Penn BSN/MSN

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There are threads for many of the other programs...so anyone here looking at/accepted to/going to/attended Penn?

I only applied for the second degree BSN program because I'm still on the fence as to whether I want a MSN or PhD (or nothing at all!) after the BSN. I'm a bit worried about the cost, but Penn is my first choice by far! (Although I haven't even heard from any other schools yet!)

Just thought I'd check to see who could be a potential classmate!

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Me! I just sent in my deposit last week, so I'm set on going to Penn! It's nice to see another fellow student out here. The cost is giving me some anxiety as well. Are you a summer start? I'm in the Summer Start BSN/MSN program for Women's Health. Do you know when we'll have to start looking for places to live, etc?

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I just mailed in my deposit today, and I'm a summer start as well! I'm actually still waiting to hear from other schools, but I really want to go to Penn...the only reason keeping me from being 100% committed is the cost! The other programs I'm applying to are about half the cost. It makes me wonder if Penn will be worth the price tag, but my experience with Penn thus far (open house, emails with Filomena, the whole process) has been so much better than the other schools. I also like how they place emphasis on students getting involved in other things on campus, such as research. At other schools it seems like it's just a whirl-wind of classes and clinicals!

I'm applying to be a GA/RA so hopefully I won't have to worry about housing during the school year. I think they said during the chat in February that a list will be sent out with everyone's email addresses so that we can contact classmates about looking for housing and everything. Also, a student in the chat room said to look early...I believe she said maybe even in April! I'm assuming you're not from the Philly area...where are you coming from?

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Hi! I just mailed my deposit in last week too! I'm pretty set on UPenn, and really excited!

The cost is definitely something thats buzzing around in my head, need to figure that out!

I'm coming from California, so it'll be a change, but I heard the place/area is great! Where are you guys planning on living? Grad Dorms? Off campus?

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I'm going too, CNM route! I've been calling around to landlords in the area (I'll be moving from Boston) and they seem to think apartments open up two months or so in advance.

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I'll be coming from Providence/Boston area. I'm debating about whether or not to apply to be an RA - the perks are amazing (the comfort of campus security, free housing, etc); But also, I was an RA during my undergrad, and I reported to a Grad Student RA -- she had a zillion responsibilities. I don't know how that would work out with an accelerated nursing schedule...

Speaking of living situation, does anyone know how accessible grocery stores are to campus? Students in the chatroom & at the Open House mentioned that having a car is the biggest hassle in the world-- but it seems very convenient for grocery shopping!

Are people also looking for loans to supplement their educational expenses? The financial aid package Penn gave me left me with lots to cover -- how do we get loans (say... from CitiAssist) by the time we need to pay our bills (ie sometime this May for summer students)?

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There is a grocery store within walking distance of the campus and many of the off-campus living apartments. Its not the cheapest grocery store in the world though. Its at 40th and Walnut in case that helps if you are deciding where to live.

I do have to agree that having a car would be difficult (Phila Parking Authority are like rabid dogs!), but I don't know where you would have clinicals and if its not in the general University City area, then a car might be beneficial.

Good luck to you all, Penn has a great reputation, but I didn't even bother applying, I know I can't afford it!

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The latest email says that we should have a summer financial aid package ready...does anyone have their's? The online financial page appears to be down (I'm assuming in preparation for undergrad decisions...I remember April 1st being official decision day back in high school!), so I can't see if I have one. Just thought I'd check in!

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I got a preliminary one in the mail several weeks ago. You might want to check with Financial Aid to see what they hold up is-I've always found them to be quite helpful.

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I'll be starting at Penn this summer too! Of all the schools I've applied to, their staff was the most pleasant to deal with and most proactive in keeping in touch with me. Filomena is awesome and continues to be a great resource.

I'm also concerned about living situations. I'll be moving from California and checking out apartments online just isn't the same. I'm thinking about settling for on-campus housing. Would anyone happen to know how difficult it will be to get a room?

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Craig's list seems to be best way to find off campus apts according to son who's Drexel student...

Good Luck in your studies!

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Thanks, NRSKarenRN!

A lot of the craigslist ads that I've looked at are for immediate occupancy. Maybe I'll start searching again in May.

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