Grand Canyon University

inspiredRN10 · Dec 7, 2010

Ya they have a campus right by my house, which helped me decide that is where I want to go. Well I am excited now to finally start!

AkAtHrt · Dec 11, 2010

Hi All! This is my first post and of course I accidentally erased everything I had previously written! There goes 1/2 hour+ of typing on my phone! Anywhoo I have come across some wonderful posts and have found a lot of helpful info. So thank you everyone

I have a few ques. about the accelerated GCU BSN program.

1. Since I already have a degree, what exactly are the pre-reqs? I have seen the general pre-req. info. page but I have learned that certain courses are waived?

2. Someone said Jan. May and Sept. were the app. Deadlines. If I apply in Jan.Could I start as soon as May? What is their application process/requirements?

3. Where are the campuses in Mesa or Scottsdale? I didn't know they had campuses in those areas?

4. I have to petition 3 classes plus still take all three HCR 210-230 courses for the ASU 16 mnth. May 2011 program. If the committee rejects one class my GPA drops from a 3.91 to 3.86 because of a bad math grade :crying2: so since the competition is so high I have been stressing out as to what I should do? I'm on the waiting list with Maricopa (2+ years) but attaining my BSN in a shorter amount of time is more desirable. Neither campus locations for ASU or GCU are desirable since I live in east valley but I will do what I need to do of course to get my BSN. My goal is NP and/or Naturopathic Med. School

I appreciate any feedback. I will discuss my situation with an advisor but was hoping anyone could share some info. and assist me with formulating another plan! Thank you

inspiredRN10 · Dec 11, 2010

Hi AkAtHrt,

We are in similar situations! ASU really really stresses me out. I can't deal with them any longer! I am graduating from ASU this May, and I was going to apply to their new Post-Bacculearte nursing program, but then of course at the last moment they decided to not start it, and they have no idea when that is going to be started again…so I decided I need to go a different route and GCU is going to work out perfectly for me! (and just might for you!)

1. the pre-reqs are: ENG 101 (general english)

BIO 181 (would be waived if you already have yours bios)

BIO 201 (A&P)

BIO 202 (II)

BIO 205 (micro)

CHM 130 (intro to chemistry)

MAT 121 or MAT 142 (algebra)

PSY 101 (intro to psych)

HCR 240 (pathophysiology)

FON 241 (nutrition)

HCR 210 (legal principles)

*for the fast track program you also have to complete a nursing class through them once you get accepted into the program, but before the programs start date*

if you complete all of these plus TEAS, and all the immunizations, fingerprints etc you can apply with them…

2. So if you have all classes done and all those items completed you can apply with them in January 15 to begin the summer…if not the next application date is May 15 to begin in the fall (that is what I am doing)

3. They have campuses in at Scottsdale Healthcare, and one in Mesa, Glendale and then their traditional. The catch is, they do offer a cohort only for bachelor holders, BUT this session is only held at their home campus in Phoenix…Also, each of these campuses hold their own hours of the program, for example, the campus I am going to apply to (even though I have a bachelors) will be in Mesa, they only offer weekend and evening classes. Not a traditional day class.

4. I completely know how you feel! I too am on the wait list at the community colleges, dealing with ASU and all their sudden changes (no more transfer credits) I just had to do something else!! These option for me is the best, and I am super excited to begin it!

I hope I answered all your questions! Let me know what you think!

AkAtHrt · Dec 11, 2010

"""3. They have campuses in at Scottsdale Healthcare, and one in Mesa, Glendale and then their traditional. The catch is, they do offer a cohort only for bachelor holders, BUT this session is only held at their home campus in Phoenix…Also, each of these campuses hold their own hours of the program, for example, the campus I am going to apply to (even though I have a bachelors) will be in Mesa, they only offer weekend and evening classes. Not a traditional day class."""

Hi thank you for your reply!! So I apologize I'm a lil confused by this campus location info. So if you have a degree the fast track is offered at the main campus only? So because you say "eventhough you have a degree"you at the Mesa location are getting your traditional? Is your location on line? Kudos for you by the way for going after it (2 degrees back to back) and knowing what you want! I have all pre-reqs. Except for HCR 210 and the pathophysiology coure I took was a BIO 240 in FLagstaff. It's one of the classes I'm petitioning ASU to accept as a HCR 240 replacement. It costs $29,000 for the 16 month accelerated program because it includes 2 summer sessions. Do you know approx. How much GCU will be? Everyone says how expensive it is I wanted to know if you had any idea. The night and weekend thing at Mesa sounds attractive because I have my lil one to consider. I keep drilling you with ques. because everything is up in the air and hinging on what ifs and of course I am trying to not take courses that are unnecessary. Our fin. situation doesn't allow me too much breathing room right now! Thanks again I look forward to hearing from you

inspiredRN10 · Dec 12, 2010

Sorry if I was a bit unclear, writing via a cellphone is awkward! But ok lets say you complete all the pre-reqs above (plus a statistics class sorry I forgot to include that), that would qualify you for the fast track program. The fast track is 5 semesters of work, so if you applied in May, started in the fall, that would be, fall spring summer fall graduate in the spring. The fast track option is available at all those campuses. The difference between the fast track and tradition is of course how long the program is, as well as having all the co reqs and pre reqs completed prior to the start of the program. The Mesa campus is virtually in Gilbert. But the difference is, if we applied to their post bachelors program at their main home campus we would probably get in for sure because of other degrees. When applying to the regular fast track program at any of the other campuses, we are applying with other students who don't have a previous degree. Does that make sense? But yes even though I am applying in May I am going to specifically ask for the Mesa campus rather than any other campus since I am so close. (And truthfully my counselor there said that shouldn't be a problem since I would have my bachelors, they would be willing to work with me and my preferences, they were super accommodating!) And as far as the tuition goes, when I was talking to my ASU counselor they quoted the ASU program as costing as much as 35,000…GCU is in the 40,000 dollar range, but they offer tuition scholarships for higher gpa's. Lets say if you have a 3.7 they would give you a $4,000 dollar scholarship. When its all said and done I would say GCU is more expensive, but at least there are some options. I would suggest going into GCU and talking with one of the counselors so you can see what your options are, and go from there. I am really excited to finally get started!

AkAtHrt · Dec 13, 2010

Ha ha I found your ASU vs. GCU thread. I posted the same thread basically the other day! Too funny! Thank you for taking the time to explain aspects of the GCU program fir me. It was the weekend and I was really anxious to get some answers to some of my ques. I really wanted to see if there was a viable alternative to the super stressful ASU campus. So I scrambled to get into a Rio HCR 210 and 230 class but the admin. Didn't get back to me in time and now a week has passed on a 8 week course. I don't know how well that will work out because Internet courses are not my strongsuit. So all of this last minute change in plans (and studying for the TEAS) and I may not get into the program that I would want. Again thank you I will seek out an advisor asap schedule permitting and go from there :) Did you speak to an advisor who knows her/his stuff? Any recommendations thanks again!!!

AkAtHrt · Dec 13, 2010

Oh my! So, the first person I spoke to at GCU wanted all of my contact info. Before they directed my phone call and put me on hold when I asked to be directed to nursing advisement. I told them I would give nursing advising my info. Once I was speaking to them and if i felt it was relevant but I was not going to give up personal info. To some random operator on the phone. Then i called back and was directed to nursing dept. But she had no idea of what fast track program i was talking about. I just spent atleast 1/2 hour going in circles trying to convince my so called advisor on the phone at GCU that the 20 month program exists!!!! So then I was transferred to her coworker who finally figured out I was interested in on ground education and I was talking to the online department only! I called the only number from their website too! What a joke. I still don't have info. Because the on ground "advisor" was at lunch. I cannot wait to get all of this figured out and finally start school. I just want to go to school and get my BSN! I thought you might think that was funny and if you had the name of someone who knows what they are talking about would be helpful

inspiredRN10 · Dec 21, 2010

Sorry I haven't been online in a while! And what a mess! Talk about miscommunication! The counselor I have has been super helpful so far. Are you going to apply in May?

AkAtHrt · Dec 21, 2010

Hi thank you I finally got a hold of someone who has been helpful so far. I am of course nervous putting all of my eggs in the GCU basket but their program seems to be the best fit for my family right now. So, yes I am going to apply in May to start in the fall. I was interested in the ASU program but I would only be interested in the Mayo program and since I am missing some classes my score potential may not be competitive enough. Its so frustrating I have an old Psych class and math class from my freshman year years ago haunting me to this day. So, I am debating if I should retake either of them to make my GPA more competitive or cross my fingers. Jon the advisor said since I have a degree already and my science GPA is 3.8 looks good on the application. I have read the school postings on this site over and over trying to glean info. regarding the program at GCU and of course the neg. comments concern me. Especially since the school is so expensive. What are your thoughts towards the program? Oh I signed up for the req. COM class this spring semester so I don't have to worry about taking a summer class :)

inspiredRN10 · Dec 21, 2010

I feel the same way. I think because GCU offers so many programs at so many different locations, I think it really increases the chances of getting in. The advisor I talked to said if you already have a bachelors, and apply as a second degree student, you are almost guaranteed a spot. My overall GPA will be like a 3.55 I am hoping, plus my 4.0 bachelor degree from ASU. It made me feel better when she said that if you already hold a degree they really try to get you in. All my pre req classes aren't too bad, but they aren't too great. I have been doing the pre req classes along with my regular degree classes, so it has been a hectic semester! I think if you have at the very least a 3.2 overall gpa, and your degree you will be more than fine! And I agree GCU just seems like the best fit. I really really hope to get in!

MassagetoRN · Dec 21, 2010

Just a side note about GCU, I am in their RN-BSN program. The admissions advisors are super helpful and knowledgable (I guess once you get the to right one) but their Financial Aide dept is HORRIBLE!!! Especially if your situation is a bit complicated like other loans in defferment, and wanting Pell Grants. (Which I don't think is that complicated.) Fin. Aide is totally incompetent. You MUST stay on them to get your program funded. And you'll be reassigned different fin aide advisors, none of which can get anything accomplished. And the program, atleast the online RN-BSN seems to be thrown together hap-hazardly. Most times, I can't even find out what the book is for my next class, and there is ALOT of group work. My current class is 49% group projects..... Again, FYI....

beege · Dec 28, 2010

Does anyone here ever wonder like I do if the for-profit schools have people keeping tabs on these forums to post false reviews of their programs. In my opinion I rather not pay the money when there are much cheaper options to go with. EAU in Thatcher for instance.