PurpleBee

My dears, Please be aware that even though Oscar sent us the federal Stafford loan letter and informed us of how much money we qualify for, we need to apply separately for the Federal Loan. (this was news to me, so I thought it would be helpful for you to know as well) There are different lenders with different deals. Just for your information, Sally Mae's Trust lender drops .65% of the federal interest rate if you allow them to take the money directly from a checking account each month, or they give you back 4% of the first 12 payments made on time. I did not search other lenders, since I thought what they offer was ok and plus they are "friends" with Columbia Univ SON. I am not advertising Sally Mae, I am only sharing the info.

Yes, I got mine too. I think we paid a lot of money for that gift. I look forward for more surprises.

Undergrad, because we are getting our BS. If you remember when filling out FAFSA, Oscar told us to say that we are 5th year undergrads. When taking private loans, you get better deals for undergraduate studies.

Hi! I started looking for private student loans this week and I applied to only 2 thus far. I applied with a co-signer and this is what I received: 1) Sally Mae -- Interest Rate: 4.50 (this varies and is based on a simple calculation: Prime Rate - 0.75 . The prime rate is what changes frequently, and at this very moment the prime rate is 5.25. The 0.75 was calculated based on the credit check and who knows what) 2) Citi Bank -- Interest Rate: Prime Rate - 0.5% (when I called, they told me that the primary is 6% and so my interest rate would be 6-.5 = 5.5%) Both lenders gave me the entire amount I asked for, their interest rates are variable, they charge no penalties for paying the loan sooner, and they both offer a grace period of 6 months after graduation (or dropping up to part time student or leaving school). http://www.bankrate.com/brm/ratewatch/wsjprimerate.asp This is a nice website to track down the Prime Rate. As you can see, this month PR is 5.25 and a year ago was 8.25 I haven't yet decided on the loan, although it's pretty obvious Sally Mae is more convenient. Could you share your Interest Rate and from whom you obtain it from? Should I keep hunting? I had a lot of stress and frustration over this matter. Good luck!

Hi Stef82! Congratulations!!!! It must feel pretty good knowing you're in, eh? What specialty are you? I personally encourage you to read this thread and others pertaining to Columbia ETP.. I, myself spent hours reading them. This way you'll get most of questions answered and there's no need to repeat what has been said already. But I also don't want to discourage you from asking new questions and posting whatever you have in mind, so keep posting here!! Yeey, congrats again!!! Take care ps: You can PM me and get in touch through phone.. that's the easiest and fastest way.

Are you guys up for an experiment? I sent an e-mail from CubMail to my personal gmail and it took 30 minutes to arrive. Can you beat me?

I dunno about you guys, but it's been only a few hours since I activated the e-mail account and I've already received 3 e-mails from unknown and unrelated parties (although all from columbia.edu). I wonder if the account has a scam filter .. at this rate it would soon lower my tolerance level. Or maybe I should get used to it?! Some e-mails could be interesting and informative, what can I say..

Yes... I activated my UNI account today too. However, I am not too fond of it. Did all of you receive something like: XXX####@columbia.edu? (XXX= first name initial, middle initial, last name initial) I did not see the online form that needs to be completed for the face book account. Nevertheless, it was nice to receive more info about the program. We're almost there!! Oh, and the first day of orientation (May 28 from 8:30-~5pm) they will serve breakfast and lunch - nice!

Elisha, Call the office and ask if they can put you on a cancellation list; this way if a person who has an appointment sooner than yours cancels, you get a call from the office and if you are available you can take that person's spot. My app tomorrow is with a Family NP (who graduated from Yale direct entry program in 2007). I'll have a bunch of questions for her, hehe. When I called to schedule my appointment the docs were very busy and they would only see me for 15-20 minutes compared with a NP who dedicates 45-1hr with me and do all the necessary examination and immunization forms.

I think there is a late fee of $50 which then increases to 75 if the documents are not turned in within 10 days? a few weeks.. You need to check the package for details. I would fax and mail in whatever you have done thus far. (the medical history that you complete on your own, past immunization record, etc) That's what I'll do since my app is tomorrow and I will most likely need chest X ray for TB (I received the vaccine in Europe so I'm positive) which will delay the process. Best of luck.

Hi guys, What private loans do you recommend. Any banks and private lenders with a good APR? Thanks.

Wow, that seems very confusing and complicated. I would hate to be in your shoes. Everyone on this thread has a bachelor in a specific field (bio, English, geography, etc etc) and has completed some classes required for the ETP (entrance to practice) program- microbio, statistics, etc. {ETP program is designed for individuals who have a bachelor other than in nursing and who want to enter the nursing field. Some schools call this program "direct entry" - 3 year program: 1 year BSN and 2 years MSN} ETP is the first year of the program at Columbia University after which we receive our bachelor of science in nursing, and can become RNs upon successful examination of the Nclex exam. After this year, students have another year and a half or two years (depending on each specialty) to finish MSN portion of the program (masters of science in nursing). We all have different specialties .. We all received the acceptance/rejection letters in February and some of us went to the visiting day on March 7th. (on page 35 I typed a small summary on what happened that day) The ETP program starts May 28 (orientation for 3 days while actual classes start Monday June 2nd) and end August 1st. [[we have 18 units in 2 months!!!]] Fall semester starts right after Labor day (September 2nd). How come you start in the Fall? All the ETP students start in the summer. Are you sure you applied for the right program? Maybe you are already an RN and you're only doing the masters program which in that case is different than us here. I would definitely call the school again and clarify with them the situation. Maybe they have the wrong address in file for you..etc. Besides the housing application we also received the financial aid, uniforms and instrument, immunization + medical history packages. Everything has a deadline and some have late fees Read the Columbia University SON's (school of nursing) website carefully and call Judy for clarifications. Good luck

Hi Alexandria8, Congratulations for the room!!!! You are in Boston and you received a room, that is amazing! I live in CA, and I'm still waiting for the letter. I cross my fingers for a sink :) Also, congrats to everyone who got lucky! Looking forward for the AUGUST break and to meet all of you.

Yes, I do find it unfair..Although it's hard to believe that they put priority to those who sent the SON deposit the fastest when the deadline was just last week. And many people sent the deposit only after the visiting day. I personally went to the housing department after the open house to see if my application was ok, and if I was missing any documents. Initially I thought that they asked for a separate housing deposit, but that was not true. They told me that they will assign housing after the 500$ deadline (after they receive a list with who payed and who didn't) and the date that they look at when prioritizing is the date that they received the housing application from the students. I hope there's still hope for you. Where are you coming from? I'm from CA.

Hi, I called the housing department hoping that they'll tell me an answer regarding the on-campus room. I knew they'll send the letters today -- Wed, but the lady on the phone told me they'll send them Friday. One more week to wait...

Hi fnp4me, I truly hope I'll get a room, but in case I don't I will definitely have to look for a cheap bedroom to share. Good luck to everyone who applied for on-campus housing. Now that the deadline to send in the deposit and decision letter passed already, who is still in for the ETP program? I look forward to meet everyone. Oh, and I would like to ask those who decided to attend a different school what made up their mind.. why not Columbia?

Hello, Hello, So, I am already making plans for the 1 month break in August. Eager to buy the flight ticket to Europe, I decided to call Judy and see when we finish the summer semester and when we start the fall semester. Judy told me that we might have the finals on the week of 4th of August... but because she was not sure, she transfered me to someone else who told me the LAST day of classes, including the final week is the 1st of August, and we return to school right after Labor Day (September 2nd). Yet, these dates are subject to change and we'll know for sure during orientation in May. What happened last year? The ETPs had one month vacation? 10x

Hi guys, I was wondering when most students head to NY in May. I'll most likely arrive during the Memorial Day weekend, Monday (26) or Tuesday (27). If anyone is interested in sharing a taxi that day (of course if we can manage to arrive pretty much at the same time - 1h window), please PM me so I can buy my ticket soon. I will most likely fly to La Guardia Airport and taxi I'm guessing will be around $50, divide by 2 = 25 per person. One can also take public transportation for only $2, but it'll be very difficult if you have a lot of luggage (there are only stairs to get to the subway --it's a killer). Thanks

Hello future ETPs (entrance to practice), As I mentioned a few posts back, I am going to write a small summary for those who could not attend the visiting day. To be honest, no really new info was released that day.. We were sited at round tables by specialty ~ 9 people per table, also having a student ambassador and a faculty joining us. At each chair was an umbrella (very cool and needed since it rained later that day), a pen, hand sanitizer and the schedule. The day started with some intro-speeches given by Judy, Oscar (Financial Aid guy), Adele (housing lady), some profs (did not remember names).. The microphone did not work for about 10-15 minutes .. not cool, especially since I was personally waiting for the hip-hop song - which never happened this year. After about 1 h we ate (salad, bread & batter, pasta, grilled veggies, chicken) and around 1:30pm we went on a campus tour with people coming from the same geographic region. 1) Housing: contact Adele Selik in case you do not receive on campus housing and you need help with off-campus housing. She can put you on a e-mail list and you receive available apartment openings. I don't know if I can give her phone # and e-mail on this thread, but if you cannot find her on the Columbia SON webpage, PN me. 2) Financial Aid: You must be a full time student to get the rest of the scholarship. Nursing Student Loan had a fixed 5% interest rate, so get it. Have a checking and saving account at Bank of America or City Bank is best. There was also something about an annual credit report? Can someone fill in on this? 3) Uniforms: Must have white shoes - logo must be white also. You can mix the white and navy blue uniform. It is recommended to have at least 2 sets. 4) Summer '08 (18 units): have class M-F but time of class schedule may vary - sometimes you have class at 8am and finish at 4pm, sometimes you finish at 8pm. One day per week you are in the hospital. You do the skill (on medical dummies) and the physical exam (on classmates). 5) Fall '08 (22 units): you have classes M, Tu, F and clinicals W& Th. 6) Spring '09 (20 units): intensive experience with a RN. You follow her and you may get night shift (2/3 work nights). You also start 5x5. 7) Academics: grades range form A+ (must get 100%) to C-, Average GPA while in the program must be 3.0. Some people get on academic probation (this year were about 10 people), but the faculty helps you regain the power and get off the probation if this occurs. 8) Specialties: you cannot switch into anesthesia and midwifery, although sometimes students might be lucky and get into midwifery is space is available. 9) Campus tour: Most classes will take place in the same place - the library building on the 3rd or 4th floor. The building itself is not magnificent. Most classes will be in a big auditorium with over 100 ETP students; you get wireless internet, you can bring laptops and can record the lectures. For most classes you can print out the lecture from the net or the professor will bring a printed copy to class. We also get ~ 700 pages for free (for the entire 1st year? Only in the summer? I do not know). The dorm is also not very spectacular, but it has a pool! & a small gym. Yey. The student lounge and the kitchen are on the top floor. You can bring a microwave and mini refrigerator with you if you like. The room is ok for one occupancy. The dorm is veeeery close to classrooms and the hospital!!!!!! Take care and good luck!

Hi guys, I checked the certified mail receipt online and my housing application arrived at the destination. Detailed Results: Arrival at Unit, Monday February 25, 2008, 8:33 am, NEW YORK, NY 10032 Acceptance, Friday February 22, 2008, 2:48 pm, CA I sent it with Priority Mail ($4.60) and Certified Mail ($2.65) --> $7.25 total.. not bad for how fast it arrived over the weekend.. I was considering express mail at first for $16, but I'm glad I changed my mind.. I have a few questions: 1) How big is the bed? (I read somewhere in here that it is long) What bed sheets should we bring? 2) Do we need a pillow? and night lamp? 3) Does the heater work pretty well? Do we need a sleeping bag? (fall and winter semester) 4) How hot does it get in the summer? I believe we do not have an AC in the room (we can bring our own and get it installed).. should we bring a portable fan? 5) How noisy is the dorm in the summer vs. fall semester vs. spring.. do we need earplugs? In undergrad my next door neighbors were having some sort of party every other night.. Thank you! Have a good week everyone!

I just sent out the housing application with priority and certified mail yesterday, and I'm already seeing myself in the little cozy room. I hope I'll get a room with a sink.. (well, of course I'm hoping to get a room first, but I'm being optimistic). So, I am already looking (on craigslist) for a mini-refrigerator and a toaster/microwave to add to my space. We did not get any info about dining/dorm restaurants so does that mean we are eating whatever we can? :) My husband is already telling me that my dream of eating out everyday will come true so I should not worry too much about the fridge and microwave since they will only function as dust collectors. However, I do want my mini fridge and microwave in the room. Are we allowed to bring them into the dorms? I don't see why not. My husband cannot join me to NY this year so I am applying for the single dorm room. Is the bed big enough for when he comes to visit me? :) I remember the undergraduate dorms in college, and the bed was "sleepable" for 2 people :) But since college years we did add some weight too. :) I like the idea that the rooms are for one person..more privacy to us. Have a good weekend

hello people, it is possible to get accepted to bsn and not msn. i found out this a few weeks ago. i was very disappointed when i received the msn rejection letter .. it also came very late: the letter was dated january 31 and the date on the postmarked envelope was february 11. however, for people who are in this situation, they have the option to go to upenn for bsn and apply to msn after their first semester. there is a 90% acceptance rate. this year upenn had 10 students and all were accepted, last year there were about 8 students and 1 was not accepted. if a bsn second degree student sub matriculates into the msn before completed the bsn the plan of study will be the same as if they were an admitted bsn/msn student. i personally have decided to attend a school which gives me both bsn/msn: there is no guarantee that upenn will like me more after the first semester of bsn; plus, my specially is very, very competitive anyway: midwifery. good luck to everyone

The $500 deposit (which eventually will go towards the tuition in full) has to be made payable to: Columbia University School of Nursing.

ps: Yes, I am very scared.. especially since the program starts a day after my microbio final.. well, I'll find a way to take the exam earlier; but the thought of not having any break before the "boot camp" summer semester makes me very worried about my academic performance. I am already looking forward for the one month break in August; maybe I should start making plans for that mini vacation to take the pressure away a little.

hi micheleh!! Welcome.. don't be shy, post whatever/whenever. I am midwifery & WHNP as well!!! Yeey See you in May