych, Stepdown, Research.

I don't know too much about the traditional program but again, with the accelerated program, they said GPAs were much lower on the list. Do you know if that ranks high enough for you to try and pull up your GPA? I get the impression that what they're really looking for is someone who truly wants this... not someone who's in it for the money or anything else. Also, don't discount ASNs. In your situation, that may be a much better option. An RN with an ASN and a previous BS/BA is still quite the commodity. Also, if you look at the NCLEX pass rates, some of the community colleges have much better pass rates than some of the 4 year institutions. I know some people who are very happy with the ASN programs. That also leaves you open for some online options (if you happen to move again soon) for your BSN. Some places, GMU included, also offer a RN to MSN track. That would be nice. I'd really consider ASN at this point in addition to applying to the traditional/accelerated BSN. You may even be able to start the ASN sooner than 2011. Try Nova CC and Lord Fairfax CC - both good schools.

I have experience in the medical field. I was a vet tech and a combat medic, both of which help me on some of the most basic medical levels of information. I also taught med school students in the military for a while so I learned some more of that critical knowledge. I would be more than happy to help with whatever I can. I know your situation and I'm sorry in advance that your husband will be deployed soon.

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Specializes in Primary care.

Wow, your resume is very impressive. I have been looking at NOVA nursing program in last couple of days. Thanks for the advice! I think I will apply there also. it won't hurt to apply to couple of differnt places. My husband volunteered so we can finish our schools (HS for our kids and my BS) here before we move again. I am not sure about the GPA requirement about ABSN, but I will attend to their information session. Thanks again for the replies and advice. Take care and good luck!

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