bringinit247

Hey Y'all! Just a reminder that I set up a Facebook page for waitlisted/accepted students entering the program this summer at facebook.com/groups/173860906064372 This may be a better place to post your questions about what to bring than these forums, as people tend to be more responsive on the facebook page. A checklist I made for myself of things to do prior to the first day: background check, sign two financial aid forms provided by the Financial Aid office and then sign promissory note (for federal loans), health forms (probably the most time-consuming thing if you haven't gotten all your vaccinations), BLS, and get all of your transcripts and test results submitted to admissions. As far as textbooks/supplies, I think during orientation they tell you which ones to buy.

@peaceon I tried to PM you but looks like you have it disabled. Was wondering if we could speak about your experiences with the program, either over PM or preferably phone. I am concerned that you and other current students are having such a bad experience with the program. Although with only a few months left, aren't you guys almost done anyway??

Anyone else want to weigh in on this? Anyone? Bueller?

@ar411 I sent you a PM

Congrats!

the link above should display: facebook.com/groups/173860906064372

Hey guys! I made a Facebook group page for all SUNY Downstate applicants - accepted, waitlisted, and waiting to hear. I thought it would be a good idea to be able to meet each other and put faces to names, as well as ask questions as orientation approaches. Here is the link, PM me if you have any problems joining: Log In | Facebook

@esalandy My GPA in my pre-requisites is close to 4.0 (because I'm kind of nerdy when it comes to school), and I did well on my TEAS. I'm sure you should be fine with a 3.5; your chances are probably even better if your grades were better than that in your science pre-req's. Good luck with SUNY and PM me if you have any questions.

I'm going to be taking a DANTES Test for anthropology, because I'm missing a sociology requirement.

@iHeart88 I was told it is false that they are mailing out packages in May. They send them as they are reviewed by admissions. Mine is going to be overnight mailed on Monday.

Yeah sorry everyone for monopolizing the board. Wow those rates are really not as bad as I thought. This is really the best time to borrow money as interest rates are at an all-time low. I'd probably favor a fixed loan since rates have only one direction to go...UP. To put my economics hat on, though, Ben Bernanke said interest rates are staying the same until 2014. I wish I was borrowing money to buy a house and not go back to school, but that's what happens when you are going for a dream.

@1923 if you don't mind me asking, what kind of rates were you getting with loans without a co-signer vs. loans with a co-signer? You'd be surprised how much 0.25% will save you over the life of the loan. With mortgages people would be ecstatic to get that much of a reduction.

@iHeart88 I was told it was reviewed this past Monday (the 5th).

@1923 did you need a cosigner for ALL loans?

I heard on the phone that I got accepted, only because I built a rapport with someone in admissions and basically hounded them every day with questions. Not cool that they are waiting until May to send out letters. Columbia requires a deposit next week and I shouldn't just assume I'm accepted until I see it in writing. And May is awfully late in the game to get our affairs in order (housing, financial aid, immunizations, CPR, etc)before classes. This is annoying.

Just got an email from Jose saying that Columbia does not keep statistics of how their graduates do in the job market.

Hi, is there a Facebook page yet for accepted or wait-listed applicants to the 2012-2013 class? If not I'd be happy to start one up.

I emailed Jose asking for stats on the % if ETP grads who are able to get full-time jobs after graduating vs. the % of NP grads. If/when he sends me some, I'll share these stats both here and on the Facebook page.

One thing that stood out to me from Visiting Day was hearing (during the opening assembly), Karen Desjardins saying that students were having no trouble finding jobs. Then, talking to some current ETPers, they were basically saying the opposite. Another ETPer told me you are on your own with getting a job, ie. hospitals don't recruit students out of the school. I think the Columbia program is the best I have seen academically, but I would have appreciated a little more honesty/transparency from the administration regarding its graduates and the job market.

Any one else who can offer my more information on the program would be GREATLY appreciated. Feel free to PM me. Specifically I am looking for: - how do you rate the quality of the classes? the facility? - where do you do clinicals? are they done mostly at Downstate Medical Center, or at other locations throughout NYC? - are most graduates able to find jobs right away? - how would you rate the quality of clinical experience? - have you gained exposure to lots of different facilities? - how are the teachers? are they engaging teachers, or do you find yourself teaching yourself the material? I have lots of questions and would appreciate anyone's help. Thank you!

Hey everyone I just learned this morning that I have been accepted! Unfortunately I know NOTHING about the program, aside from what is on the website and looking through a few message boards. So is there anyone out there who can help? @nurseaig I see you have attended the program - would you have availability to talk to give your perspectives on the program?

Does anyone know if the University has published any statistics about the percentage of its graduates who have been successful finding jobs? Even better would be the percentage of grads who have gotten a job immediately after graduating vs. 3 months after graduating vs. 6 months after graduating, etc. I think this is essential information to know when making such a crucial decision. Right now all I have to go on is anecdotal information that I hear when volunteering, or from students at Visiting Day, etc. All helpful, but I think it'd be good to see some hard data.

@tnbutterfly Thank you

bump...I really need help. Is there anybody out there who can speak to SUNY Downstate?

Hello, Is there anyone out there who has attended, or is attending, the SUNY Downstate Accelerated BSN Program who can share your experience? I really don't know anything about the program aside from what's on the website and what people have said on AllNurses. I have been accepted there and Columbia and am trying to make a decision. I feel like I have lots of information from Columbia but really none from SUNY. Thanks - any info would be really helpful.