I'm getting ready to apply to the Columbia's ETP for 2010. I was just wondering who else was applying and what you were doing to make your application stronger! Also where else are you applying and what do your stats look like (GPA, GRE, experience, etc) ? I'm getting nervous as I start the whole application process and just thought I'd turn to the forums for some support and guidance!
I'm looking forward to sharing the journey with y'all! Hope to hear from you soon! :)
Anyone else log into the SSOL and check to see if they have any holds? I would suggest doing it, I've just found out health services has not uploaded my clearance forms. I submitted them in March! Repeated phone calls, emails etc have not been returned by the immunization team. So, I went up there today (at the appointed hours) and was told "oh well your file says you're cleared but the woman who puts it into the system isn't here and we don't know when she'll be back." The people I dealt with today did not seem to want to help me or the sick guy waiting to see the PCP. I'm at my wits end, sorry to vent. Anyone have advice or a different experience?
ooooladoula, I am on hold also even though I received a phone call from the health center saying that i am cleared and all my paperwork is in order some time ago. I wouldn't stress too much about it since we can't register until orientation. they probably aren't going to update our status until it gets closer to june and give the people who are late in submitting their forms some time as well. the woman who told me that I was cleared, I think her name was Elena, said that she doesn't know when we'll get cleared in the system.
on a side note, how is everyone doing with researching for private loans? has anyone used the HESC website before? I don't know that much about it but would like to hear other people's experience with it before I use them. For my NJ people, anyone used NJClass loans before?
I also have a hold on the immunization paperwork. I called in before and I am also cleared, they just haven't had the chance to update the website, since I was told that the papers will need to be reviewed by docs, etc. Don't trip, potato chip, especially if you FedEx'd them and got a receipt that they signed for the papers (track it online).
Also did a bit of research on private loans, and it looks like the Wells Fargo MEDCap loan is probably what I'm going to go with. I don't really know where else to look? :\
Sorry, but what is the SSOL? Where are you guys seeing this information on your health forms pending? I am so confused by the number of websites that do not seem to be connected. I feel like there is somewhere I should be checking but am not, I have looked at the accepted students site and financial site?
Also, http://www.finaid.org/loans/privatestudentloans.phtml has been a good resource for private loans. Not all work with Columbia but most of the main ones do. I am checking out a couple just to make sure I get the best rate, though so far Wells Fargo looks the most promising.
That's where I found out that I had 1 hold. I don't remember how I found out about the link...probably through one of the nursing school emails.
Is everyone referring to the Wells Fargo MedCap Alternative Loan? I just applied for it too. Compared to the Sallie Mae app, it was a breeze. I was surprised that they didn't ask if I wanted a cosigner. I think my credit is pretty good but we'll see what they come up with in the end.
Hey luvnola2010, I tried using the HESC website (their loan marketplace) but I only got matched up with 1 loan and the interest rate was pretty high. They have this loan for New york state residents that are fixed rate but turns out Columbia U. is not a participating school. Was very disappointed about that.
I think I'm going with the Wells fargo loan like everyone else.
Beth_NP, I can't believe that Columbia is't participating in the NYSHELP(sp?) loan. Thanks for letting me know what you came up with using HESC. If they aren't giving us a true comparison of different loans, then what's the point of using them.
Hi sfrntobe.. luvnola was so kind enough to provide you with the link to the SSOL, but just so you know, we got an e-mail on April 15th with directions to activate your UNI, @columbia.edu e-mail address as well as instructions for submitting a photo for your ID card that we will receive at orientation. There was also information about who to contact for off-campus housing, as well as sending finalized transcripts and etc.
There was also a memo that the details for orientation are updated on the accepted applicants website.
Maybe you can fish around your inbox to see if you received something like this for your reference. The subject line read, "School of Nursing Reminders and To-Do Before Orientation"
OH! I forgot to update you guys on a little bit more about private loans... I called Wells Fargo and talked to a really nice loans specialist. I highly recommend that you call and ask all the questions you have, because I feel a lot more comfortable applying for the MedCap loan than any other ones that I have been researching. Thank God for good credit, because I was approved for the loan and was given a preliminary interest rate of 7.25% (and I learned that can be further dropped down if I get someone to cosign with me). It's the most appealing loan I've found so far!
mindlor
1,341 Posts
Hello,
I am independent and fairly wel established with good credit and fortunately I dd not need a cosigner..