Anyone Starting At UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing?

DaBurgh1978 · Oct 4, 2008

I really enjoyed the open house and even though it seems sooo overwhelming I have a gut feeling that this is going to be a great decision but it all boils down to passing this PSB!

ckmomof4 · Oct 5, 2008

I believe that you're not admitted unless you pass the pre-entrance exam. I am pretty sure that's the way it is. Good luck!

mommyjskns · Oct 5, 2008

You definitely have to pass the PSB to be admitted. I am a second year E/W student and I love the program. It is definitely alot of work, but I am really enjoying it. Good luck!!!!!

DaBurgh1978 · Oct 6, 2008

Yes you must pass the test and they mentioned at the open house the higher the score the better. So I'll be hitting the books hard. I feel very overwhelmed but hopefully it all pays off!

marshmallowstar, BSN, RN · Oct 6, 2008

OMG is there a spelling portion on the PSB??

i've been using the review guides and doing well on the practice tests, I just checked out the PSB's website and it mentions a spelling section. Is this true? dag nabit!

also they mentioned at the information session this weekend that the avg. psb score for admissions is high 80s low 90s i have a feeling this is an understatement as i have not spoken with anyone who received less than a 98. did anyone score that low? (not that it's low at all)

2 more things...

is it more competitive to enter the spring admission class or the fall (for full time)?

and how long after submitting all admission paperwork did it take to receive an acceptance (or denial) letter?

thanks to everyone who answers us newbies, it's hugely helpful!

DaBurgh1978 · Oct 6, 2008

From my understanding they aren't the quickest with responding as far as your acceptance is concerned. They say once all paperwork is submitted they aren't the fastest.

I think it is competitive all around the board as far as the start dates I'm not real sure. I think the best thing we can do is just follow the steps and hopefully are essays, interviews, and references all back us up =)

I'm studying this ARCO book and I feel like I never went to school. So whoever scores 98 or higher I need some advice =) I'll take a high 80 low 90...I just want to pass....

mommyjskns · Oct 6, 2008

There are four sections: math, reading vocabulary, reading comprehension, and science. I scored a 99 on everything except science--in this I scored a 94. The science in my opinion is the hardest part of the test. I took the test in the beginning of December of '06, got my scores 2 weeks later, had all of my application materials in by January, then waited until May to get my acceptance letter. They are not the quickest when it comes to sending stuff out. That being said, if you do get in, it is a great school. I am in my second year and loving every second of it. Good luck to all of you!!!

tspfriends · Nov 13, 2008

i'm getting ready to take my psb exam to get into shadyside any advise or help i have been out of school for a long time

marshmallowstar, BSN, RN · Nov 13, 2008

I would look back at the history of this thread as well as https://allnurses.com/forums/f198/passed-psb-upmc-shadyside-333948.html

The Barron's book was helpful for math and vocab. The Peterson's/ARRCO book was more helpful for science, but over does it. The thing that neither book covers well enough is vitamins, I would review the location, source and purpose of each. Also look through a glossary of electricity terms, ohm, resistance, voltage etc.

All my stuff went in the mail today. I'm kicking myself for not getting it in sooner.

Good luck at the test. My best advice is take it seriously but try not to stress.

mommyjskns · Nov 13, 2008

Study your science using the books they give you. You can do it!

Metody · Nov 17, 2008

Does anyone know about how much your transcripts count for admission?

Mine are awful, but in an unrelated field - everything that could relate to nursing (basic background courses, CPR, Nutrition, ect.) I did wonderfully in. I'm positive I'm going to rock the admissions tests; I got crazy good scores on the SATs, and I've learned a lot since then, and I breezed through the prep books suggested on their site. I'm just kind of worried that I might get rejected because I've spent the past few years banging my head against a wall.

I'd make an awful geologist, but I think I'd make a great nurse.

And if I do get rejected, any thoughts on what I could do to advance my chances for admission the next time I apply?

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Nov 17, 2008

Does anyone know about how much your transcripts count for admission?
Mine are awful, but in an unrelated field - everything that could relate to nursing (basic background courses, CPR, Nutrition, ect.) I did wonderfully in. I'm positive I'm going to rock the admissions tests; I got crazy good scores on the SATs, and I've learned a lot since then, and I breezed through the prep books suggested on their site. I'm just kind of worried that I might get rejected because I've spent the past few years banging my head against a wall.
I'd make an awful geologist, but I think I'd make a great nurse.
And if I do get rejected, any thoughts on what I could do to advance my chances for admission the next time I apply?

I don't personally think the transcripts bare a whole lot of weight. Other than their looking at it to see what they could transfer, IMO they don't do to much with it. I believe that the entrance exam is the single most important factor in getting admitted to Shadyside. The transcripts, essay, etc are all secondary to passing that entrance exam.

Good luck! :nurse: