New Graduate Thinking of Accelerated BSN program, any info would help

Galore · Dec 29, 2008

I had similar grades and scored well on my entrance tests (each school I applied to seemed to require a different one - HESI, TEAS, and GRE). I got accepted to USF, UNF, UF, and FAU. I ended up attending UF's ABSN program and I think the biggest things they look for besides GPA are your GRE score and intent to go on and get a masters.

Most schools had similar application packages. They look at your transcripts, require an essay about why you want to attend nursing school, some required reference letters, pretty standard stuff. I didn't have any type of medical experience so I don't think it's weighted that heavily in the accelerated programs.

Let me know if you have any more specific questions :)

UF08 · Dec 30, 2008

Hey!

Thanks a lot for your response. I did my undergrad at UF and hopefully will stay in Gainesville. I'm gearing up to take the GRE right now. My goal is between 1200-1300, just wondering if you were somewhere in that range also. Thanks!

Galore · Dec 31, 2008

I think my GRE score was around 1320. UF was originally a backup school for me so I sent in my application the day of the deadline. I was put on the waitlist but got accepted about a week after they sent out acceptance letters. Of course I don't know what the applicant pool is like this year, but with your grades and your hopeful GRE score, I'd say you have a decent shot if you apply early enough.

If it's the same as when I applied in 2007, their essay asks about your future plans and education goals. Once I got into the program, it became very obvious that they thought most of us should go on to get our masters and become NPs right away (ideally at UF of course, more $$ for them). So if you do have any interest in grad school, I would certainly play that up in your essay because they look highly on that.

Good luck with your applications :) Let me know if you end up staying in Gainesville, I would happy to help with teacher recommendations/study tips etc.

UF08 · Jan 2, 2009

Galore-

Thanks so much for the info. Also, how early/late did you apply to usf? I see that they will not let someone apply until all pre-rec grades have been posted. That pretty much means that I will have to apply at the end of the fall '09 semester which is like 20 days before the deadline. I'm just hoping they don't put me on the wait list b/c I will be applying kinda late. Thanks for the help!

anc33 · Jan 6, 2009

Be aware that UF has phased out many of its MSN programs. There are only a few left, PHN, CNL, and NNP, I believe. They are now offering a post-BSN DNP. Best of luck, your numbers sound like you should have a great chance of getting in.

Galore · Jan 7, 2009

When I started at UF last year, they initially said this was the last year they were offering the MSN programs. Yet at the end of the program when some of us were deciding whether or not to do grad school, some of the teachers said that was not really accurate, you can always sign up for the DNP program and then just quit at the point where you would have your MSN. Some of the current NP students have told me the same thing.

Galore · Jan 7, 2009

Galore-
Thanks so much for the info. Also, how early/late did you apply to usf? I see that they will not let someone apply until all pre-rec grades have been posted. That pretty much means that I will have to apply at the end of the fall '09 semester which is like 20 days before the deadline. I'm just hoping they don't put me on the wait list b/c I will be applying kinda late. Thanks for the help!

I think I probably applied in January then for the summer class. I really didn't like USF's program or the way they handled the application process. They kept requesting information that I had already sent them and seemed the least organized out of all the schools.

anc33 · Jan 7, 2009

When I started at UF last year, they initially said this was the last year they were offering the MSN programs. Yet at the end of the program when some of us were deciding whether or not to do grad school, some of the teachers said that was not really accurate, you can always sign up for the DNP program and then just quit at the point where you would have your MSN. Some of the current NP students have told me the same thing.

This is true. However, I can imagine that they might change that policy if they see a lot of students dropping out of the program at that point.

marge444 · Feb 5, 2009

HI Galore

Re: New Graduate Thinking of Accelerated BSN program, any info would help I think my GRE score was around 1320.

I have applied to UF's accelerated BSN program for 09. I find out in about a month, of course I am starting to go crazy waiting. It has been really hard figuring out where I am in comparison to other applicants because there is not a lot of stats available. Anyways...I got an 1170 on the GRE, I was getting almost 1300 on my practice tests, so I was definitely bummed with that score but felt like it was decent. Do you know if scores in the 1300's are typical of the programs accepted students or was your score well above the average. certainly I hope so. Maybe you have no idea, but I'm just trying to see what my chances are... my undergrad gpa is a 3.44 which is again not stellar, but my essay was great and definitely stressed my desire to become a nurse practitioner. any info is appreciated...

Galore · Feb 6, 2009

I don't remember a lot of specifics as the whole program seemed to go by in a blur :) I do think my score was above average and probably helped me get in since I applied so late, but my program had a lot of smart people -some already had masters in other fields - and I'm sure others did better than me. I'm pretty sure when it came up in discussion, a few people said they had gotten close to 1000 or 1100 and they obviously were accepted. The website should tell you what the minimum acceptable score is. I think it was 500 each for verbal and math, so 1170 is still well above their requirements. I wish you the best of luck, I remember how nerve-wracking it is waiting for those admission letters :)

naominurse0 · Mar 4, 2009

Dear Galore; what can you tell me about UF scholarships, or scholarships or jobs thru Shands or the Veterans Hospital? Also, all the MSN's will be gone when we graduate in 2010? What type of DNS do they have, I mean, what are you qualified for when finished with the doctorate, or are there different doctorates you can take? Finally, do you know anyone who took the UNF ABSN, and can you compare them?