Maseca

There were about 100 people interviewed last year I believe. I think there were three sets of three days for interviews last time. I could be wrong though.

I don't think it can hurt to keep them updated!

If its just a numbers game I wouldn't have been accepted. They look at each candidate individually, with emphasis on your recent work. My cumulative gpa was less than 3.0, but my last 60 units were 3.9.

I know they have selected the Early Accepance candidates, since I'm helping at an event for them next week. Interview invites shouldn't be far off!!! Hang in there guys :)

FYI waiters, the campus is closed until January 7th so you can try and relax at least until then.

You're right mochikat. Also, our class wound up being almost 60 people. Not sure if they are planning that many in the next cohort, but it seems likely.

Finals are next week. Mildly traumatized ;)Profs are great, TAs are also awesome. All in all it's been an excellent semester!

There will be at least a couple of people from my cohort there to answer questions :)

I think everyone has a difference outlook. We are just starting our first tests, and a lot of people are nervous. But for the most part I think we have a good solid cohort! We start clinicals in two short weeks!!!

Hi guys, thought I'd check back in and see if anyone has questions for a current student :) We are just starting week 5!

Couldn't agree more with MochiKat's assessment of why orientation week has done nothing but solidify my enthusiasm for Western. I can't wait for classes to start! See you Monday MochiKat!!!!

BeesMama, I think the biggest question is what is your GPA for your last 60 college units? Western puts an emphasis on this, and really likes to see a strong upward trajectory for grades. Western is a VERY competitive program, and they admit less than 10% of applicants. With that in mind, I honestly don't think that 3.2 and no healthcare volunteer work is sufficient unless your last 60 units are stellar. I don't want to be discouraging, but I want to give you realistic information. Here's my background in a nutshell. My overall GPA is a pitiful 2.8, most of that from college 15+ years ago. I graduated with a BS in Public Health with honors in 2011, and my last 60 units are a 3.9. Western doesn't look at strictly prereq GPA (mine is 3.75 though), mostly last 60 units. I have over 1000 hospital volunteer hours, but all of that is from 15+ years ago. I've been employed full time as an executive assistant/paralegal for more than 10 years, and have been working on this career change while working full time. I'm also an Army veteran. In my personal statement I really emphasized why my GPA sucked so much early on (single, 19 year old parent, etc.), why I want to be a nurse practitioner, and how I've proven my time management skills and academic skills have improved over the last 15+ years. I also discussed why I was interested in Western's program specifically, and why I would be a successful student there. I hope that helps some. Please feel free to ask me anything, I'm totally an open book!

I'm sure it depends on your individual circumstance, but I have a mix of Stafford loans and Grad Plus loans.

You can get loans for the entire 4 year program, not just the pre-licensure portion.

I'm so glad you guys don't have to deal with NursingCAS this go-around. That was a nightmare.

I haven't started nursing school yet (one month!), but this story sounds very familiar to me. I was that little girl when I was a child. My mother has had addictions to pain medication most of my life, and as a result, I ended up being the parent in the situation. When we would go to the hospital, and I would be the one to try and get "help" for my mom, mostly because I really wanted to go back home and sleep. I could go on, but needless to say, that little girl was being forced to take on concerns and responsibilities far beyond her years I know your time with patients is limited in the ER, but what can be done for the kids in that situation? Would it have been appropriate to tell her in some way that she doesn't need to be responsible for her mom, that the doctors and nurses were taking care of everything? Could some sort of intervention be done to help the children who are forced into a caretaking role due to their parent's addictions? What can the nurse's role be in that aspect?

YAY!!!!!!

I start the MSN-E program at Western in just a few weeks. I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have :)

I took both microbiology and physiology with labs online with University of New England, and was accepted into a highly competitive MSN-Entry program. I called the school first to make sure they would accept those courses. I'd assume each program is different, do definitely call the schools you are interested and ask them specifically.

I feel for you guys on the waiting list I can't believe they havent called anyone yet!!!!

I'm sorry you guys haven't heard anything yet. Hopefully soon!

The application process was frustrating because Western used a system called NursingCAS. My understanding is that they had so many problems with it, that they will not be using it in the future, so that's good. The staff at the university are great. Really, really great. I went to two Information Sessions and one Preview day. One of the recruiters remembered me. And at one of the information sessions, Dr. Lopez, the head of the program, spent a good 30-40 minutes talking with me about my background, and how I can optimize my application. I took notes during the Info sessions about what things they emphasized, and really worked that, and Dr. Lopez's advice, into my personal statement and application. And I've spent the last several years reading up and staying current on health news and nursing trends, which really helped in my interview. A great thing about Western is that they really and truly look at each application as a whole, not just as a set of numbers. Some of my stats are spectacular. Some are horrendous. The fact that I was accepted tells me that they don't just say they're reading each application and looking at each person as an individual... they mean it.

Lizzie, I start the program this fall. :)

I started investigating MSN-E programs at least three years ago. I decided on Western because of their focus on humanism, efforts to provide for medically underserved communities, and their emphasis on interprofessional collaboration. Once I went to a couple of info sessions and talked with both faculty and current students, I knew it was the right school for me. It's small, and it seems like every single employee is dedicated to making sure their students succeed. As far as the Pomona area... I won't lie, it's not great. Claremont is nearby, and much safer. BUT, Pomona provides an excellent location for working with underprivileged patients. There are lots of great communities nearby, but I personally wouldn't live in Pomona.

Western is the only school I applied to.