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Funny that this thread was brought back I decided not to go to any of the schools (Hopkins, Columbia, Yale) and went to a local accelerated BSN program instead - saved about $80,000 in tuition and now I'm looking for masters programs after I get some RN experience. I think you should choose based on what you feel is the best fit. They're all similar calibre and do a "quick and dirty" first year for the BSN/RN. Best of luck!

I was trying to keep things positive for those that are going! - if you really want to know, PM me

Try CCCOnline for A&P, it might be a bit less I don't believe Columbia gives any more assistance than what your financial aid package offers. They are constrained by government regulation on maximum stafford availability and by funding to the school.

I was part of that group last year and you're right...it was a constant battle with people saying "don't go, it's not worth it", "Columbia lets anyone into their nursing program", etc, etc. All I have to say is keep your head up, weigh your options, and do what you think is best. I ultimately decided not to go but it wasn't because I didn't want to, it's because I couldn't. For those of you that said you don't have the means: I started an inexpensive accelerated BSN program and now I'm almost done...so where there's a will there's a way. For those of you that are going: best of luck and I know you guys will have a great time

Guys, I understand your $$$ woes! Be sure to look at how much you'll be making vs how much you owe. A good website is http://www.finaid.org/calculators/loanpayments.phtml which will give you an estimate of what your payments might look like. I'm not trying to deter anyone - just saying to go ahead and plan for the future. It's a lot of money.

It's not - I was going to write another word :) Some tips for you guys: 1) Stay on top of things with a certain someone in financial aid. Get things in writing. 2) If you're going to need a dorm room, send your housing papers as soon as they arrive - overnight them if you have to. 3) CSON is kind of notorious for being disorganized - if you hear one thing from someone, it's likely that you'll hear otherwise from another. 4) Nothing arrives on time 5) Get your private loan lined up and ready to go so that it's not last-minute. 6) You'll soon be getting more information about uniforms, supplies, etc. 7) Finish your prereqs if you have any, all you need is a C now 8) Get some good rest, you'll need it! 9) Enjoy life while you still have one 10) Be excited!

Congrats to everyone that got in Just so that you guys know, CSON's Perkins Loan program lost its funding and got the axe so they don't give those out anymore. Also, if you go part-time after the first year, you will lose $10,000 from the nursing grant (it requires that you go through the masters portion full time). Best of luck guys - get ready to work your :omy: off

Liz: PMed

Liz & dohzenoff, I was accepted to the Columbia program (amongst a few others) but opted for a less expensive BSN program. Let me know if you have any questions, as I remember most of the process.

I applied last year and it looks like they're still using the same application website. It won't tell you your admission status - you'll have to wait for an actual physical copy of the acceptance letter to come in the mail. Historically, Columbia hasn't been very good at getting those out when they say they will. Best of luck to everyone

Unfortunately I won't be joining you guys and wish you the best of luck in the ETP program. I ran into financial problems and Columbia didn't really care to retain me (they basically said "oh ok") but we already knew the administration side was kind of lacking right? I think you will all make great nurses even if you become the "working poor." Try to weed out the negative and think about the great opportunities you'll have and the people you will help. Best wishes!

*muted trumpet* womm wommmmmm

Did everyone get their welcome card and gift from the alumni association? I have a feeling we'll be using it a lot - lol

For private loan purposes, are we considered undergraduates or graduate students??

Congrats Stef82!! :clpty: