Moving to NC and need info on UNC/DUKE nursing schools

[sydneydigsby]

I am finishing my pre-reqs now and am hoping to move to NC next fall (2009). My first choice of schools is UNC but they have a January start date. This means that if I don't get in I would have to wait until the fall of 2010 to apply to Duke. I don't want to lose a year but I know UNC is competitive and worry about not getting in. Does anyone know if the ABSN program at UNC is extra difficult to get into coming from out of state? Any tips for increasing my chances of getting in? I had a strong GPA undergrad and intend to get As in all my pre-reqs. I also have a decent amount of volunteering under my belt and will continue to get more.

I am not currently looking at the tech schools, because if I understand correctly, they don't offer the BSN degree I am looking for. I am a little worried about putting all my eggs in one basket though, especially with the lousy economy (if I don't get in and have to find a job for a year). Any advice would be much appreciated!

Thanks!

[Zoesmom3]

I just moved back to NC, and am targeting either the accelerated program at UNC/CH or WSSU. From the research I did this Spring, I found that UNC has start dates both in May and January, so if you don't get in the first time you won't have to wait a full year for the next start date. The program at WSSU (which is very accelerated at 13 mos) only starts in January.

Also, do realize that the COL in the Chapel Hill area is considerably higher than the rest of the state so build that into your plans.

Best of luck!

Laura