Choosing the right school poll

1. How important is the location of the school, when you choose/chose to apply?

I did not want to move, so I applied to schools near home where I could live at home during a majority of the program. I have been away from home for the fall semester, but will return home in two weeks and finish the remainder of the program sleeping in my own bed. I've been living in a dorm the past 3 months.....

2. How important is the price of the education? Why do some schools charge so much more than others, does it make a difference?

I did not use the cost as a large factor. I only applied to two schools and their cost was within $10,000 if each other. Schools affiliated with a state university may be more reasonable as compared to private university, but graduate education overall is more expensive than the cost of undergrad education. The final difference is passing certification, in my opinion. You get out of school what you put into it....

3. What kinds of indicators do you / should you look for in a school as far as quality of education? (i.e. front end didactic vs. integrated, type and quality of clinicals)

I looked at the attrition rate and board pass rate, along with the ability to attend a school close to home. I applied/was accepted at both a front loaded and integrated program, and ended up going with the front loaded program.

4. Why does one school admit 8, while another admits 100? What does this mean?

I think the relates to the number of clinical sites and capacity for each site to accept students. I attend a school that has clinical sites in several states, and 130 students are accepted into the program. Schools who accept 8 students probably utilize one hospital for clinicals.

This has been my experience and determining factors in chosing the school which I'm currently attending.

1. How important is the location of the school, when you choose/chose to apply?

Extremely important. I want to stay in-state for personal reasons and there are two schools in my state. I applied to each of them.

2. How important is the price of the education? Why do some schools charge so much more than others, does it make a difference?

One school I applied to is substantially more expensive than the other, but this school is private. I can afford the state school with little problem. The private one is a little more difficult to swallow, but I already have an interview with them.

3. What kinds of indicators do you / should you look for in a school as far as quality of education? (i.e. front end didactic vs. integrated, type and quality of clinicals)

You said it all. I am looking for a school with as much of the didactic stuff at the beginning, this way I can get out of Dodge and go take care of my clinicals later. I think this is more of a personal preference. Both schools I applied to have good clinical experience and good reputations, so I dont have a problem there with either.

4. Why does one school admit 8, while another admits 100? What does this mean?

I think that has a lot to do with clinical size, faculty size, and the philosophy of the school.

1. How important is the location of the school, when you choose/chose to apply?

I have to relocate as there aren't any programs in my area. It doesn't matter if I have to move 100 miles or 1000 miles. However, I did choose places located in area with a reasonable cost of living.

2. How important is the price of the education? Why do some schools charge so much more than others, does it make a difference?

I don't think that a high cost of education equals the best preparation. I think that some programs cost more because they are private. One school may cost $50,000 while another may cost $10,000. Either way, you are a CRNA when you graduate. Yes, one can argue that the $50,000 provides more line, block or sim lab experience but that is something that has to be scrutinized individually. Personally, I would like to get through school without any debt but I will accept a seat to a $50,000 school because I'm prepared to do whatever it takes.

3. What kinds of indicators do you / should you look for in a school as far as quality of education? (i.e. front end didactic vs. integrated, type and quality of clinicals) As said on these threads before, you really have to look at the schools that fit you and your learning style. Understand that this is an enormous undertaking and minimizing problems is a absolute necessity. What would give me the best bang for my buck is a school that supports it's students and has clinical sites within a reasonable distance. I don't want to attend didactics in one state, attend a clinical in another state and another clinical in a third state (yes, there are programs that require this). I also have had enough of nursing theory so I tried to steer clear from the MSN programs. I guess I'd prefer a front loaded program but I applied to one that has an integrated program.

4. Why does one school admit 8, while another admits 100? What does this mean?

As others have said, I think this depends on faculty and clinical sites available to the school. If you're measuring quality based on class size, again, it is probably individual to the student. Some people do better with a small group.

curious for your opinions,

Andy