My3Sons407

A good friend of mine was pregnant while applying to PA school. A little different but just as demanding (classes, clinical rotations, etc). Her baby was a few months old and breastfed, while she commuted to school 1.5 hrs away from home everyday. Hers was not a planned pregnancy and she ended up being a single mom who lived with her parents until she graduated PA school and got a job. I don't know HOW on God's green earth she did it. she told me this was what she wanted to do, she knew it would help her take care of her daughter as a single parent, and failure was NOT an option. You, however are considering planning to have a baby while in school. Life is what you make it. If you want both badly enough and can find a way by all means, live your dreams. Only you and your hubby can make this decision. Good luck!

Oh wow. Thanks again little miss gator for your "insider information" *smile*. Honestly I had already dismissed Keiser last year so if I hadn't read your thread probably wouldn't have given them another look. I applied about 2 weeks ago and take the TEAS July 8th (which seems like a lot of time to wait for it). So my complete application process will probably take until mid-late July. Although when I was there the director of admissions (some lady) looked over my UCF transcript and took it to their registrar b/c I had a question about my pre-reqs. As she was leaving me to my admissions counselor she accidentally said "welcome aboard" as if I was already admitted. *gasp!* Maybe I'm reading too far into that but seems like as long as you're serious and willing to commit both your time and money the list of applicants is short and admittance is no where near as crucial, stressful and majorly selective as the other programs in the area. (where a 3.5-3.7 gpa still might not get in--and I don't have a 3.5) ...Now I'll really be upset if I don't get into this school!!! Anywho like you I figure if I want it bad enough and if it's meant to be I'll find a way. It would be great if my boyfriend let us live with him while I am in school. The private loans that you got were they credit based? Ha! Dunno if I can get one of those. The school still held your private loans too? I think school is around 6k/semester (or quarter?) and the regular school loans still weren't enough to cover tuition? Well darn. Oh, also you were granted financial aid loans while at UCF as a non-degree seeker? I must have misunderstood b/c I thought as a non-degree seeker you can't get anything. hmm. Maybe I'll stay at ucf and push keiser to December. Sorry I'm asking so many questions but I'm 28 and have been to like 3 different schools in the last 2 years and it's been about 3 years since I've had a decent earning job. I am ready to do what I want (nursing) and do it the right way and just finish already!! It's awesome that you're already in your 5th week of CORE nursing classes and that you have only good things to say about the program. Keep going strong and thanks so much for all your advice. Hopefully I'll run into you in August. Then I'll really have lots of questions for you!!!

I applied about 2 weeks ago at the Keiser Orlando campus. I take my TEAS July 8th. gee much later than yours. There's a link posted in another forum for downloading a study guide for the teas test. Just search teas study guide on the allnurses website. Even though from what I've heard it doesnt require much studying. I'm not sure what the numbers are for either campus as far as applications received vs. applicants admitted. I hope I get in....you too! I'll be very, very sad if I do not.

Oh I have a question, since everyone's situation is different, hopefully it's not too personal. Do you have a loan balance from your previous schooling? Ive heard so many variations of 2nd degree seekers and credit hours and zero balance from previous degree all play a role in getting that new degree. You said that you're going straight into the nursing program? That's awesome. You will be done in no time! Hmm I may have to continue at ucf until I knock out a few more pre-reqs then apply to Keiser. Did Kieser accept your transfer credits ok? Thanks

Thanks for sharing your experience Gator!!! I too have a bachelor degree and have seriously been trying to make the jump into nursing for about 2 yrs now. I started my back to school journey at VCC but wasn't approved for any aid so after paying for 2 classes out of pocket I decided not to go back. Right now I'm at UCF taking pre-reqs as a 2nd degree seeker, which was the only way I knew how to get these doggone classes paid for. I had even visited Keiser Orlando last year but was leery because no one could give me an answer regarding my eligibility for aid until after I took the entrance exam, paid registration fee, interviewed and was accepted. (I'm a worry wort and didn't want to take a chance) I had even asked if anyone has been to kieser with a degree on this site and got no answer. You have inspired me and I might just re-think my plan of action. I see you started earlier this week GOOD LUCK IN YOUR CLASSES! I'm sure you'll do great.

I'm dealing with the same issue. I too have a BA degree but I chose to do an accelerated BSN program at a state school (pending as I take PRs). Mainly because I am not employed now and can't pay for either option solely out of pocket. One of the 2 CCs in my area would not give me any financial aid towards a 2yr nursing degree and from what I understand once you have a bachelors degree you are not eligbile for aid for a 2 yr degree(??) I'm not in the healthcare field yet but I would assume that your first degree would be considered if it applies to what your employer needs (business management, hr, legal studies, social work, medical lab technology, etc, etc) These seem that they would give you a boost once you get a few years under your belt.

Ask your financial aid office. They are usually very helpful. In most schools the cut off for priority financial aid is March 1. You will have to use your dad and stepmom's info until you are able to declare independent status. Is this for the fall semester? You still have time, you should be ok.