Hi there everyone. I didn't see a thread started yet, so I thought I would start one.
I am applying for the 2015 Accelerated BSN cohort (Portland campus) and am very nervous about the whole process with Nursing CAS and having transcripts sent to them.
I am also curious if anyone out there has an idea of what they are looking for and who will get interviews? It makes me nervous that there is no essay, so I assume that interviews will be based on grades alone. I have an undergraduate degree in Art History with a 3.64 GPA and a prereq GPA of 3.76 from PCC. Does anyone know if I even stand a chance? I have taken all of the prerequisites except for Micro, which I plan on taking in the winter.
It sounds like the interviews and no essays is a new thing? Does anyone know? Here's to hoping I at least get an interview!
Yeah...mine was a little lower than I expected too. I think it calculated out to 3.77. I started out feeling like I had a good chance, but I'm pretty anxious about it. I'll accept any of the 4 programs, but it would be AMAZING to be done with a second bachelor's degree by Fall of next year, so that I can move on with my life. I'm in my late twenties...so I would love to dive in!
Well a 3.77 sounds pretty competitive to me! I am in the same situation - I would be excited to be accepted anywhere, but 3 more years in school is definitely not preferred.
Thanks! I hope so. I just don't have much experience to bring to the table, and I don't feel like there's much aside from my grades that makes me stand out. That's what worries me!
I'm still waiting to hear whether or not I am going to get to interview as well for OHSU's ABSN program for 2015. I was on the alternate list for last year's program, so I'm hoping that I'll at least get an interview this year. I have also applied to Linfield's ABSN program...so here's to one of them coming through. I feel like they're going to have to interview a lot of individuals, especially if they do a summer and fall cohort like they have the past few years. They'll have to interview enough people to 1) offer spots, 2) accumulate a wait list, and 3) have some to turn down :-(.
@curlygrl - I have actually spoken to the financial aid office regarding loans/financing for the ABSN program. Their response basically stated that other than Stafford Loans, there isn't much government aid available for students in this program. This is mainly due to the fact that its a non-traditional program. However, there are widely available private student loan programs out there (easily available to those with good credit or with a co-applicant if your credit isn't the best). Some private loan lenders have maximum that they'll lend and others will lend up to the amount of your school's Cost of Attendance (COA) less any other loans/scholarships already awarded. So, this COA not only includes tuition, but also estimated costs for books, supplies, rent/mortgage payments, etc. (if you're married those housing expenses would be split in 1/2). Since I will be looking to finance a majority of my schooling I have been researching these options pretty closely. For most lenders it seems that they can have the loans approved pretty quickly, so my understanding is that you'd apply for private loans after you've received the financial aid package from your school. Hope this information helps.
Thanks for the info @MrBuckeye! I did a bunch of research over the weekend and came to about the same conclusions as you've offered. Looks like I'll be trying for private loans. Unfortunately, I don't think I qualify for financial aid (my husband and I make "too much," which is absurd, because really, how is someone supposed to be able to pay for the rest of their bills, mortgage, food, gas, etc. AND pay $40k for school? Insane). Anyway, I'm happy to hear that they come through fairly quickly. Since OHSU's timeline is pretty fast moving, I don't want to be stranded!
I'm also super nervous and anxious! It's kinda scary that if you're rejected, they just don't contact you at all. I'll definitely update if I get a phone call. Good luck!
Thanks for posting! It seems like they're calling the ABSN --> Masters applicants first. You're the second or third person on the ABSN --> Masters track who's said they've already heard back. Congrats!! Hopefully those of us that are just doing ABSN hear back soon too :)
@curlygrl I'm getting super anxious too! I can't wait to hear back. Do they really just not contact you if you don't get an interview?! Dang. Fingers crossed!
@curlygrl I'm getting super anxious too! I can't wait to hear back. Do they really just not contact you if you don't get an interview?! Dang. Fingers crossed!
Yeah!! The email I got said, "If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted via email around mid-February. Candidates not selected for an interview will not be contacted." YIKES.
ajw414, ASN, RN
69 Posts
Yeah...mine was a little lower than I expected too. I think it calculated out to 3.77. I started out feeling like I had a good chance, but I'm pretty anxious about it. I'll accept any of the 4 programs, but it would be AMAZING to be done with a second bachelor's degree by Fall of next year, so that I can move on with my life. I'm in my late twenties...so I would love to dive in!