Georgetown ABSN Fall 2010

NylaB · Nov 13, 2009

I'm applying there too!

metrogirl · Nov 13, 2009

Awesome! May I ask more about you?

I'm a senior chemistry major at UMD and I'm currently finishing up my pre-reqs (anat, abnormal psych, ethics). My GPA is about a B average but I have almost all A's in my pre-req's. I'm not sure what my chances are of being accepted, because I know its super competitive, but I'm really excited to apply! What other schools are you applying to? I'm also applying to George Mason and Emory.

I would love to hear from anyone else who's applying!

TammyG · Dec 11, 2009

Hello, I currently am in the Georgetown program. I think you have a very good shot at getting in.

metrogirl · Dec 11, 2009

Really? What was your GPA when you applied, if you don't mind my asking? Also, what was your undergrad degree in and where did you get it?

I'm just trying to get an idea about what the average GU ABSN student is like.

TammyG · Dec 11, 2009

Mine was 3.2 in biology. I know several people (particularly in the sciences) who had GPAs around there.

metrogirl · Dec 11, 2009

I'm really excited/nervous about applying.

I would appreciate ANY advice you could give me.

Did you get the WHC scholarship?

How competitive is admission?

Is the program hard...like do you have time for outside actitives/social life?

How old are most of the students?

What is your GPA for your BSN program, is it cutthroat and competitive?

Any tips for completing my application?

TammyG · Dec 11, 2009

I'm really excited/nervous about applying.
I would appreciate ANY advice you could give me.
Did you get the WHC scholarship?
How competitive is admission?
Is the program hard...like do you have time for outside actitives/social life?
How old are most of the students?
What is your GPA for your BSN program, is it cutthroat and competitive?
Any tips for completing my application?

Metrogirl, I think it is great that you are applying, even if your GPA is not a perfect 4. Apply to other schools as well (just in case), but I think you have a good shot, and your interest in the program will definitely come through.

I did not apply for the WHC scholarship, though about 25 of my class did. As far as I know, everyone who applied got it. They are happy now too since the rest of us aren't sure how we will find jobs.

I really don't know how competitive the admission is. I heard that they accept about 1 out of 7 or 8, but that is just what I've heard. The average age is about 25 but there are lots of students right out of school and also some who are in their 30's or older. It is a difficult program, but yes, there is time for a life. Many students work, for example, several have children or spouses. You need to keep up with your assignments and study for tests, but there are periods (particularly at the beginning of the semester) when you have not much going on. No one flunks out; a small number of people can decelerate their studies (basically go part time) if they are having trouble. Any second degree program is going to be intense, I don't think this one is any different.

The program is most definitely NOT cut throat or competitive whatsoever. There is no "curve" grading, so your grade doesn't depend on your fellow students' performance. Everyone helps everyone. We do joint study guides and things like that, share notes, etc. -- I have never seen a single competitive act. I love my classmates. I would guess that the average GPA earned at the school is about a 3.0 or 3.2. If you aren't going on to grad school, most people aren't that concerned about it. It is a difficult and rigorous program, so a 3.0 is not bad at all.

I definitely recommend the program, if you have a spare $80,000, although it is not perfect!

metrogirl · Dec 11, 2009

Thanks for the quick reply and the words of encouragement! I truly appreciate it.

If you didn't apply for WHC, how exactly can you afford the program? I'd have to take out loans to cover the entire 80K, plus housing. Do you think being in $100,000 of debt is practical for a BSN, especially when I'd have to take out a similar amount when I pursue a master's in a few years?

Also, you mentioned not being able to find a job. I was under the impression that there was always a market for nurses. Is this not the case?

Do many people work as patient care techs in hospitals? Would this increase your chances of being hired at a hospital? Also, can you specialize during the program?

What was the interview process like? Also, where else did you apply and were you accepted? Do you know why people get rejected (i.e. not enough experience, incomplete pre-reqs?

TammyG · Dec 11, 2009

Thanks for the quick reply and the words of encouragement! I truly appreciate it.
If you didn't apply for WHC, how exactly can you afford the program? I'd have to take out loans to cover the entire 80K, plus housing. Do you think being in $100,000 of debt is practical for a BSN, especially when I'd have to take out a similar amount when I pursue a master's in a few years?
Also, you mentioned not being able to find a job. I was under the impression that there was always a market for nurses. Is this not the case?
Do many people work as patient care techs in hospitals? Would this increase your chances of being hired at a hospital? Also, can you specialize during the program?
What was the interview process like? Also, where else did you apply and were you accepted? Do you know why people get rejected (i.e. not enough experience, incomplete pre-reqs?

I had some money saved up. Between that, income from working, help from my parents and some loans, I will do ok with not a whole lot of debt when I get out. I can't really give any advice on whether it is reasonable to carry $100,000 of debt. I know I really wouldn't want to do it, though many people do.

There is always a market for experienced nurses but not new nurses. New nurses require a preceptor, basically another nurse that follows them around for several months. Or, new nurses have to be put through a lengthy training program before they can start. These programs used to be offered all the time, but I have not seen any in over a year in the DC area. None of the hospitals are hiring entry level nurses in the DC area through a training program/fellowship. This is because so many retired nurses have re-entered the work force, and older nurses are delaying retirement. The people that I know who have jobs got them at the place they did their senior practicum. I heard that the non-WHC scholars graduating June 2009 all got jobs, though it took several 6 months and several had to move.

You cannot specialize during the program. I know 2 people who are patient care techs. I presume this would given them a heads-up getting hired at that hospital but I don't know.

The interview process is very low key. You elect to attend one of several info sessions with a group of about 20 other applicants. You meet the deans, etc. and get a tour and presentation. Then you are taken in for your interview one at a time. They last about 10 minutes and are extremely low-key. "Why do you want to be a nurse?" That type of thing. Just be yourself and you will do fine. I do not know why people get rejected, but they are extreme sticklers for the prerequisites. Sometimes if you are one prerequisite short you can take it on campus, but that is strongly discouraged. Your application should be very clear in listing your prerequisites, attaching your school's description of the courses, all that stuff that they tell you to do. And have a clear plan for completing them by your start date. I really don't know what they look for. Many people came right from undergrad so they hadn't done all that much. Of course having worked in the health care field in any capacity is a strength, even as a volunteer, if for no other reason than you've proven you have a clue why you want to be a nurse. Probably most of my class has some health care work in their background, but not everyone and a lot of it is not that substantial.

Hope that helps.

Genu9ine · Jan 8, 2010

I applied to the program as well... I may be kind of late in the process, I dunno. But we'll see what happens :)

flee43 · Jan 11, 2010

I'm applying to the program as well! I haven't finished the app but I'm almost done with my statement of purpose, whew. I'm glad to hear that I'm not alone in the application process!

Thanks to those posting up G-town information. It's definitely been helpful!