CSULA- ELMN 2012

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I thought we should start a thread for CSULA ELMN summer 2012 applicants since applications are due next month and I'm interested in talking to other people that are applying. Does anyone know how they choose acceptance- is it based on the same point system as their BSN program? Also, does anyone know if they look at cumulative gpa or just the last 60 semester/90 quarter units? There's a few quarters my sophomore year where I slacked off on some classes, but my last 2 years have been much better, so obviously I would prefer that to be weighed more. CSULA seems to focus more on grades than other schools I plan on applying to as there didn't seem to be much room for volunteer experience, certifications, etc. outside of the essay so I'm a little nervous. Anyhoo, I would love to get to know other people who are also applying & any info from people who have already went through this process before would be awesome : )

@5unshine - thanks so much for the interview tips!

congrats to susan007! good luck on your interview. the coordinator is super nice so don't be nervous :)

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@5unshine-Thank you so much!

@lilpeapods-Hope your interview went well! The wait will soon be over for you :] I'm so nervous about my interview this Wed.!

I recall reading from last year's postings that everyone who interviews either get accepted or waitlisted. May someone confirm this?

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Hey everyone!

I just received my phone call this morning for an interview on the 9th! I'm so excited though I know I'll be pretty nervous! I have to travel a little bit since I'm coming from SF but well worth it! Good luck everyone!

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Hey everyone! I had my interview with ------- this morning. Thought that it went well. A little bummed that it's going to take a month for decisions, but such is life. I had forgotten that we had to write an on site essay so I was surprised when she brought it up (it's probably best that I wasn't thinking about it otherwise I wouldn't have slept the night before). 25 minutes to write a thoughtful essay is really waaaaay too short. I was so nervous to write something somewhat comprehensive and academic that I could barely write! The whole interview ended up being about 2 hours. I felt like I just kept talking and talking - but I feel like it was all salient information, not just babble-speak. I felt really comfortable with Kathy and thought she was really great! All in all - I walked away from the interview with warm and fuzzy feelings for CSULA :)

Anyone else with any impressions/thoughts/etc?

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@anewnurse79 - congrats on having a great interview! i think mine went okay. i thought of stuff i should've mentioned AFTER i left her office. as for the essay, mine was pretty short. i wrote like ONE paragraph. i think i'm a pretty decent writer, but not when it's on the fly!!! if it makes you feel any better, K told me that the essay is just a way to make sure that the applicant is literate (i.e. in case someone else wrote their personal essay).

i really hope we get in!!! i like the idea of a small cohort and being able to work as an RN while finishing up the masters portion. those two things really sold me.

i'm pretty sure you've been accepted by UCLA... your letter will probably arrive tomorrow or Monday : )

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She called me today to set up an interview! And just when I had ALMOST given up hope. So happy and so nervous now. Thank you lilpeapods and anewnurse for the info on what the interview was like, I almost forgot we have to do a writing sample as well.

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@anewnurse79 @lilpeapods - CONGRATS to you both on successful interviews!! I really hope you both make it! Do you think its really going to take a month to hear back? Also, do you feel like there is any way to prepare for the on site writing portion? I have my interview in a week and I'm starting to get some butterflies haha. SO excited!

@sunshiine when is your interview? congrats!!

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@lilpeapods - thanks for the vote of confidence re: UCLA :) I also like the fact that the cohort at csula is so small - and I really like the fact that you can change your specialty mid-first year. The working after the first year is also a seller, and K seems to know each and every person who goes through that program, so you know that everyone is tight. I like that too.

I do NOT, however, like the location. Never have. Oh well.

@monmon87 - re: preparing for the essay. No - I don't think there's any way to prepare. Just go in with a clear head and be ready to think on your feet. Be appropriately caffeinated :) She gives you a piece of scratch paper, so you can collect your thoughts on that and then transfer that on to the essay doc.

Good luck guys!

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@anewnurse79 @lilpeapods - CONGRATS to you both on successful interviews!! I really hope you both make it! Do you think its really going to take a month to hear back?

thanks, monmon87! i think last year she was admitting people as she interviewed and people felt uneasy about spots filling up before they even had a chance to interview. perhaps to be fair this time around, she's waiting till she interviews everyone?? i don't think i can wait a month!!!

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@anewnurse79 and @lilpeapods: thanks for all your advice for those of us who still have to interview! I definitely needed the heads-up about a writing sample...I'm hoping quality counts over quantity since I can be a slow writer if the juices aren't flowing for me.

I'm interviewing this Wednesday, so I've got a couple more days to collect my thoughts. I really like this program for the reasons some of you have already mentioned- small cohort, NP track that we can apply for after a couple quarters, and the ability to work during studies in year 2 and 3. The working takes a little pressure off financially. Is anyone else worried about the cost of the prelicensure year?

Congrats to those of you that are getting multiple acceptances! The other programs I applied to (CSU Fullerton ELMSN, CSU East Bay BSN, CSU San Marcos ABSN) give admission decisions after CSULA, so I haven't heard anything else for me yet...I hope we all end up where we most want to be!

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@5unshine-Thank you so much!

I recall reading from last year's postings that everyone who interviews either get accepted or waitlisted. May someone confirm this?

Hello all,

I am currently in this program and if I recall correctly I believe Kathy only admits or waitlist about half of the people she interviews. Good luck to everyone!!

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Hello all,

I am patiently awaiting to hear from ---- for hopefully an interview. Does anyone know if it is too late to receive an email or call for acceptance this year? I am soooo nervous!!! Any info will help. Congrats to all who already had interviews or have them scheduled. Also to any of the people applying this year or in the previous year cohorts, did anyone chose the psychiatric track?

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