FIU Accelerated Option 2018

catek · Jan 24, 2018

Hi LaAura!

I am getting my application together for the FIU AO '19 cohort, and was wondering if you ended up going. I am trying to get my financials in order, and am curious if it looks like a weekend job is possible while in the program. I took the TEAS VI in Dec. and got a 92.7 and have a 4.0 in my pre-req GPA. I lack volunteer hours, though, and am trying to get those together. Any insight you have would be greatly appreciated as I debate generic vs. accelerated.

I hope you're doing well!

Gram Stain · Jan 25, 2018

Hi LaAura!
I am getting my application together for the FIU AO '19 cohort, and was wondering if you ended up going. I am trying to get my financials in order, and am curious if it looks like a weekend job is possible while in the program. I took the TEAS VI in Dec. and got a 92.7 and have a 4.0 in my pre-req GPA. I lack volunteer hours, though, and am trying to get those together. Any insight you have would be greatly appreciated as I debate generic vs. accelerated.
I hope you're doing well!

Hi Catek!

Not LaAura but I can tell you a little bit about our experience so far in the program. The class schedule is quite dense, not so much because of the actual time spent in lecture but because there is so much content to cover. We're on campus two days a week from 8 or 9 am to 6-8 pm. Then there's also clinicals one day a week for this semester. That leaves two days off (for studying) along with Saturday and Sunday (also for studying lol). The program faculty greatly discourage working alongside the program because of just how much content there is to cover and how much time will be needed to study.

However, there are anecdotes of students working part time and still managing it, so it really depends on your ability to adapt and manage your time. For me I don't think it would be feasible while also keeping up other parts of my life like spending time with my significant other, going to the gym or cleaning my apartment.

Separately, your TEAS score is great! I had a 91.3 and a 3.5 cumulative GPA after prerequisites and was accepted, so you look like you'd be in great shape. I also had volunteer experience -- however, you have PLENTY of time to get your hours in before the application deadline. There are so many hospitals/clinics where you can sign up to volunteer and I highly recommend it so that you can get some experience in a hospital setting just so you're not going in blind when clinicals start.

catek · Jan 25, 2018

Thank you very much for your input, Gram Stain (ps I LOVE your name!).

This is great advice, and just the information I was looking for. It is hard to find much information about the program itself beyond the admission requirements. I am so happy to hear you're enjoying it, and wish you the best of luck throughout the program!

Gram Stain · Jan 25, 2018

Thank you very much for your input, Gram Stain (ps I LOVE your name!).
This is great advice, and just the information I was looking for. It is hard to find much information about the program itself beyond the admission requirements. I am so happy to hear you're enjoying it, and wish you the best of luck throughout the program!

Feel free to ask any other questions!

SnowboardNW · Mar 9, 2018

Hey everyone!

I'm considering the BSN A.O. option at FIU and was wondering what it was like for those already in the program. Do you guys feel like it's impossible to get good grades in the programs? I was looking at rate my profressor and a lot of the nursing instructors have very bad reviews and a lot of the comments seemed pretty alarming. How is your experience with the profs so far? I'm considering doing MDC because the ratings on the instructors are so high and, though slower, might lead to a more successful outcome for me as I want to go to graduate school sometime in the future.

How are you guys doing?

Gram Stain · Mar 9, 2018

Hello!

We're about three months into the program and so far I can say the courseload is pretty heavy. However, it's very manageable. The content itself is not difficult - there's just a lot to remember. We have some really wonderful faculty that are kind and helpful. I can't speak for those bad reviews because everyone's situation is different, but if you treat the faculty with respect they will almost definitely return the favor!

Earning good grades is entirely dependent on you. If you adapt well to the high load and really put in your time to study, you should do just fine. I scored very well on my first round of exams with basically just studying an hour or two a day. The other important thing to mention here is that you aren't doing this alone - you'll have your classmates to help you understand concepts and share the load. Use them!

If you can swing the AO program with finances and time, Id say go for it. You get a bachelor's in the same amount of time as the ADN program at Dade, PLUS its only a few grand more expensive. Ultimately the best thing I can recommend is to reach out and speak with an advisor here - they'd be more than happy to answer any questions.

Also feel free to ask me any other questions! I was in your shoes not too long ago.

SnowboardNW · Mar 9, 2018

Thanks for your response!

I'm very interested in hearing how people are doing the financial aspect. Are people paying out of pocket? Private loans? I'm close to the maximum on my undergraduate loans, so I don't think I would be eligible for private loans.

Gram Stain · Mar 9, 2018

It's definitely a mix. Some people are taking out loans, others are using personal savings, a small group are continuing to work, and still others are financing through the Bank of Mom/Dad. That aspect will be entirely up to you/your bank/ and Uncle Sam. Since it's a second bachelor's degree you wont be getting any grants from the government, but loans are still fair game. However, you're right in that if you're near the undergrad max you'll need to seek financing elsewhere.

Keep in mind that the program cost of attendance is somewhere around $14k, whereas other comparable AO programs like at UM cost upwards of $40k. Also, if I remember correctly, the ADN program over at Dade is around $8k - and you dont get a bachelor's at the end of it (something you'll inevitably have to go back to school for).

soramas · Jun 28, 2018

Hi guys!

I am currently in the process of applying for the program now. I have an overall gap of 3.3 and just took the TEAS today and got a 75%. Not sure if that test score is good enough. Unfortunately this was the only time i could take it because i was taking 4 of the pre-req's required early on this summer. I barely studied for the TEAS, just a couple days , so i know if i took it again i could get a better scoter. However, i have to wait 30 days and by then the application is due. What do you guys think?? I'm so nervous that i won't be able to get in due to my test score:(! How competitive is it? Does anyone know about the average of the TEAS for acceptance?

soramas · Jun 30, 2018

HEY GUYS!! was wondering if anyone knew the average TEAS that fiu takes applicants? unfortunately i was only able to take the TEAS one time and got an overall 75%, which isn't the best. I know if i took it again i could do much better but i can't due to the 30 days you have to wait before taking it again:(, applications are due july 15. my gpa is average, and i have great volunteer stuff i can add but I'm nervous that i will not be admitted. Any thoughts?? opinions??

Gram Stain · Jun 30, 2018

Only people who would know the actual average would be the admissions staff. However, I do know that 85 and up is considered to be a competitive score. Volunteer work and a solid interview can help bolster your chances, though.

SnowboardNW · Dec 8, 2018

Hey everyone!

Especially Gram Stain. I was wondering how you guys are doing now that you're about to be fully fledged BSNs! I had mentioned that I was really worried about being able to get good grades because of the course load and the speed at which the course operates. In the accelerated option do you choose your professors? I have always assumed that because of the speed and intensity of the course it kind of works like med school where you're just given your class schedule and you have everyone in the program with you at all times moving through each class. Is that accurate? Now that you're in the last semester, are people's grades suffering from the intensity, bad professors, or any other factors?

I hope that you're all well and that you've had a great experience.