Loyola ABSN Fall 2016--questions for current students and/or alumni

ekells · Feb 19, 2016

Hi alissar1216,

congratulations on your acceptance!! I am also interested in Loyola's ABSN program. When did you submit your application and how long did it take for you to get your acceptance? Have you looked into Rush University GEM program?

Thanks!

Elsa15 · Feb 21, 2016

Curious too.

alissar1216 · Feb 22, 2016

I submitted my application at the end of December but was waiting on one letter. Once the letter was submitted on January 28th, I checked my application status online and was accepted the next day, January 29th. I got the official letter in the mail maybe 2 days later.

I looked into Rush briefly but for several reasons didn't pursue an application there. However, I did apply to DePaul's MENP program and I'm still waiting to hear back from them. Fairly certain I'll be attending Loyola though. Hoping someone can answer some of my questions about the program soon so I can make an informed decision!

syns1988 · Mar 5, 2016

Gongrats on your acceptance! I just submitted my application within the last few days and I believe they received my transcripts today... Im really hoping to get in and to attend Loyola. I am very concerned about getting in because I was focusing on the pre reqs at another school (Mount St. Marys in LA) and my GPA for Loyola's Pre reqs aren't as good. I'm curious what GPA you need to have, on average, to get in. My undergrad GPA was 3.2 and my Pre req GPA was around 3.7 but 4.0 in the sciences and 4.0 sense returning back to school (Chem, Anatomy, Physiology, Nutrition and Development). I think I have a strong Essay and recommendation letters. I would like to you your honest feedback if you think I will get in. No sugar coating, please honest feedback :). If I get in, we will be moving from LA to Chicago (Me, my husband and 2 children), so I am trying to get an idea if I will get in... ah!

alissar1216 · Mar 5, 2016

Obviously I have no idea firsthand if you would be accepted, but that all sounds really good to me! I would say your chances are good for sure. I had a 3.3 undergrad GPA and for my pre-reqs got B's in organic Chem and micro with A's in everything else. I did a semester of grad school (podiatry) and basically failed all of my classes because I realized how much I hated that field of study and withdrew after the first semester. Even with that on my transcripts (along with a letter explaining my performance in grad school), I was still admitted. And quickly too. You should be hearing soon if your application is complete! And there seem to be plenty of spaces still open, maybe only 20 of the 60 filled. Good luck!! Hopefully I'll be seeing you in Chicago this Fall :)

syns1988 · Mar 6, 2016

Thank you for your feedback! I think it's so nice and considerate of Loyola to get back to everyone so quickly! because this process has been so stressful, even waiting a few days! I just checked online and nothing has changed, I was hoping to see either "accepted" or "waitlist" or something. I feel so anxious, I just want to know! But i am still so happy and excited about the fact that I should know soon. Alissar1216, how do you know that there are only around 20 filled? is there another feed going for the class? thank you again!

alissar1216 · Mar 6, 2016

I know the anxiety feeling! I'm STILL waiting on another school and my application was finished at the end of December. Doesn't really matter since I chose Loyola but it's still annoying. So when I got accepted, I was sent a link to the "Fall 2016 cohort" Facebook page and right now it has about 20 likes. That's why I assume that's about how many spots are taken. Good luck! :)

syns1988 · Mar 11, 2016

I got in! :)

Elsa15 · Mar 12, 2016

Hi guys, congrats on getting in! I'm curious why you chose Loyola over depauls menp or rush? I'm in pre reqs now and will be deciding where to apply- which classes to focus on soon.

Petrichor · May 29, 2016

Hey congrats to those who were accepted! Loyola is a great school, and their nursing program over prepares you to become a great nurse! I am entering my last semester in the ABSN program, and would love to answer any questions you may have.

First off, I want those who are considering the direct entry masters program at DePaul (or any direct entry program) to really think about why they are applying to it. If the only reason is because you want to get through faster, please do not do it! While it sounds nice to be able to jump the gun, there is always a catch. Majority of hospitals will not hire an MSN grad w/o at least a year of experience working as an RN. I know Loyola will not hire someone with a masters that has zero RN experience. A generalist MSN degree gets you the same pay as someone with a BSN. So financially it does not make sense. You do not come out of that program as an NP. If becoming an APN is what you desire, I highly recommend doing the ABSN program at which ever school you choose, work for a year to gain experience, and then compete a masters program.

Ok, now on to Loyola! I absolutely love Loyola! The experiences I have had so far are beyond what I ever thought possible. Loyola exposes you to several different hospitals, community settings, clinics etc. They start preparing you for NCLEX on day one. You have practice tests every semester, and are given tons of study books for NCLEX. That being said, the program is very challenging. The first semester is the hardest, and it is almost impossible to work while going through the program. My cohort has lost several people due to the rigorous curriculum.

The faculty and advisors want you to succeed, and are there to help when you need it. You are forced to step outside of your comfort zone many times by giving several presentations (some of them are same day/on the spot), and asked to perform skills first day of clinical that may seem intimidating. That being said, since your firat clinical is so hands on, and they expect so much of you, you come out of it over prepared and fully confident to take on the next clinical.

Unfortunately I cannot give advice on whether I think someone would be admitted or not because it is all over the board. I've seen people with 3.0 gpas get accepted, and people with 3.8's get rejected. All I can say is if at first you don't succeed, TRY AGAIN!! Do NOT give up! Nursing is such a rewarding career.

Let me know if I can answer any other questions! Good luck to all :-)

danicole · Jan 24, 2017

Hi Petrichor,

I know this thread is a little old, but I'm planning to apply to Loyola's ABSN program and have also been considering General Entry Masters programs around Chicago, but am leaning toward the ABSN. If you happen to see this and don't mind, I have a few more questions:

1) I'm very interested in pursuing an NP and am curious if you have any experience with Loyola's ABSN Masters Immersion program. How many grad courses are you able to take if accepted to that program (I know you apply after your first semester and must have 3.5 GPA)? If you take part in the Masters Immersion program, how long does it usually take to complete a specialty grad degree at Loyola?

2) Assuming you've completed the program, can you speak to the job market, and how Loyola helped with job placement? How many of your cohort are working or went directly into a Masters program?

3) Was it difficult to get financial aid for this program after already completing a Bachelor's at another school? Part of the appeal of Masters programs is that I will be able to dip back into federal aid, and I worry I've "used up" most of my undergrad funding. Curious if you have any insight there.

I hope you see this and really appreciate it if you take the time to respond. :)