Columbia ETP Program 2012 entry

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Hi,

I plan on applying for the anesthesia program at Columbia and I wanted to know how the background of those that have been accepted look like to see if I'm even competitive enough apply.

Thanks!

just wondering...is this jan 4th deadline for the ED applicants who've been accepted? my application was deferred and i'm trying to find the deadline for fafsa..i thought it was march 2nd..like it is every year.

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Yes this is for early decision, we recieved an email to have the FAFSA and SAR filled out but the 4th, and the school is closed until tomorrow, so it has been somewhat frustrating without being able to call with questions.

I am definitely decided on Columbia so I am not in the same boat about the undergrad/grad thing...but if you will get the more money marking undergrad I would do that, maybe you can go back and change it later.

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anyone else experiencing problems with their FAFSA? My FAFSA was filed and processed but I can not view the PDF or HTML version. It keeps bouncing me back to the home page. I tried on different computers and still it doesn't work. am I the only one experiencing technical issues??

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Is anyone else just not going to be able to fill out the FASFA today? I just got back from vacation but I definitely do not have W-2s from my 2 employers from last year. I'm trying to contact them to get the info but I am not sure I'll know exactly how much I made in 2011 by the end of the week much less today... I feel like they should have given us a heads up that we would need this info so soon months ago.

Also, does anyone know what program we should say we are attending after we say we are 5th year undergraduates? (Im not sure if its 2nd BA or Masters program)

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FAFSA is stressful!! I'm estimating most of the financial info based on previous years, since it is so early to be having to fill it out. And I am pretty sure that I marked 2nd Bachelors, since this FAFSA only counts for one year, and we are technically getting a 2nd bachelors during that year, that was my reasoning but not sure if thats what we are supposed to do. Anyone have info about the SAR forms...im still confused as to what that is and where we get it.

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I received an email from Columbia today and they stated that it was acceptable for me to submit my FASFA SAR from 2011-2012 since my income and other information remained the same.

I had an issue with filling out this year's FASFA (2012-2013) because they asked that I list myself as a "5th year undergrad" and I didn't want to do that because it might have affected my SAR when I submit it to schools where I am applying for MSN direct-entry programs and have to state that I am a graduate student. I also emailed the FASFA people and they said that it is possible to go back into the application after it has processed and make changes. Hope this helps! Here is what they said:

Students have several options to correct or update their FAFSA information:

* Students who have their Federal Student Aid PIN may change their school information online at http://www.fafsa.gov. Log in and choose "Make FAFSA Corrections". Navigate to the "School Selection" section, follow the instructions and update your information. Your correction is not submitted until you receive a confirmation after choosing "Submit my FAFSA" at the end.

* Students may correct their Student Aid Report (SAR) and return the signed SAR to the address indicated on page ten.

* Students who have their Data Release Number (DRN) may change or add schools by calling the FSAIC at one of the numbers below. The DRN is only found on the SAR or the confirmation page and can change with each award year.

* In some cases, students may take or send a copy of the SAR to the new school. Contact the financial aid office at the school to see if this is sufficient.

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hmmm. After a lot of thought I'm leaning towards not putting down my deposit and giving up my seat.

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That's too bad, myelin. Is it the money that's got you worried?

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Partially. The program itself is so expensive (plus living in NYC is also extremely expensive). I'm not sure it will be a good investment. This is made even worse by the fact that my specialty (psych) is so much longer than other specialties; I'll have to pay rent in NYC, tuition, etc. for much longer than I would if I attended a shorter program. Plus, I don't like that you have to practice as a NP in NY for at least 6 months before you can leave (I want to practice on the west coast). Even other private schools (Penn, Boston College, etc.) are far cheaper, it appears.

I also don't like some of the stuff I've heard about the program's less than stellar reputation, disorganization, issues with finding an RN position in NYC when you're coming from Columbia, etc. Of course, it's mostly hearsay, but still. I wish more people who are currently in the program (or graduates from it) would post.

So I'm thinking about not putting down the deposit because 500$ is a lot of money for me right now. Columbia isn't my top choice, either. I still have 5 other programs to hear back from, and my Penn interview seemed to go really well... so I have a good feeling about that one. Of course, it is a gamble to give up the seat. Blargh!

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Hey myelin,

As a current ETPer, here's my best response to your queries:

1. Rent in NYC can be as cheap as you need it to be, especially in Washington Heights (two of my roommates pay $550/mo).

2. The clinical placements in NYC are world class (I'm at NYSPI right now- I bet that'd be right up your alley) and you will not find this diversity of patients in any other US city.

3. Columbia gives nearly all (I think it's near 90% or higher) of its ETP students a massive scholarship that brings their costs of tuition down considerably, making the cost competitive with other programs.

4. The disorganization of the administration- sure there's some of that at times. They're getting better at listening to student concerns and improving the program accordingly in the last few years.

5. Finding an RN position- depending on your specialty you will not be working as an RN if you're going through the Master's because you will not have time. Those who do look for RN positions often get preference because they are from CUSON. A few years ago, new grads from all nursing schools in NY had a miserable time getting hired as experienced nurses returned to work and a few hospital closings flooded the job market with nurses with experience.

6. If CUSON wasn't your top choice, you probably should not have applied early decision. There are plenty of people who would give their left arm to be in your shoes right now. If you've got doubts, maybe you should forgo the deposit and wait to see if these other programs will accept you.

That's my two cents.

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Thanks for the reply, jqfish! I'll take you're information into account. I applied ED because it was non-binding and I had everything ready, so I figured why not apply early. If it was binding I wouldn't have applied ED, of course. I know there are others who were accepted ED who are going to interviews and considering other programs as well. I don't really see an issue with it. Also, Columbia was more of a first choice for me when I initially applied. After interviewing with other programs, researching things, etc. I've had a bit of a change of heart. I think that's to be expected - people get accepted to programs and then change their minds all the time.

I understand that other people would love to have my problem - of course! That doesn't really change my concerns, though. And yes, one huge reason why I'm considering not putting down the deposit is because I know others desperately want to get in and I feel bad holding a seat for a program I'm unlikely to attend.

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January 9 has come and gone so I guess those who were going to put down deposits have already done so...but here's a tip for those who are considering Columbia (or any other school, for that matter): have a meeting or phone call with the program director for your specialty. This person is very important, since they will be setting the tone for your specialty and interacting with you a lot.

I recently had a phone call with Columbia's CNM specialty director in which I asked her lots of questions about the program and midwifery in general, and it was really helpful in terms of understanding her style, experience, and expectations.

I know that we'll meet our program directors on admitted students' day, but this was a great chance for me to spend more time talking with her one on one.

/advice!

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