Columbia ETP 2016

SBCvixen · Oct 5, 2015

I have scanned copies of official transcripts. If you order them now, there might still be enough time to get them scanned and uploaded before the due date.

FutureNP04 · Oct 8, 2015

You could just copy and paste your academic records into a pdf file from your student accounts website. I did this and emailed admissions and they said it was okay, but if accepted I would have to send them the official transcripts. Thus, that unofficial pdf you are talking about will be more than fine.

emmafleur18 · Oct 11, 2015

Hey all! I'm a bit late to this thread, I just happened to stumble across it today! I am about to submit my application for the MDE/DNP program, but two of my recommenders haven't uploaded their letters yet. Does anyone know if it is fine to submit without letters? I have sent reminders to both recommenders, but I really just want to submit and get it over with so I can stop obsessing over every word of my essay.

roadsidefireworks · Oct 16, 2015

Hi all!

I am also an applicant for the 2016 cycle. I just submitted my app the other day. I was wondering if people know how heavily GRE scores are weighed (has anyone gone to the info sessions and heard any numbers dropped?)? Also, if comfortable enough, can people share their GPA and GRE stats?

Thanks!

SBCvixen · Oct 16, 2015

emmafleur18 they sent an email yesterday saying to submit even if all references hadn't submit their letter yet. i think they have a bit of extra time to get their letters in. hope you got your app in on time!

amk1990 · Oct 17, 2015

Wonder if there were more or less people who applied this year then previous years, because of them transitioning to the DNP program

lacerti, BSN, RN · Oct 19, 2015

I've just found out about the program a few weeks ago, and have excitedly read up on everyone's insights! Glad to know that it's a holistic app evaluation, but I have a feeling the GRE scores will be one of the initial "weed-out" factors, since I'm sure the admissions department will be inundated with apps for both MDE and MDE+DNP/PhD programs; I'm hoping those that are applying to the MDE-only program (such as me) aren't put at a disadvantage, as it appears that they'll review the MDE+DNP/PhD applicants first :unsure:

Right now, I'm working on bolstering analytical writing skills (who doesn't want that '6'?), and I estimate that I'd score ~165 QR and ~155 VR; the latter score scares me, because the percentile scales are really where the evaluation takes place, and even a 160 can be a low 90%/high 80%, depending on what previous testing cohort (randomly selected) we'll be compared to.

For those that have attended the open houses: if applicable, was there any mention of average GRE scores from their previous ETP cohorts?

Other personal stats: I graduated with my BS in nutrition about 5 years ago with a not-so-great cumulative undergrad GPA, but have retaken some of the pre-reqs and boosted the pre-req GPA to 3.8. My work experience has been with a community health center specializing in HIV/AIDS primary care for about two years, which has contributed to my desire to pursue nursing. Volunteer-wise, I worked a facilitator/trainer at the UN for one of their program initiatives for HIV/AIDS in the workplace, and was a volunteer to help operate an winter emergency LGBTQ youth shelter during my early undergrad years.

hummingbirdheartbeat · Oct 20, 2015

Hi lacerti,

I attended a joint info session with UPenn and Columbia and they both agreed that the personal statement was one of the most important part of an application. Columbia didn't mention any average GRE scores but in general, over 50% for each section is considered competitive. The Columbia admissions representative also mentioned that choosing strong references for letters of recommendation are also highly considered. He said that he looks for balance in an application -- being socially conscious, socially aware, and including the patient's views and opinions in treatment plans. Because of their holistic view of the applicant, they don't seem to "weed out" individuals. Columbia also doesn't do interviews so it's really important they can get to know you through the sections of the application you still have control over (ie. personal statement, references, resume). He also mentioned that there are generally around 700-800 applicants for 200-220 spots.

emara9 · Oct 24, 2015

Freaking out and need some reassurance! I re-used a paragraph from my Columbia essay for another school I'm applying to, and I just read it over again and SOMEHOW I left out a word in one of the sentences. I think I over-edited to make it fit the page limits, and at the time wasn't reading it correctly and thought it was okay without the word but it's not. It's a question after a semicolon, and says "how their brains capable of..." instead of "how WERE their brains capable of..." Should I totally freak out and assume I'm immediately out of the game? Really, really upset with myself

SBCvixen · Nov 9, 2015

I'm sure you'll be fine. It's a minor typo, and one that seems like a reader could skim right over it (sometimes our minds fill in those gaps naturally).

I once did something similar in a cover letter for a job and got an interview any way. I was really nervous about it, and even called myself out in the interview. Turns out, my interviewers hadn't even noticed! It ended up being a tension breaker rather than a deal breaker.

So...If they even see it, it may serve as a nice reminder that you are human and we are all capable of simple typing mistakes.

emara9 · Nov 10, 2015

Thank you! That made me feel better about it. I read over it so many times and my brain clearly filled in the gap... until after I submitted of course! I'm sure it's not a huge deal, they read so many per day that I'm sure they see it all the time. Just nervous and going crazy waiting for responses!

FatimaUrquilla · Nov 10, 2015

What program did you apply to? If its MDE only, they may accept a change of statement if you email them, but if it was a mistake like bigger than 1 typo... If not, I'm pretty sure it will be okay. They read so many applications that they want to get the general idea of yours, not the minor grammar. :)