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I was surprised that there didn't seem to be a thread for this year's applicants to Columbia's ETP program. So I thought I would start one. The information session was today, but I wasn't able to go. I was hoping someone else went and would be able to post any admission statistics or tips for the personal statement they gave.
Hi, As you all know many of us will need to turn to private loans during the ETP year, since we do not qualify for grad plus. I was curious what people are looking at for options? Columbia also provides this website: http://sfs.columbia.edu/files/sfs/content/2013-2014_ug-pvt-domestic.pdf.
Hi, As you all know many of us will need to turn to private loans during the ETP year, since we do not qualify for grad plus. I was curious what people are looking at for options? Columbia also provides this website: http://sfs.columbia.edu/files/sfs/content/2013-2014_ug-pvt-domestic.pdf.
For private loans, I highly recommend "CU Student Loans" - google it. It's a collection of CREDIT UNIONS, which are much better than dealing with big banks and other private loan companies. They have low interest rates, flexible repayment, and 0 origination fees. If your credit is iffy, though, you might need a cosigner.
I looked at ratings, and did a fair amount of research. I decided on Discover Student Loans. I applied last week (as a 5th year undergraduate). I am in my thirties, have excellent credit, and my parents still had to co-sign. I thought that was odd, but whatever get me a lower interest rate is fine. I have no idea why to be honest. The application was already approved by Discover, was sent to Columbia, and the school is in the process of certifying/accepting the loan. I had a few questions when filling out the Discover application, so I called customer service... to my shock and dismay, an actual human being answered the phone. She was very nice and helpful. The website is easy to use, too. My one week of experience with Discover has been pleasant thus far. If you look up the ratings, you will find a lender that meets your needs. I heard Citi is good too. Good luck!
@mgh26: Yale! Congrats! ... I'm actually hearing back from a state school next week. No, it's not an almighty Ivy League school, but it's 1/3 of the cost and will give me a BSN/MSN (NP route) in 3 years... Lots to think about if I get in >.
-from RNNP ... I'm apparently signed in differently on my phone )
does anyone know how soon those of on the waitlist should expect to hear back, now that the deposit date (3/21) just passed? i know that the waitlist closes on 4/1, which is in about a week. or, do you know if we could hear back all the way until the orientation day before the program starts? i couldn't be more anxious about "officially" hearing back! hehe
selizabethk
22 Posts
@RNNP where did you get those numbers?