NYU, SUNY Downstate

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Hi!

I'm just starting my pre-reqs for nursing and am overwhelmed by the varying course requirements per program. My first choice is NYU (easy commute from my apt, fantastic location), but it's also my most expensive choice. Since I can't afford to be out of work forever, I'd have to attend their accelerated program. I've spoken with admissions, and they said I had an excellent chance at acceptance given my prior performance in college. So, this is a program I can really consider. My biggest concern, though, is the sheer cost.

Any graduates of this program out there? Is it worth the price tag? And how generous are they with their scholarships?

Also, I'm considering SUNY Downstate, but heard it's more difficult to get into, since it's cheaper. This isn't high on my list, since I'd have to move and the location doesn't thrill me. But I'm still keeping it on my list, since I've read great things about the program.

Any NYC nursing graduates care to weigh in?

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I've looked at the prereqs and they seem pretty similar between schools--and if you have a BS or a BA, you may have already completed any additional courses that might differ between programs (like sociology or some such). My would you have to move to attend Downstate? It's in Brooklyn, right?

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I'm looking at multiple programs, but SUNY Downstate and NYU do have similar requirements. SUNY requires an additional anthropology course, so that's one more class I'd have to take that no one else requires. UGH! I forget, but I think SUNY also has an additional chemistry requirement.

Yes, I would have to move to Brooklyn to attend SUNY, which is why I'm not too excited about applying there. It's just substantially cheaper than NYU! I'm concerned about the safety of the SUNY campus.

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I guess what I mean when I ask why you have to move--couldn't you just take the subway? I moved from Manhattan to Brooklyn and I live about 20 minutes from where I used to live.

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No, I live in North Jersey, near Hoboken. That'd be way too long of a commute!

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NYU would be a much easier commute, but it's gonna cost me so much more! Ugh! I don't think I'd want to come out of a 15-month program with close to $80,000 in student loans. That's a bit ridiculous!

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I am also considering these 2 schools and SUNY seems to have quite a bit more in terms of requirements than NYU, like 2 English courses and Socio/Anthro (not sure if you have these from your prior degree). Btw, what was your GPA that NYU said that you would be a good candidate? Trying to see if I have a shot with mine.

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I told them I had a 3.4 and they said that was the average of their current class. When I attended their open house, they said they also weigh heavily your statements (I think there are 4) because they want to see that you can communicate well in writing. The 2 recommendations are also very important. So, they're looking at the whole package, but they're also putting more weight on certain elements.

I'm not sure why SUNY wants more Sociology or Anthropology, so I'll have to take one of those, too. My first degree's in English, so I have that covered, but I'll need an additional Soc or Anthropol course.

I think I read on here that SUNY has 50 spots a year and NYU has about 200. So, your chances of getting into NYU are greater, but it'll also cost you much, much more. NYU was my first choice - okay, it still is. I just don't want to come out $100,000 in debt for a 15-month program. Seems a little crazy!

Good luck to you!

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Isn't NYU closer to $65k for the program? It's $18k x 3 semesters + 11 credits for summer x about $1100/cr? Maybe I'm forgetting something?

I also have a 3.4 GPA. I'm hoping that all the science prereqs I need will bring it up even more because I'm good in sciences. I wish there were more options for accelerated programs in NY, seems it's basically between NYU and SUNY.

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I think someone else on this board said that with all the fees NYU adds (student fees, activity fees, graduation fees, etc.), plus books and supplies, it comes out to around $80k for the program. Plus, living expenses in the NYC area are pretty high!

Pace Univ also has an accelerated program for nursing, but I haven't heard as many good things about that program. And their website couldn't provide less info.

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Ah, ok. Well, I'd skip out on things like graduation to avoid those fees :-) I already live in NYC, so the living expenses are not an issue. I looked at Pace and it looks like their nursing program is located quite far away and it will be such a horrible commute for me that I'm not even considering it (I have a family, so can't just pick up and move). I think I will try my luck at NYU first since they require the least number of prerequisites and then if I don't get in, I will try for other programs as I complete my other courses. I only need 4 courses for NYU, so I can do that in 1 semester.

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Pace has 2 locations and I think you only attend 1 location. I believe one's in West Chester County, the other down by Wall St. My roommate's friend went through their program, but I've never talked to her about it, so I don't have enough details.

I like that NYU has fewer pre-reqs, too! I just don't like their price tag, which is the same thing that kept me from attending NYU for my 1st bachelor's! Of course, it's even more expensive now.

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