Columbia ETP 2015

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Has anyone started a thread yet? The application is due in 174 days and as you can see I'm already obsessing.

Anyone else?!

Is anyone else nervous about taking on $200,000 worth of debt? I am doing a comparison between Columbia's total cost of attendance AFTER scholarships vs my state school vs MGH.

Columbia's total cost of attendance: $200,000 after scholarships (based on very realistic estimates I've gathered from financial aid chats and talks with current students). Duration: 3 years.

MGH total cost: $98,000 after scholarships. Duration: 3 years and 3 months

Highly ranked state school total cost: $65,000, no scholarships, but still super low because it's a state school. Duration: 3 years and 3 months.

Basically, do you guys think an Ivy League reputation and 3 months saved is worth the $100,000+ price tag??

It's such a personal decision. There are definite pros to attending Columbia depending on what you're looking for in a program. It's also one of the most expensive accelerated programs out there. I'm having a really hard time weighing my options, so I decided to meet with a clinician in my intended field and get some input--if that's possible for you, maybe it would help?

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Hey everyone! Super Excited to be posting to meet all of the accepted students. I was accepted into Adult-Gerontology Primary Care! I have been following this post since last year and decided to stop being a ghost follower. Does anyone plan on bringing a friend or relative to visiting day? I was unsure if that would be allowed due to the wording of the separate visiting day email.

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What are the pros to attending Columbia besides its reputation and connections to NYC hospitals?

It's such a personal decision. There are definite pros to attending Columbia depending on what you're looking for in a program. It's also one of the most expensive accelerated programs out there. I'm having a really hard time weighing my options, so I decided to meet with a clinician in my intended field and get some input--if that's possible for you, maybe it would help?
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For me, the possible research connections and reputation may help me get into a doctorate program down the line. That's Columbia's biggest asset. Other schools (ahem Vanderbilt) could offer that but haven't assured me of the quality of education in my specialty.

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Columbia has been my #1 for a long time because of their reputation and the fact that I want to work in NYC. Making connections at clinicals will be priceless. I'm looking at this as an investment for my future.

And I agree with snoozy. I would like to get into a DNP program. Coming from Columbia will probably help get into a great program.

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Hi Lexi1822, Great! I am still waiting to hear from financial aid but Columbia is one of my top choices! Message me if you want to talk about housing

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@ NMW1982 Columbia appeals to me more than other programs because I'd like to work abroad and within research communities re: antenatal/intrapartum care and maternal and infant health. In addition to having faculty who work in these issue areas, Columbia is also a designated WHO site for advanced practice nursing. I guess it all hinges on your specialty and what you want from practice in the future. It is really hard for me to gauge how far an Ivy League degree goes in the APRN world, or if not having one would significantly change the landscape of post-grad opportunities/job offers.

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Honestly, if it is highly rated, I would pick the state school. But I am interested in building my own practice, so less debt is a bonus. What do you want to do with your degree?

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I'd like to start a CRNA clinic.

Honestly, if it is highly rated, I would pick the state school. But I am interested in building my own practice, so less debt is a bonus. What do you want to do with your degree?
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Yeah, Columbia is a great place to start connections and build a network of friends that are also Columbia Grads to start a hospital or clinic or whatever your dream may be. It's also a world known school so if you would like to work on other countries or do some research in policy or practice than you are just investing in the future. I also know that the PhD program for nursing is paid for 2 years if you do want to go in that track. I am looking at Columbia as an investment and a green signal to a job anywhere in the world.

Roommates:

Hey guys I don't mind sharing apartments/studio if its close to campus. If any of you are interested then we can connect through private message or meet in person on visiting day and go from there. I'm staying an extra couple days after to look around and explore the area so if anyone is interested we can search there as well.

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Congrats to all! I got into the Columbia ETP/ FNP track too! I am very excited, especially after getting rejected from UCSF and UPENN. However, today I actually just got accepted into MGH's Dual Adult-Gerontology/Women's Health Program. Now I am super conflicted. I know obviously, yeah, Ivy League school, better reputation, etc. makes you look better long term. However, I am wondering if the debt accrued would be worth it, and at the end of MGH I am eligible for 2 certifications instead of just one.

I'm losing sleep already thinking about it, and sorry if I missed anyone else facing this dilemma. Does anyone else have any thoughts/suggestions? I feel like most people haven't heard of MGH IHP (unless they're from Boston or actually applied to that school). I know I definitely may want to take my talents elsewhere besides Massachusetts. Also, I know I want to have a variety of academic experience under my belt.

Thanks!

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Yeah, Columbia is a great place to start connections and build a network of friends that are also Columbia Grads to start a hospital or clinic or whatever your dream may be. It's also a world known school so if you would like to work on other countries or do some research in policy or practice than you are just investing in the future. I also know that the PhD program for nursing is paid for 2 years if you do want to go in that track. I am looking at Columbia as an investment and a green signal to a job anywhere in the world.

Roommates:

Hey guys I don't mind sharing apartments/studio if its close to campus. If any of you are interested then we can connect through private message or meet in person on visiting day and go from there. I'm staying an extra couple days after to look around and explore the area so if anyone is interested we can search there as well.

Hi Nursingfanatic, I am interested in finding a roommate as well! I can see your message but unfortunately cannot respond because I recently created my allnurses account :(

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