2014 PLU applicants?

anichka · Oct 6, 2013

I am applying there too... actually, they are my first choice now after learning more about them just in the last few weeks! I am applying to the entry-level MSN program.

Which program are you applying to? I would recommend going to an info session if you can. I found the info session I went to a week ago very helpful, and I left with a great big warm & fuzzy feeling. I really want to go there now though and I hope I am not too crushed if I don't get in.

The application process seems somewhat easier than UW because they don't seem like they are sticklers about the details and there is no HCE requirement. Still, it's about the same, at least for the MSN - but 2 recommendations instead of 1, and you get to write more (up to 4 pages) about your goals and why PLU. You can submit up to 4 recommendations as well if you like.

Re. "sticklers about the details" - I mean specifically how the UW emphasizes that they will not even consider applications that are not formatted correctly. I asked at the PLU session if my resume had to be in any particular format and they said no. That's the type of stuff I mean. You still have to have the right pre-reqs, GPA requirements, etc.

Just_keep_swimming · Oct 7, 2013

It sounds like they are def easier! They are my back up, unfortunately. I'm in the Air Force, & the AF has a scholarship program (NECP) that will pay for me to finish my BSN, but UW Seattle is the only school that meets all their requirements. I'm applying to PLU as a back up plan, where if I don't get into UW or get into the NECP, I may decide to get out, finish my degree, then possibly come back in. I applied to UW last year, but didn't get in, I completely blew my proctored essay

I will def try to hit up the info session, thank you for that info ! :)

Just_keep_swimming · Oct 7, 2013

Also what is HCE requirement? I haven't had a chance to go in depth to their requirements for this year, is that new? :/

I also remember how "stickler for details" they were!! So frustrating!

anichka · Oct 7, 2013

Nothing new - the UW's HCE is 100 hours (you know that one already!) and there isn't one at PLU. There are also fewer pre-reqs at PLU.

I almost didn't go to the info session last week because I wasn't feeling well and I really didn't think I was that interested in PLU. But I am so glad I went - I got a great impression. I love that the program is small, 20 students (more for BSN I am sure but not huge). The associate dean was super nice.

The cost is the scary part, but I figure I will wait until I get accepted or rejected to REALLY worry about those things. I think as an undergrad, esp military, you will have more options (look at their Yellow Ribbon program if you haven't already).

Just_keep_swimming · Oct 7, 2013

Good idea about the yellow ribbon program, I always forget about that. How bad is the cost? You should look into scholarships, pell grants, FAFSA. They have scholarship programs for everything now a days! There are a couple scholarship program search engines that my education office gave me, I'll look up the info & get back to you. It was everything from "Women's history organization type scholarship, to a VA scholarship, and other organizations, not just the school but places locally that want to help their community, so it may not be a well known scholarship, which helps you bc there wouldn't be many applicants. :)

anichka · Oct 9, 2013

From the website,

Pre-Licensure Foundational Portion, first 15 months, 55 credits: $33,000

Post-Licensure Master’s Portion, Care and Outcomes Manager, 30 credits: $27,860

Total for 85 semester credits: $60,860

- that's for the ELMSN program. I will look into financial aid too but I know it is not as readily available at the grad school level as undergrad. I would be very interested in any programs that involve working with an underserved population and some reimbursement for school.

The good thing at PLU at the undergrad level is that MOST people do receive some financial aid.

Just_keep_swimming · Oct 23, 2013

Eek ? that is a lot! I really hope you can find some place to assist with reimbursement! How are your applications going? Started today & I'm remembering how much I procrastinated last year...I hate writing about myself. Stressing slightly about not getting as many hours as I want for UW, but I'm still going to try dang it! Positive thoughts ?

anichka · Oct 23, 2013

Things are okay. I've been working on my personal statement for about two weeks though! It's harder to write than I thought. Usually I have no problem writing essays, but I am struggling to avoid sounding trite ("I want to be a nurse because I want to help people..."). It's coming along slowly but surely.

Don't worry too much about the number of hours you have. They said that in the info session, too: more hours doesn't count for more "credit." As long as you're able to get valuable experience, and the required number of hours - and you can reflect that in your overall application - you should be in a good position.

May25 · Nov 13, 2013

Hello - I am highly interested in the PLU elmsn program. I will not be applying this year, but next - for the 2015 cohort. I was wondering if those who have applied/been accepted could give me a little information on their GPAs, prerequisite GPAs, and volunteer hours. I would just like an idea of where I stand. Thank you!!

anichka · Nov 14, 2013

You can find more about that in depth on their website, but you'll need a 3.0 (out of 4.0) overall GPA from your bachelor's and on pre-reqs. No volunteer hour requirement.

I highly recommend going to an info session if you are local. They are very helpful. They are also great over email - I've had several questions throughout the application process and they get back to me within one business day.

maly14 · Jan 10, 2014

anyone heard anything from PLU yet??