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!

Congrats cpsnap! I'm sure that is a load off your shoulders :)

How is everyone else still doing with the application. I think for some who are applying to multiple programs, it gets easier. Essay is already written, you know your transcripts by heart, and your letters of rec are pretty much in order. Surprisingly...I'm still submitting only a week early. Eek! Life's obstacles have a funny way of getting in your way just when you don't want them to.

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Congrats to those who have submitted! I bet there is a big weight off your shoulders!

I am just about ready to submit my application. I am just putting the finishing touches on the essay. How is everyone feeling? I am excited to be submitting Early Decision. I can't believe we might have a decision in three months! I wonder how many applicant there are for ED? I also am wondering if the GRE is going to effect the number of applicants this year, as there is sort of a deadline for taking the exam in order to submit on time.

I went to an information session and found it extremely interesting and helpful. Columbia is my first choice. Anyone else going for Pediatrics?

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I'm doing okay. I am putting the finishing touches on my essay and am trying to figure out how to structure my CV. I'm applying for the psych track as well. I'm trying to decide if I need a separate research category for the CV or if I can fit my research experiences in under clinical experience (some of it consisted of interviewing and working with clinical populations). Hmmm.

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Hi everyone!

I'm working on my tightening up my essay and resume all day today..determined to get it all done today to submit! I already submitted an application for another school, and the essay was 2 pages (11 point font), but now Columbia's is 2 pages at 12 point font..so I need to work on cutting it down. Wouldn't it be nice if all the schools actually had the same prompts? haha. I feel like the more I read my personal statement, the more intimidated I get that it isn't impressive enough compared to everyone else's experiences!! Ahh..frustrating, but all we can do is put our best foot forward at this point! Hang in there everyone.

I shadowed a couple FNP's recently, and one went to UCSF and one went to Yale. They both independently said Columbia's program was disorganized, etc. Since Columbia is my top choice, I was really disappointed to hear that. But, I was reading the 2010 and 2011 thread, and it seems like things have really improved, so I'm feeling much better about Columbia!

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Hi everyone! This is my first post. Great to be a part of such a constructive and supportive online community!

I submitted my application last week for ED. Everything is out of my hands now. I am applying to Adult NP with sub specialty in Palliative and End of Life Care. Does anyone know how this specialty compares to others as far as how competitive it is? I haven't read many peoples' posts with the same area of interest.

A little about my background. I have a BA in Sociology. My scores were ok. 3.4 GPA and 1200 GRE. 3 years ago I started a nursing education company that improves the cultural competency of healthcare workers in Asian minority communities in Queens. And before that I built a successful diversity initiative in Atlanta. I was an EMT and recently became a CNA. 3 days out of the week I work at a nursing home. I want to eventually combine my nursing degree with a business degree from Columbia Business School.

My grades and stats are really average. But i hope my resume, essay, and rec letters will give the extra boost. But no one knows. Last year I read a girl who was in the Psychology Hall of Fame and had 2 degrees from Columbia and does amazing stuff but still got rejected. Stories like that makes me nervous. But I can only do my best.

I am only applying to Columbia. I've looked at all the other schools in NY and Columbia is the only one I can see myself attending. It is a gamble but my heart is in it and if I don't get in this year, I will keep trying until I do.

Looking forward to riding this thing with everyone until December. All of you are apparently motivated, talented, and damn qualified!

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Hi everyone,

I applied to the 2011 ETP and wasn't accepted, which ended up being a blessing in disguise due to family issues that arose in the winter. Regardless, it was a painful blow to my ego...and a great lesson in humility. I'm reapplying for the 2012 ETP. I am retaking some college classes from 15 years ago in the hope that it will improve my application.

I did well on my GRE test, I have a B.A. and an M.A. from Ivy League schools, and I've been teaching in a NYC private high school for 13 years. I am going to apply ED for ANP with an Oncology concentration. I will apply to Yale as well, although Columbia is my first choice since I already live in the Metro area.

Best of luck to everyone! As the summer and fall progress, José (understandably) gets busier and busier. Any interactions you need to have with him are best taken care of ASAP if you hope for a speedy response.

Chula, I kept up with your progress on last year's forum and I thought you were one of the most qualified people on the forum. It is great that you are reapplying this year! Just curious, did they give you any feedback last year that would strengthen your chances for this year?

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Hey everyone! So, this is my second go around for applying to Columbia. I was wait-listed for the 2011 ETP class, but unfortunately they did not take anyone from the wait-list this year. After speaking to admissions I was told last year was the most competitive year ever and they had double the amount of applicants than the previous year. They also mentioned that less than a handful of students denied their acceptance, which was unheard of and was also the reason why they did not take anyone from their wait-list. I am hoping second time around is going to be the charm for me :) Good Luck to everyone during this process, I know how STRESSFUL and emotional it can be applying to schools and waiting for decisions.

KKandes, if you don't mind, could you share your stats for last year? I am preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. lol Any feedback they gave you on how to improve your chances this year? I think this year the program will be even more competitive than last year. ED is kind of a wild card cause it is the first time they are offering it. No one knows how many will go for early decision and how many will go for regular. The emotional roller coaster begins.

But it is really good to have you on here KKandes. Your perspective will be invaluable towards us first-timers. Thanks for your your energy and support.

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Hi everyone!

I'm working on my tightening up my essay and resume all day today..determined to get it all done today to submit! I already submitted an application for another school, and the essay was 2 pages (11 point font), but now Columbia's is 2 pages at 12 point font..so I need to work on cutting it down. Wouldn't it be nice if all the schools actually had the same prompts? haha. I feel like the more I read my personal statement, the more intimidated I get that it isn't impressive enough compared to everyone else's experiences!! Ahh..frustrating, but all we can do is put our best foot forward at this point! Hang in there everyone.

I shadowed a couple FNP's recently, and one went to UCSF and one went to Yale. They both independently said Columbia's program was disorganized, etc. Since Columbia is my top choice, I was really disappointed to hear that. But, I was reading the 2010 and 2011 thread, and it seems like things have really improved, so I'm feeling much better about Columbia!

Good luck in submitting, hopefulfor2012! I wouldn't worry too much about what the FNPs you shadowed said about Columbia - they went to UCSF and Yale, not Columbia. Plus, the criticism of being "disorganized" is exactly what has been said in other threads about both UCSF and Yale, as well as most other accelerated programs I've looked into...don't sweat it for the moment.

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sigh. I am afraid of screwing up my essay and/or my CV. I have strong test scores, grades, and experiences... but it's so hard to figure out how to convey it in the most cogent and persuasive manner. Hmm. I think I am overthinking things because right now I have a lot of time on my hands. I need to just submit!

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You can do it, myelin! Don't psych yourself out!

Before I submitted my application, I was freaking out over tiny things - a phrase here and a word there.

Now that the submission process is way behind me (I had to submit it really early because of various commitments I have this fall) I've reread my essay a few times, and the things I was panicking about were silly (or at least they WILL seem silly if I get in to the program :)).

Good luck good luck! Take a deep breath and know you can do it.

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Chula, I kept up with your progress on last year's forum and I thought you were one of the most qualified people on the forum. It is great that you are reapplying this year! Just curious, did they give you any feedback last year that would strengthen your chances for this year?

Hi! Thanks for the confidence boost! When I told José I was retaking a borderline psych class from college, he said I seemed to be on the right track. I've been working like mad on my essay; I'm going to tweak my CV a teeny bit but I'm really focusing on improving my essay. I've not had time to volunteer this year (due to the aforementioned family medical emergency), so that's a definite strike against me. I've gotten all A's thus far in my prereqs; I'm finishing up Stats right now, and Developmental Psych will be done in early December.

So, fingers crossed! I *really* want to go to Columbia. Yale would mean a move for me, or a nasty commute. Good luck to you and everyone else!

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thanks, LookingAhead! For those of you who submitted CVs - how long were yours? 1 page? 2 pages? I know CVs can be longer and mine is right around 2 pages, I hope this is okay...

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