Applying OLOL...advice??

[SeanGee84]

Hi, my name is Sean and I'm new to this forum. I've been reading several discussions about the accelerated programs at OLOL (BR, EJ, and tulane). I already have an undergrad from ULL.....I also have all the prereqs done because I was in ULL nursing for 4 semesters (A&P 1 & 2, micro, chem, etc.). My undergrad GPA was 3.14 and I graduated in behavioral sciences. OK, here's my question. After reading the discussions about OLOL accelerated nursing programs does anyone know what they base acceptance on...I mean....do I have to wish myself in? I know my GPA is not the best but I think it's enough to get me in.

I realize it's very competitive to get in(obviously) and GPA is not the only factor they base acceptance on (letters of rec, interview, etc.). I've applied to BR once and was not accepted. I'm just trying to get a grasp on things. If anyone can give me some advice or information on OLOL it would be great. Thanks!

[tannemanlsu]

Hi Sean. I saw your thread and thought I would share my experiences with OLOlC with you; all good for the most part.

It's a competative process!, especially now with a down turn in the economy. Each hospital campus is different and have their own criteria selecting incoming students. In the spring I interviewed, including a written employment application, at Tulane Hospital, but did not get in. More do to finding out I was missing a Psych. course at the 11th hour and could not fit the course in over the summer along with chemistry and nutrition; ultimately my responsibility and oversight.

That's one thing about OLOLC is that they do not "handhold" you through the admission process. You have to be very proactive the whole time with submitting grades, docs, etc. I heard of a retired N.O forefighter being accepted at Tulane this fall, then ALSO getting a letter of being denied. I believe he did make it in at Tulane.

I've been accepted at the West Jeff Hospital campus this January. Interview skills and personal background in my opinion are key to the selection process at each teaching site. West Jeff is a little different than the other campuses in that it starts the nursing program in the spring, not in the fall as with other campuses and their interview method (hard questions) were a lot different than what I experienced at Tulane- I didn't walk out confident.

This is West Jeff's second class. The first had an admitted 30 or so and only 15-17 made it through the program. A word that kept coming up in orientation was "intense". My class is at the max of 50 with 64 having applied.

Yours grades could come up a little- the word on the street is 3.25, but don't sweat it- work on selling yourself and what and how you add to the student population mix at your next interview. With 3 campuses in the N.O area- East Jeff, Tulane and West Jeff, you would have a better chance in getting into a program in N.O.