I haven't seen any threads yet about the Johns Hopkins accelerated MSN program for Spring of 2018 so I thought I would start one to chat with other hopefuls like myself!
Also, if anyone who has previously been accepted into the program, any and all advice would be greatly appreciated! For now, I have a few questions:
-Does anyone know if all parts of the application are weighed equally or which ones they place the most emphasis on?
- I took the GRE once and I scored in the 82nd percentile for verbal reasoning (score: 159), 93rd percentile for analytical writing (score: 5), and the 55th percentile in quantitative reasoning (score: 154 ) Should I retake it to improve my math score? My fear is that I'll take it again and do worse!
- What is their acceptance rate?
- Any good tips for the personal statements? I'm finding that it's very difficult to articulate why I want to be a nurse without sounding cheesy.
- Where else are y'all applying?
I think that's all for now! I look forward to chatting with everyone and wish you all the best of luck!
Wow, congrats! You must be so excited. Are you for sure going to Hopkins? And I know it's personal, but would you mind sharing some of your stats on your application? I'm trying to make myself a stronger applicant.
My application is officially submitted (including references and transcript verification)! It's so crazy to think that it's officially out of my hands! Good luck to everyone else on their applications! Do you know if we should be hearing back at the beginning or end of September?
Ah mine is done too! Waiting on one more transcript verification, but shouldn't take more than a few days. Good luck to everyone! I hope we all get in and then can become friends and go out for ice cream and stuff.
A: I didn't apply anywhere else because the Hopkins deadline was earlier than all the others I was considering. My second choice would have been University of Arizona.
Q: Was the transition difficult?
A: The transition to living in Baltimore was difficult for me. If you already live in a city, you'll probably be fine. The transition into the program was also challenging, but less so... See next question :)
Q: What have been the most challenging parts of nursing school?
A: The most challenging thing about attending Hopkins is that communication is poor, both with administrative staff and most instructors. During the application process I felt lost with regards to timelines, expectations, etc., but at orientation I realized everyone else felt that same way. Expectations in classes have been somewhat unclear throughout. It is difficult to plan for the next semester because information is withheld until late in the preceding semester. I would have liked to have a lot of the registration information upfront. That being said, read on... it gets better.
Q: Do you think your cohort is fairly supportive of everyone or are people mostly out for themselves?
A: Yes, my experience with my cohort has been extremely supportive. You'll be with the same people in almost all of your classes and get to know them well. Everyone has been willing to share information, time, and workloads. We're all in this together.
Q: Would you choose Hopkins again?
A: Yes! Not every class felt worthwhile while I was in it, but looking back on the the experience as a whole, I have gotten an excellent education. The clinical experiences alone make Hopkins a good choice because you'll be working with patients who come from all over the country/world to see world-renowned experts. You can find literature published by a Hopkins doctor/nurse/researcher on almost any topic you would ever be assigned in nursing school. And, of course, the Hopkins name is worth the extra price you will pay. I am definitely not a university snob (I think you can get a high-quality education without the name) but weight of Hopkins on your resume will open up a world of opportunities that would not be possible at most other schools.
Thank you for posting about your experience! It makes me feel a lot better to know I'm not the only one who has had a hard time getting responses to my questions.
Did you find out about your acceptance by phone or online? I have heard some people found out online first and while I know it is a bit early to be checking, I would like to know where to look online to see acceptance.
What kind of clinical experiences did you have?
Do a lot of nursing students participate in a clinical experience abroad?
I first found out about my acceptance via email about 10 weeks after applying (mid-September), but I did have a delay getting one of my transcripts delivered. If you already have everything received and confirmed, it may not take that long for you. I can't remember if the application interface gave me any information about my acceptance status. I wish I could give you a better answer for that.
The clinicals begin on the first week of school, and you'll always have at least one, paired with a lecture. The placements can either be at JH Hospital or at some of the affiliated hospitals in the area. The first semester clinicals are automatically assigned so you'll find out where you are during orientation. After that, you will have a bit more control because you can add your preferences to the online registration system, although you may not get your first choice. The last semester, the practicum, you will have the opportunity to go abroad, I think to either Singapore or UAE. A couple of people in my cohort did this, but they didn't find out if they were going until the last minute, so you would need to have a pretty flexible family / living situation to make this work. I think it costs about $6,000. The clinical courses are:
SEMESTER 1
- Common Health Alterations - Any type of adult med / surg, both general and specialty, like neuro,
ortho, cardiac, etc
1 clinical day per week
SEMESTER 2
- Chronic Health Alterations - Similar placements to first semester, but starting to give meds. I think
some more complex sites are added in, like oncology, transplant, and HIV units
1 clinical day per week
SEMESTER 3
- Complex Health Alterations - Again, similar placements but with more skills and responsibilities
1 clinical day per week
- Psych Nursing - both inpatient and outpatient placements
2 clinical days per week, but only for half the semester
SEMESTER 4
- Community Health Nursing - placements at community clinics, women's shelter, needle exchange,
prison, etc...
1 clinical day per week
- OB - placements all over the area, JHH has a pretty limited number of spots
2 clinical days per week, but only half the semester
- Pediatrics - JHH has several pediatric floors for placement. Kids are grouped by age rather than
diagnosis, so you see a wide variety of diagnoses
2 clinical days per week, but only half the semester
SEMESTER 5:
- practicum - you'll get to apply for your preference in practicum placement. Spots in Peds, OB, Critical Care, Stepdowns, ED, Oncology, Psych, Community Health, etc. The ICU spots are the most competitive.
Based on the online chat the school hosted in January, the last Spring cohort has ~110 students and the acceptance rate was ~45% which is fairly high. The Fall cohorts tend to be a tad bit larger, closer to 120-130.
) Should I retake it to improve my math score? My fear is that I'll take it again and do worse!
bmadrid
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That's awesome that you got a reply already! Congratulations!