ASU Post-Baccalaureate BSN 2015 - Welcome

sdk90 · Aug 25, 2014

Hey Alex,

Thanks so much for starting this thread! I just turned in my application with a 1.84 because I bombed the TEAS test with an 84%. I didn't have time to study with everything I have going on. Do you think I'll have to try again next year? I really don't mind either way I have a good job and could use some more time to finish up my masters degree and save up some money but I really have no idea what my chances are of getting in. Thanks!

rtyo1 · Aug 25, 2014

sdk90, I looked up my conversation last year when I was applying, and I received a 1.885 (I had a 3.95 GPA with a 93% on my TEAS), and I got into the program. As far as getting in and the numbers are concerned, it really is dependent upon the pool of applicants trying to make it into your program. We had to do a writing prompt, as well, and we had to assume that had some sort of an impact on our chances, even though we could never really calculate it. It will definitely help that you have such a strong GPA in the pre-requisite coursework, though. Chin up!

I will see if I can get some information from you on how many people are being accepted next year and what our averages looked like. From what I heard, we had an extremely high average (sorry), but I am sitting next to my classmate now who was originally wait-listed and a guaranteed admit declined. there is always a chance!

sdk90 · Aug 25, 2014

Thanks for your response! I looked back at my notes from the placement workshop and they said the average from your class was a 1.855 so it looks like I might be out of there. It's crazy how much they take TEAS scores into consideration!

I was getting pretty worried about coming up with the money so quick though I'm a couple thousand short. Just for future reference, can you tell me anything about the americorps program or any scholarships or grants that are available (I can't do student loans)? I work for banner and they have a tuition assistance program but they are pretty stingy with their funds.

rtyo1 · Aug 25, 2014

I wouldn't be too worried that you aren't going to get into the program just yet! Remember, our average was 1.855, meaning people above and below that score comprise our class. And like I said, the written bit that they request of you had some sort of undetermined weight in our scoring. And even if you get wait listed in hopes of a spot opening up, you still have the opportunity to get into the program! There were at least three students that ended up being in our rotation that were originally waitlisted. Don't write yourself off.

My other classmate khausig would be the Americorps expert, I will notify her of this post through our facebook group so that she can give you some insight. I didn't do it. Reason being, it requires a certain number of clinical hours before you receive any monetary benefit, you have to write an essay-style paper every time you change facilities, and if any of your clinicals are at for-profit institutions (Phoenix St. Luke's, for example, which was my psych rotation hospital), those hours will not count towards the award requirement. At most, you're looking at $3,000 in grant monies for the entire year if you meet the requirement. They try telling you that you can get more than one award, but it is nearly impossible. And if you miss their orientation meeting (which you will be informed of at your PBCNP orientation), you're out for good.

So financial aid is a bit tricky, but here has been my experience. I am using loans, as I am only 25 and literally went back to school six months after graduating with my first degree to start on my prerequisites (I am a previous business marketing grad from ASU). I am in-need, so the school would usually grant me the full $12,500 per semester in federal aide, plus they tend to give at-need individuals a grant to offset the insane course fees of the spring and summer semesters. Tuition is standard for ASU ($4,400), but they tack on a $5,000 program fee, so before course fees you're looking at about $10,500 in tuition and program fees per seester. Things get more expensive in the summer, as you pay summer tuition rates.

Personally, this was an investment in my future, so I will deal with the debt. It is all private loans or private sources of income after the federal loans and grants are offered. Scholarships are few and far between because we all have degrees already, and these nursing scholarships are typically aimed at students without degrees and seeking to be a nursing major for the first time.

Any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask. This final block is all homework, so I am on the computer pretty much 24/7.

sdk90 · Aug 25, 2014

I was trying to figure out if I wanted to start this year or wait a year so I guess ASU will make my decision for me! That reminds me I was also wondering around what time you guys found out you were accepted? They told us November but that seems ridiculously late for a program starting in January!

Thanks for the Americorp info! I'm about 3k short so that would be great I'll write however many essays they want. I would use loans if I could but I am already in extreme debt from dropping out of physical therapy school (LONG story). Do you know what qualifies a student as at-need for that grant you were talking about? Did they still look at your parents income even though you have a degree and are 25 (I'm 24)?

rtyo1 · Aug 26, 2014

I got my letter of acceptance into the program on October 22 of last year. After I received it, I got my flu shot, did my drug test, and prepped for orientation day, which was on December 6th. Once you're accepted, things move VERY fast! Now keep in mind, Americorps reimburses their reward to you, meaning you would still have to pay up-front when attending. And I'm not sure when the award happens, either. The financial aid people are usually really good about helping you make ends meet, and you will get more information from them at orientation day. I don't know what would qualify you as being in need of assistance, but they will get into more detail with you on that after orientation!

sdk90 · Aug 27, 2014

Ok end of October sounds a little more reasonable! What does the orientation consist of? Is it an all day mandatory thing? Thanks for the clarification I didn't realize they reimburse you, looks like I might need to take out a loan from the national bank of dad! haha. I tried talking to some financial aid people but they didn't seem to have a clue, is there a specific nursing financial aid office? Thanks for your help again! P.S. I stalked your linkedin, hope you don't mind :)

rtyo1 · Aug 27, 2014

Orientation really consists of learning about a few on-campus organizations, proper dress for lab/clincals, and really just to get an introduction to your professors. There was a rep there from the book seller (Elsevier) that told us about the e-book packages. There are specific people responsible for our program that you will be introduced to once you go to orientation. They have about a half hour block of the day to talk to you about the intricacies of financial aid. Orientation is mandatory, and they do supply you with next steps information. This is also the deadline for several items if I remember correctly (drug screening, immunizations, etc). One tip: make sure you are on-top of your Certified Profile for submitting your immunization records, health insurance proof, etc. If you end up in a situation where a titer comes back with a positive result, you'll have a 12-week period before you can start to be considered for clinical (they have to give you the vaccination and then re-titer you to make sure you built-up the immunity). I know it seems intimidating, but don't be worried. One step at a time! And no, I don't mind at all!

buffbxn · Aug 28, 2014

Hey there! I have a quick question..I heard there is a facebook page for 2015 applicants. Have you heard anything or do you know of the link? Also which facebook groups do you recommend joining in general? Thanks so much!

rtyo1 · Aug 28, 2014

I am unaware of a facebook page for the potential 2015 class. I did a search to try to reach out to them, and had no luck finding any groups. In general, I would recommend joining the Downtown Phoenix Campus' page, and if you're interested, SNA (student nurses' organization). I am not really involved in too many things besides the curriculum simply due to the sheer amount of coursework that we are assigned. If you get any word on the 2015 group, private message me the name of the admin so I can contact them and extend some help, if needed.

Medic2RN, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Aug 29, 2014

Moved to the Arizona Nursing forum.