NYU vs. Columbia, I REALLY need some advice!

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Hello all!

After receiving a degree in Fashion Merchandising but working at NYU Medical Center as a Patient Unit Clerk (PUC) for a year, I've decided to go back to school for Nursing and couldn't be more excited!

However, I'm a bit on edge. I wanted to solely apply to NYU for Jan 2010 for their ABSN, with the option to later do a Dual Degree BS/MS option, but after reading up on other programs, I would really like to do Columbia's ABSN/MSN ETP Program in CRNA.

I graduated Cum Laude with a 3.4 cumulative GPA (3.7 in my Major) but have little to no pre-reqs; this was one of the reasons why I was so interested in going to NYU, as I could do my pre-reqs there and then begin the program.

Here's my question, what are the things that NYU looks for in terms of accepting students into their program?

And, is it possible to begin an ABSN in one school and then transfer to another? I.E., if I went to NYU, did the pre-reqs in that first semester, and then transferred to Columbia thereafter?

Finally, in regards to CRNAs, I'd really like to get a little bit more than a year's experience during the interim phase of the BSN to MSN transition. Do they allow this, or do you have to come back after a year to do the MSN portion?

Thanks a lot, I just really want to get my plan together for this!

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I am starting NYU this fall. I briefly considered Columbia for the CRNA program as well. I decided against it because I wanted to start working as an RN asap and if you apply for CRNA, you have to take more pre-reqs on an off chance you might get accepted. My GPA is the same as yours (degree in Finance). After attending Columbia info session, I understood that they only accepted a very small number of applicants for the CRNA program. I would imagine it's extremely hard to get into. I didn't think I had a good chance of getting in. Maybe if my GPA was higher or I had some healthcare experience already..... I didn't want to put all my eggs in one basket.

That said, I am planning to finish NYU program and then work for a year or 2. I heard many hospitals will pay something towards your masters degree, so I am hoping to take advantage of that. I will then apply to Columbia and SUNY Downstate (I can't believe more schools don't offer CRNA programs) and see what happens. If I don't get accepted, I will go for NP.

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NYU is pretty easy to get into actually. If you have over a 3.4 then you're in. The only problem is that most people realize they don't have NYU money and it becomes a problem.

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NYU accepts pre reqs from community colleges. You can email them and ask what school they recommend. Columbia accepts your pre reqs from online schools, like phoenix. edu and University of Rochester through a

program entitled,"Edvantage", offered by the School of Nursing. Good luck

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If you already have a degree from NYU that is a plus. They like to take alumni.

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