ArkansasRunner

Plus, 8 weeks is really early. From the hospital's perspective you might not have even known you were pregnant when you interviewed, and only found out after you accepted the position.

Why wouldn't you apply? The worst case is that you go through the process and don't get accepted. Then you just apply for the next cohort, and they'll probably keep at least some of your application on file to save you some hassle. Plus the experience of applying and interviewing will only help you the next time around. Good luck! I start at Duke in August- so excited!

Has anyone heard anything from financial aid yet? I thought we'd hear my march 1st.

I went to grad school in St. Louis (at WashU, not SLU). The nursing program at SLU is highly respected, but honestly I'd much rather live in Iowa City! St. Louis is a much smaller city than Chicago, but with all baggage of a big city- traffic, horrible segregation, and definitely some dangerous parts of the city. It has great parts too, don't get me wrong, but I probably won't choose to live there again.

We should hear by March 1st.

I don't remember them saying exactly how soon we'd hear from financial aid, but definitely before April 1st. I might call them tomorrow and make sure they have all of my info.

I was accepted! What a sigh of relief. Good luck to everyone who's on the waiting list- I will keep my fingers crossed for you!

I just wanted to wish everyone GOOD LUCK!! Hopefully we'll hear something tomorrow! I can barely wait!!

I was pleasantly surprised by the interviews- they were much more low-key than I expected, and the questions were easy and predictable (why do you want to be a nurse?, why is Duke a good fit for you?, what makes you prepared for the intensity of the accelerated program?...). I would also go into each of the two interviews with at least one question. Both interviewers asked me if I had any questions, and I think having something prepared reflects positively on you. Plus that gives you a few more minutes of "exposure" to the interviewer, and hopefully a better chance that they'll remember YOU out of the 160 applicants. In my first interview the faculty member told me that they were trying to be very systematic about selecting this cohort- charting all of the variables, looking at past trends, evaluating what metrics predict a successful student, etc. I believe they rate you on a 1-5 scale for each interview question, but I could be wrong. In case anyone is still planning their outfit, I would recommend a suit. I think a full-on business suit, pearls, killer heels, etc. is overkill, but you might feel underdressed in slacks and a shirt. I wore a suit, but dressed it down with more casual shoes and jewelry and I was very happy with my choice. Good luck! Rachel

Duke Nurses Running Club!! I love it!! Now we just need to all keep our fingers crossed for each other! marann1234- good luck with your recovery, and take it slow. I just came back from a running-induced foot fracture. It took FOREVER to heal but I'm so glad to be back in the saddle! I'm trying not to jump back in too quickly- I'll do whatever it takes not to deal with another injury like that!

Yeah, I'm thinking comfortable shoes are a must! Especially if we do a tour of the department or campus. I'm a trail-runner by heart, but I do run some on the road, especially because my running partner can find every single root and rock out there to trip on . I have a half marathon in late April, so I'm in a holding pattern, just working on a good base. I hope I have time to get a full in before school starts! What's on your race schedule?

Hey Guys! I'm late to the party, but I wanted to say "Hey!" to all of my potential future classmates! I'm interviewing on the 21st. Duke is my first choice, there are a few others I'll apply to, but nothing I'm as excited about as Duke! DH and I are driving over on Thursday, and then staying the weekend to explore Durham/Raleigh/Chapel Hill. What are you planning on wearing for the interview? I'm thinking a simple suit? I look forward to meeting some of you in January!! Rachel