GWU or MU?

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Specializes in ABSN Candidate.

I was accepted into GWU for their ABSN program to start fall 23. I haven't received a decision on Marymount University yet, I am still finished up a couple require pre-reqs for their admission. I love how transparent GWU is about their program. Any questions I have can pretty much be answered through the information on their website. However, MU doesn't offer much information up front. Is there anyone who can tell me a little bit about MU? Would your recommend this program? How were your professors? Im assuming its a much smaller cohort, which would be nice. Are they affiliated with a local hospital? What are the hours like? Looks like the class grade/re-take policies are similar to GWU. The NCLEX pass rate I could only find for 2021, but compared to GWU I believe its within a 10% range. The price and length of program also appear to be similar (I just submitted FAFSA, so I don't have exact cost). 

Also, I'm leaning towards GWU, but VERY concerned about the commute. I'm a mom of two pre-k kids and one teenage step son, so mornings and evenings can be hectic. Right now, I watch them part time while taking classes at NVCC. Thankfully, I will have additional full time childcare M-F next fall. However, the Ashburn campus is a 45 minute drive. I can think of a thousand things I could do with 45 minutes other than driving. Considering it could be an hour commute twice a day, would you discourage going to this school? I really want to maximize my time. It looks like clinical would be done in Fairfax or near there, so that appeals to me. Is this commute a deal breaker? Can anyone tell me if there is an exact schedule or time I would be expected on campus? We're not the fastest paced bunch in the morning...

Is there anything I am missing? Assuming I am accepted to both, what would you choose?

Unfortunately, I was not accepted into GMU. So yes...I know a cheaper program would probably be better. I did apply to NVCC for an associates, but I'd rather have the BSN within 15 months anyway. 

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Hi! I got into GWU and Mason's ABSN program.I was looking into MU's but did not want to retake chem or statistics.

 My friend is currently in MU's Program. She is overall happy with it but did discuss how disorganized it is for such an expensive program. She said that she likes that MU is very understanding when it comes to having to drop out. Unlike Mason, they start a new cohort every semester and so if there are any bumps on the road, you know you can start where you left off if an emergency ever comes up and you have to drop out. She said the classes are small but she likes it that way. 

There were times where she did not get her semester schedule until a week out from classes starting. There were problems with scheduling her classes at times. She works a few hours here and there at an urgent care clinic. She tried working 20+ hours but it really took a toll on her grades. She said they were strict with having tuition paid full before each semester starting and so have the $$ ready. 

She mentioned that everyone from the cohort before her's passed the NCLEX which is great news! She is going to graduate end of July and so she's pretty happy with the program. She also said that the program is very doable but there's a lot of "busy" work like papers and case studies. don't get behind, take it one day at a time, and stay focused. Congrats on getting into GW! End goal is passing the NCLEX so hopefully knowing that MU's last cohort did well is a plus! 

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Specializes in ABSN Candidate.

Thank you for your reply and congratulations on your acceptance into GWU & GMU! Thats exactly the kind of information I was hoping for. Hopefully, I can talk to more students who have gone through the program. 

Do you know which school you will choose? BIG difference between GMU & GWU!

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Specializes in HESI.

Hi I got accepted at Marymount online ABSN. I will be starting this coming fall. I have did all my prerequisites and now I am working on my paperwork but as far as I can see everything is straight forward besides the tuition being high, all in all I am ready.

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I too will be attending the marymount ABSN online. Did you attend the seminar

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I am a ABSN student at marymount right now, graduating this december. I like the program, I find it's very laid back (they scare you with a TON rules in the handbook, but nobody enforces them) the school is so expensive I'm going to be in debt for the rest of my life but overall, I'm having a good time and doing very well. Patho and pharm are combined into one hellish course that a ton of people fail in their first semester. (like, half the cohort.) I passed with a A- but I put in so much effort. Because the class is so stressful and combined with a totally different subject, none of us have a good foundation on pharmacology. We are all lacking in pharm knowledge and unfortunately it's our greatest downfall. However, I've heard that they are changing it soon. If you're looking for a low stress, small school environment MU is your place. Fun faculty, laid back environment, supportive people! Initially I was scared because it's a catholic school but besides tiny crosses in each room you'd never know it's a religious school. If you want any more info on MU let me know!

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Specializes in HESI.

Hi I will be starting this coming fall I will need more information 

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Hello please if you will attending marymount ABSN program 2023 here a group you can join to connect thanks.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/617541446763827/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT

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Specializes in ABSN Candidate.
kogbodo said:

Hello please if you will attending marymount ABSN program 2023 here a group you can join to connect thanks.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/617541446763827/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT

Hey, I requested to join, but the request is still pending.

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Specializes in ABSN Candidate.
sleepystudent12 said:

I am a ABSN student at marymount right now, graduating this december. I like the program, I find it's very laid back (they scare you with a TON rules in the handbook, but nobody enforces them) the school is so expensive I'm going to be in debt for the rest of my life but overall, I'm having a good time and doing very well. Patho and pharm are combined into one hellish course that a ton of people fail in their first semester. (like, half the cohort.) I passed with a A- but I put in so much effort. Because the class is so stressful and combined with a totally different subject, none of us have a good foundation on pharmacology. We are all lacking in pharm knowledge and unfortunately it's our greatest downfall. However, I've heard that they are changing it soon. If you're looking for a low stress, small school environment MU is your place. Fun faculty, laid back environment, supportive people! Initially I was scared because it's a catholic school but besides tiny crosses in each room you'd never know it's a religious school. If you want any more info on MU let me know!

Thank you so much for your reply! This was very helpful. I just feel like Im digging for information on their website and still feel in the dark. I have to make a decision this week, and I don't even have any financial information! The aid office was not very helpful. Do you mind if I ask how much you pay per semester? I realize it's different for everyone but they told me there aren't any scholarships and most students take personal loans in addition to their FAFSA. I just don't believe this to be true. Partially because GWU told me the same thing, and then a week later I received a scholarship LOL 

I'm struggling to find connections/community with MU. GWU has facebook pages where students are giving books away for free. It would be so nice if there was an ongoing chat for ABSN students at MU! Am I missing something?

ready2startnurse said:

Hi I got accepted at Marymount online ABSN. I will be starting this coming fall. I have did all my prerequisites and now I am working on my paperwork but as far as I can see everything is straight forward besides the tuition being high, all in all I am ready.

Every time I find someone accepted for fall they are doing online. More power to you, but I struggle to learn that way. Sounds like you have a big cohort!

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Specializes in HESI.

Hi I am starting this fall too in the online. How much do you pay per semester please.

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I called expect above 18k  I was  told

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