PSU Altoona Second Degree Program

tscharf · Feb 24, 2011

A 3.6 isn't bad - I'm not sure about PSU, but a lot of schools will accept 3.0 and up. I'm sure your involvement with EMS can't hurt! I just submitted the application (including the "optional" essay) - there wasn't an interview. I did speak with the director a few times on the phone, though, about some course questions.

Make sure you have all prereqs done or in the works - I'm taking my last prereq course this spring, but summer classes (this coming summer) aren't accepted (to the best of my knowledge.)

RNMommy11 · Feb 24, 2011

A 3.6 isn't bad - I'm not sure about PSU, but a lot of schools will accept 3.0 and up. I'm sure your involvement with EMS can't hurt! I just submitted the application (including the "optional" essay) - there wasn't an interview. I did speak with the director a few times on the phone, though, about some course questions.
Make sure you have all prereqs done or in the works - I'm taking my last prereq course this spring, but summer classes (this coming summer) aren't accepted (to the best of my knowledge.)

Just wanted to add onto this, because tscharf is exactly right- get all those pre-reqs done or at least in the works prior to applying! That is something that is really going to be enforced from here on out; in my class, I was still able to finish a course over the summer, but we just had a meeting the other day about upcoming cohorts of the second degree program, and it was really stressed that candidates will be chosen from the pool that have all pre-reqs completed.

Congrats tscharf on your acceptance- I look forward to seeing you on campus in the fall!!!! :) :yeah:

blb5103 · Feb 26, 2011

Hi everyone - I also was recently accepted for fall 2011.

I am very confused about a few things. First of all, it is very obvious that I am missing a few prereqs. Example, I have never taken a course even close to microbiology. I had planned on taking it this summer. When I saw that prereqs had to be completed by the end of the spring semester I emailed Suzzane and asked her what exactly transferred and what did not. She told me that I only need to complete the HDFS course I am currently enrolled in. I'm enrolled in a Development Psych course at community college right now, I"m assuming that is what she means. I don't understand how they could waive some of the prereqs I did not complete. It doesn't make sense. Not to mention, a few months ago she called me saying that my anatomy course did not transfer and that I needed Developmental Psych and Ethics. I don't understand why I don't need them anymore.

Certainly, it would be nice to not have to take these courses but something seems wrong about all of this.

For students currently in the program - How professional is the program? Everyone I talk to seems to have no idea what they are doing. I already have submitted my deposit for Drexel's program but have my concerns about that program also. I went to Penn State UP for my undergraduate work and it was nothing like this. I know the program is new and they are still working out kinks but it all seems very unorganized.

When I emailed Suzzane my concerns she replied with 1 sentence and then asked if I was accepting my offer. I just received my letter 2 days ago. It seemed pushy and unprofessional. The letter says I have until the 4th of March to accept, which isn't much time to begin with. Other schools have given up to 2 months.

Anyone else have concerns or similar experiences?

Also, I was surprised there was not any information with the acceptance letter - no tuition details, no housing options, nothing about the program.

I would really like to hear some good things about the program from current students. Do you feel the program is adequately preparing you to be a nurse?

Shawox · Mar 1, 2011

I have similar questions but I have heard from past students that they feel very prepared plus they have an excellent pass rate on the NCLEX.

Also, they require more prereqs than a lot of other programs so it makes sense that they might waive some.

Personally I'm going because the tuition is low and the class size is small. That said I think Drexel is very good and Congratulations whatever you choose.

blb5103 · Mar 10, 2011

Thank you. I decided to decline my offer to Altoona. I received an offer from Robert Morris so, I'm deciding between Drexel and Robert Morris. I will be attending Robert Morris as long as I can get a few missing prereqs completed.

Altoona told me they substituted my Chemistry for microbiology. That's about the only question they could answer after a 7 day response time. The email was full of typos and was just generally not informative. If I had chosen Altoona, I would be smart enough to take the microbiology despite it not being required (since it may have come back to bite me later when applying to master's programs). It seemed to me that they were not looking out for my best interest as a future student or nurse. Robert Morris has been my top choice since I visited the school, so I think I will be happy with my choice.

Anyways, I hope you have a better experience and enjoy Penn State.

I went to University Park for my undergrad and my former boss from my college job told me he knew students who were successful in Altoona's program and enjoyed it.

Hopefully, someone can answer my questions for your benefit.

Congrats and Good Luck to you also!

ALantz · Mar 21, 2011

I am a little confused right now. After several emails back and forth with Dr. Kuhn I am clear that I need to finish Microbiology in order to have the requirements met. However, my last email asked her if she had a chance to look over my degree audit in order to determine if I was missing anything else ( I graduated from PSU in 2008). She wrote me back stating "Yes- you should recieve a letter in the mail in a couple of days." Would you agree with me that this means that I have met all other requirements and was accepted.. or am I jumping the gun? Any help would be great!!!

tscharf · Mar 21, 2011

ALantz - what does your status say on the PSU website? I am still finishing microbiology but have received my acceptance letter. Hope you get good news soon!

ALantz · Mar 21, 2011

Tscharf _ I am not sure what you are asking. Is there somewhere I can go to see my " status" Like I said, I graduated in 2008 from PSU and therefore I no longer have a Elion account... again, any help would be great!!!

tscharf · Mar 21, 2011

Did you apply online? If so, you should be able to go to http://www.admissions.psu.edu, click on Admissions, enter your username and password, and it tells you your current status on the left side. If you applied via paper, you might be able to call and get the information to log in (or it might be what you used to use during your undergrad.) Good luck!

ple107 · Mar 25, 2011

Hi!

I just found out today that I am on the "waiting list'" for this Fall and have lots of questions. I plan to attend the meeting on April 5th to get more information about the program but it is always good to talk to someone who is already enrolled. I would like to think that I possess the organizational skills that are required for this huge undertaking,. Needless to say, you've mastered that requirement.

If you wouldn't mind, I have a few questions for you.

1. Do you know if there is any financial aid available for this degree?

2. Do you feel that you are getting enough hands on experience?

3. What is the average amount of time spent on studying each night?

4. If there is one thing you could change to improve the program, what would it be.

I know you are very very busy, so get back to me when you can. No rush!

Thanks so much for your help.

tscharf · Mar 25, 2011

You may still get in - I know of at least one person who was offered a spot but turned it down. Good luck!

ALantz · Mar 26, 2011

I got accepted!!!!! WOW! I feel like I am on cloud nine right now! Just wanted others who are still waiting for their letter to know that I just recieved mine today. SO they are still sending them out!!! Good luck!!! See you in the Fall!