Columbia University-ETP

[jcarranz5]

Hey everyone. I was just wondering who applied to Columbia University's ETP program.

I got an email today telling me to keep logging into the website where I applied to check on the status of my application. Has anyone else got this email? And does anyone know approximately when they begin to post decisions?

I'm nervous as this was my #2 school.

[PacoUSA, BSN, RN]

I am currently finishing up my 1st summer (1st semester) of the ETP program. We have a record # of people enrolled, just under 200 (14 of them being male, such as myself). I heard that they had just under 600 applications that means that 1 out of 3 people who applied were accepted. Good chance in my opinion.

The summer was rough but worth it, lots of classes, not much time to explore the city but now it's over and done with. Today was out last final and time for celebration is on.

I'd be happy to answer any questions people may have regarding the class, though for some reason I don't think i can private msg so it'll just have to be on this thread directly in response to this post.

I'm getting ready for 5x5's which is excited to learn more about the different areas of nursing. I, myself, am acute care and my clinical experience was wonderful so far.

Good luck in the applications!

Tempest612, thanks so much for your reply. Congrats on your accomplishment this summer. I really appreciate your insight and I'm excited to start the program (but of course, the hope is to get IN first, then the next hurdle is financial aid). I know it sounds rigorous and an accelerated program should be, but I really am looking forward to it. In a week I will be wrapping up my 2nd 6-week consecutive summer session of A&P and hope to get an A as I did in the 1st one. I gather that rigor is a taste of what Columbia could be.

I'm originally from NYC so I guess you could say I can pass on exploring the city LOL ... I was actually born a preemie @ NYP right there in Washington Heights. I want to pursue neonatal NP, and what better place than to return to where it all started? :wink2:

BTW, I believe someone said that once you've posted at least 10 messages on the boards you are able to private msg. I see you're up to 14 so it should not be a problem now. I'll try to PM you and test it.

[Tempest621]

Paco,

First off, thank you. Secondly, glad to hear that you're well on the way. Us men tend to be older than the average female in our class (there are a couple 21 year olds fresh out of undergrad).

I'll take any advice you can give me regarding living in the NYC area.

Regarding financial aid, it was a hurdle for all of us, everyone in the program got offered the same package, which wasn't that great to be honest but is competitive with other private schools. I had to take out a private loan which was painful but hopefully I can get it paid off quickly while keeping most of my debt in a graduatePlus Federal loan which is locked in at 8.5%.

Tempest

[FFMedic]

Long time lurker first time poster.

I have tried to read as much of these 57 pages as I could, but I couldn't find the answer to the question I have.

How does Columbia ETP calculate your GPA? Do they average classes that were taken again, or only use the highest grade for the class? Does anybody know?

Also, does anybody know how many people on average apply for those 5-8 ETP CRNA spots?

I have figured out that letters of recommendation are important, as is your personal statement. I also know the average GPA was around 3.6 last year. Because I am interested in the CRNA program anything I can do to make myself more competitive would be good. Averaging would lower my GPA by .3 and my science gpa by .5. Pre-reqs would probably stay the same though... I think. Especially since my BA is not in a science I feel I really need any extra I can get.

Any help would be appreciated :)

[jjsrn1]

I do not know, but I think someone in the Admissions Office would be able to answer your question. One there has been quite helpful to me. Let us know what you find out! :-)

[riverboat]

Talking to Admissions office personnel would be a good idea because they will definitely head you in the right direction, and at least clarify some points.

As far as I know, a lot of the students who are in the CRNA program rignt now do come from a science background, but I don't think that's across the board. As you may already know, the prerequisites for CRNA are a little more heavy into the science side than for the other subspecialties. I have no idea what the admission committee does to calculate GPAs, if at all.

When I met with Admissions personnel last year, I had the same question about not having a science undergrad. It was suggested that I submit an Addendum to my personal statement addressing the concerns I had with my background and my transcripts. So I wrote and additional 2 pages going a little more indepth about my educational and professional background-- which would have otherwise been irrelevant to the personal statement.

Good luck!!

[FFMedic]

Thanks to both of you. I have written him an email. I'll let everybody know what I find out so others can assess their chances like I did.

[FFMedic]

They told me they take the GPA from your institution. This could mean they take the GPA only from your graduating school, or it could mean they take the GPA from all your institutions and average them. Either way my GPA improves, so that is worth something.

Science grades are looked at, but not calculated as a GPA. It sounds like more of a "Look at pre-reqs, are they A or B? Good! Next step..." kind of thing to me.

They tell me 50-60 applicants for 8-10 spots. Unsure on the breakdown of these applicants and spots (are some just for nurses for instance?) but a 1:6 ratio, while tough, isn't the end of the world.

Good luck everyone. I'll be applying for 2011.

ps. sorry it took so long to get back... I was having posting issues here at allnurses. :)