Duke ABSN Fall 2015

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Hi All,

Just wanted to get a thread going for those who are applying to the Fall 2015 ABSN program. What are some of your degrees in? Is anyone applying to other schools? Also, is anyone planning on moving to North Carolina to attend?

Don't be discouraged if you don't have a ton of volunteer hours. Though it obviously can't hurt to have volunteer experience, I was accepted with no volunteer experience and no healthcare experience.

I truly believe that Duke assesses all applicants individually and holistically, with perhaps a small emphasis on leadership experience and leadership potential. At Duke Days, I got the impression that Duke wants to educate, train, and produce innovative nursing pioneers who will one day step up and lead the industry.

On a side note, has anyone heard anything from Nora or anyone in admissions about the next steps for those who accepted their offers? There's a bunch of pre-registration requirements they need from us (vaccinations, etc.) and are supposed to email us, but I haven't heard anything yet.

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Don't be discouraged if you don't have a ton of volunteer hours. Though it obviously can't hurt to have volunteer experience, I was accepted with no volunteer experience and no healthcare experience.

I truly believe that Duke assesses all applicants individually and holistically, with perhaps a small emphasis on leadership experience and leadership potential. At Duke Days, I got the impression that Duke wants to educate, train, and produce innovative nursing pioneers who will one day step up and lead the industry.

On a side note, has anyone heard anything from Nora or anyone in admissions about the next steps for those who accepted their offers? There's a bunch of pre-registration requirements they need from us (vaccinations, etc.) and are supposed to email us, but I haven't heard anything yet.

Thanks, Rogmt. That is very encouraging. Every individual candidate has strength and weakness. Seems like Duke is very open-minded and would like his students having diverse background. Great program.

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i highly encourage you to become a CNA. I accumulated about 150 hrs of volunteering in one year working in patient admissions, volunteering with nurses and shadowing surgical procedures. Shadowing procedures is not very easy to come by, but it inspired my interest in OR nursing. I also shadowed NPs and MDs in the same practice. Keep in mind that most facilities (which I know of in CA) do not allow you to room patients, take vitals, etc. unless you are a CNA or medical assistant.

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Hi all,

Congrats to all who got in! I am applying to Duke's ABSN program. I'm just curious if any of you got into the program with a low GPA or know of anyone who did. My GPA (from my bachelor's years ago) is around 3.1. I have A's in my prereqs, volunteer experience, and I'm currently doing a CNA program but I feel like I have no chance. Also, the GRE will no longer be a requirement so more people will most likely apply. I would love to hear from you if you were in this situation and got in (or didn't). Advice on essays would be great too! Thank you!!!

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i highly encourage you to become a CNA. I accumulated about 150 hrs of volunteering in one year working in patient admissions, volunteering with nurses and shadowing surgical procedures. Shadowing procedures is not very easy to come by, but it inspired my interest in OR nursing. I also shadowed NPs and MDs in the same practice. Keep in mind that most facilities (which I know of in CA) do not allow you to room patients, take vitals, etc. unless you are a CNA or medical assistant.

Thanks for the input!

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Hi all,

Congrats to all who got in! I am applying to Duke's ABSN program. I'm just curious if any of you got into the program with a low GPA or know of anyone who did. My GPA (from my bachelor's years ago) is around 3.1. I have A's in my prereqs, volunteer experience, and I'm currently doing a CNA program but I feel like I have no chance. Also, the GRE will no longer be a requirement so more people will most likely apply. I would love to hear from you if you were in this situation and got in (or didn't). Advice on essays would be great too! Thank you!!!

Hey, I applied with similar qualifications and i was placed on the wait list. I don't know how much help that is to you, but I would suggest focusing on your essay since there is no interview and on your letters of recommendation. This seems to be how they get to know you as a person, beyond the numbers. I would keep up the volunteering and the direct patient care as a CNA-- maybe work on getting a reference from the charge nurse where you work. I know people said they were much more comfortable in the class after a CNA program, so that's definitely something that will help you stand out. Hope that helps!

I was wondering how everyone's decisions were going in regard to the UNC/Duke decision and if anyone has accepted or declined their position yet after being pulled from the waitlist! I know the decision is due Friday-- just wanted to wish everyone good luck and positive vibes!

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@Katiemaate24, I agree, essays are very important because they show personality to the committee. I used my volunteering experience to write my essays. 3 of my recs came from RNs who taught my prerequisite classes.

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I was wondering how everyone's decisions were going in regard to the UNC/Duke decision and if anyone has accepted or declined their position yet after being pulled from the waitlist! I know the decision is due Friday-- just wanted to wish everyone good luck and positive vibes!

Katiemate24, I JUST an hour or so accepted my offer!!! I'm so nervous and excited too. Speaking with a few current student and several faculty helped me answer all the questions and concerns I had. I have no doubt that my education at UNC would have been great but it came down to the fact that I had an offer from Duke and not yet from UNC and it just felt right. So here I am! Looking forward to spending the next 1 1/2 yrs with all of you!

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Katiemate24, I JUST an hour or so accepted my offer!!! I'm so nervous and excited too. Speaking with a few current student and several faculty helped me answer all the questions and concerns I had. I have no doubt that my education at UNC would have been great but it came down to the fact that I had an offer from Duke and not yet from UNC and it just felt right. So here I am! Looking forward to spending the next 1 1/2 yrs with all of you!
Good luck with your study and future endeavor in the nursing profession!
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I am applying for the spring cohort to Duke's ABSN. I have a B.A. from Georgetown University, and plan on moving to N.C. (if I am accepted!)

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Thanks for your helpful feedback and tips! I hope you get off of the waitlist soon!!! Good luck!

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Is there a Facebook group yet?

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