Columbia School of Nursing MDE 2018

soontobeRN89 · Aug 4, 2017

@kettywng We didn't have the timed write on our application last year so I'm afraid I don't have advice on that. For the video if I remember correctly you click the link and it takes you to a screen that has the questions and there's a timer that counts down from 2 minutes. These 2 minutes are meant for you to prepare your answers to the questions. Then when the 2 minutes are up it takes you to the recording page and starts recording you.

Also I don't know if they changed the format but last year we were told on the admissions page that we had two attempts to record the video but it was actually a lot more than that. It might have even been unlimited. I did it like 5x before I was happy with my video and submitted. But don't quote me on that!!!

psychnp_2b7 · Aug 4, 2017

This is so amazingly helpful! Are most people applying to just MDE or MDE/DNP? If you are applying to DNP, what is your specialty? It would also be so helpful for current Columbia students to give some insight on this :)

aksea · Aug 7, 2017

I am re-applying this year after being accepted last year. While I only applied for the MDE portion previously, I have decided to apply for the MDE/DNP in Pediatrics this time around. I feel so much more prepared this year to enter a program, and Columbia is still my first choice!

psychnp_2b7 · Aug 9, 2017

Thank you!! :) Can anyone give insight into prereq grades as well? For applicants, what have you heard? For current MDE'rs, how did you do? I think this might be more important that GRE scores it seems like.

chelseacaressa · Aug 10, 2017

Hi everyone, I am also applying for the MDE program in the fall! It says that labs are not required for the prerequisites. So does that mean that we do not need a lab component for Anatomy and Physiology? Just trying to make sure I'm taking the right courses.

psychnp_2b7 · Aug 21, 2017

Hi everyone, I am also applying for the MDE program in the fall! It says that labs are not required for the prerequisites. So does that mean that we do not need a lab component for Anatomy and Physiology? Just trying to make sure I'm taking the right courses.

Nope, no labs needed!

chelseacaressa · Aug 23, 2017

thanks so much!

fnptobe123 · Aug 24, 2017

Hey everyone! I'm hoping to apply this cycle too, but wanted to see what the general advice was in regard to applying with outstanding pre-reqs. I know all pre-reqs must be completed before starting the program, but do you think it lessens my chances to apply with nutrition and a & p in progrss, and a & p II to be taken Spring 2018? I have an A in Microbio, A in English, A in psych. And I'm currently a graduate student. I'm nervous to apply with so much outstanding but I really don't want to wait another year. Thanks!

thxwy · Sep 1, 2017

Hi All!

Columbia is #1 on my list of schools and I'm so excited to be applying for Summer 2018.

Quick question, I'm a bit nervous about the video essay and timed writing portion. Has anyone completed these yet?

If so, how did it go? Do you have multiple opportunities? How much time did you have to prepare for each?

Thank you!!

aksea · Sep 7, 2017

Don't worry too much about outstanding pre-reqs. You can submit your Fall transcripts in December once you finish your courses. Many applicants will have 2-3 outstanding classes, so you'll be in the same boat as a lot of others!

psychnp_2b7 · Sep 7, 2017

Don't worry too much about outstanding pre-reqs. You can submit your Fall transcripts in December once you finish your courses. Many applicants will have 2-3 outstanding classes, so you'll be in the same boat as a lot of others!

what about grades in the prereq courses? do you think straight A's are necessary?

aksea · Sep 8, 2017

That's a harder question to answer. I don't think you HAVE to have straight A's. I've heard of people getting in with GPA's closer to a 3.0 than a 4.0. Although you must earn a B or better in all pre-req's, so that's something to take into consideration as well. I know that Columbia truly does take a holistic approach to their admissions decisions, so if you have some classes that you weren't as stellar in, work on elevating other areas of your application (gaining more work/volunteer experience, finding outstanding references, writing exceptional essays, etc.). Think about what sets you apart and what you're passionate about. Highlight those areas. If you're truly concerned about your transcripts, consider re-taking the courses, and hopefully you'll earn a better grade the second time around, especially since you already know the majority of the material.