droux

The scope of practice for ACNP is deeper but narrower. I am not certain that is what I want anymore. You learn more about yourself and your interests as you go through the classes and various clinical rotations. FNP is definitely the largest cohort in ETP, so you would be in good company :) Here is the Columbia Nursing student blog. Hope you find it slightly funny and/or helpful: Student Blog | School of Nursing The one called switching specialties is humorous because now I've seen how much this happens.

They were on the new West Campus in Orange when I interviewed. It was very separate from EVERYTHING. The only things nearby were hotels and an outback steak house. After living in NYC for 7 months (I moved from California), I can't imagine living in CT. I feel like I made the best life decision ever. NY is amazing. Columbia is awesome. I love the program. I am currently in the Acute concentration, but might switch to Adult-Gero concentration. Another plus of Columbia is they allow you to freely switch tracks (except midwifery and Anes, those two are kinda on their own separate from everyone else after the first year).

I'm a current Columbia ETP student. We are now halfway through the program. I tried to go through and read many of the posts on this thread, but there are 21 pages. VERY active group! I remember the application process well, very nerve racking. I had 1 pre-req outstanding (stats) when I applied. I also applied to UCSF, Yale, MGH, and a few other places. I forgot the whole list... it seems like SO long ago now. I was rejected from UCSF. I interviewed at Yale, I was not wow'ed. I chose Columbia over MGH. To the person who took Stats and got a low grade, so sorry to hear that If you can fit it in your schedule to take it again, I would try to do that. I don't mean to sound pessimistic but I would be shocked if they accepted a grade lower than a C. Most people have 4.0 for their pre-req's. Here to help if I can answer any questions. Also open to PM's if anyone has any very specific questions. Good luck guys!

ariahralingarts is totally correct. DNP is the new national education standard for NPs as of 2016. This years Columbia ETP class is the last masters level NP class. Even though we were admitted to the master's program, we've all been "strongly encouraged" to complete the DNP. Google it and read about the shift to DNP, it's everywhere now.

Most people get $25k Columbia PLUS (pre-licensure undergrad scholarship... free money). That brings the tuition down to $57K. There are 2 other scholarships that are need based: RWJF and Teich, they are worth $10K each. You have to be pretty "financially disadvantaged" to get either... I applied, but I was not poor enough. Federal loans and such depend on what you've already used up from first undergrad degree (Stafford etc have limits) and your info on FAFSA. Can't believe you guys are already starting a 2015 thread... haha, very gunner of you :)

I looked at ratings, and did a fair amount of research. I decided on Discover Student Loans. I applied last week (as a 5th year undergraduate). I am in my thirties, have excellent credit, and my parents still had to co-sign. I thought that was odd, but whatever get me a lower interest rate is fine. I have no idea why to be honest. The application was already approved by Discover, was sent to Columbia, and the school is in the process of certifying/accepting the loan. I had a few questions when filling out the Discover application, so I called customer service... to my shock and dismay, an actual human being answered the phone. She was very nice and helpful. The website is easy to use, too. My one week of experience with Discover has been pleasant thus far. If you look up the ratings, you will find a lender that meets your needs. I heard Citi is good too. Good luck!

@bluefossil. Yes, that is true for NorCal, not too many choices if you are committed to living only in this area. There are other entry level programs in other parts of California (Cal State LA for example). I applied all over the US. I am from the East Coast originally, so I am fine with moving back there for school.... I can come back to wonderful sunny California afterwards (I actually live in Oakland now, not far from SMU). Good luck to you all! Waiting is the hardest part!

I applied for FNP and I haven't heard anything. At all. No interview, no emails, just silence. I've called twice and emailed twice, neither were answered. At this point, I am taking it as a silent rejection and moving on. I have deposits due at other schools within the next few weeks so I am going to pursue those options.

You can try posting your questions here (but this might not be the best place given that you have no questions about Columbia and this is the Columbia thread...?) You might have better luck on UCD's thread because the people on there will know more about that school. And besides, this thread is pretty dead now (so not many people are going to see your questions). Also, a good source of support would be the respective "accepted students Facebook group" for NYU or UCD. The Columbia accepted student Facebook group has been a great source of support/information for those planning to attend Columbia! I've already connected with a few students in California who are also moving across the country in May. I did not apply to any bachelors programs at all, nor did I apply to UCD (because they have no Direct entry NP options). Having said all that... if you still want our opinions and you think this is the best place to post your questions, then go for it! Maybe someone will have good advice, it's a smart bunch of people!

From what I can tell, most of the people admitted to Columbia have jumped ship from this site and joined the Facebook group. I am generally not a fan of Facebook, but I reluctantly joined the Columbia group yesterday... and I have to say the Columbia ETP FB group is really active, the people are nice, and there are former students in the group to answer questions. I don't think you have to be admitted to join the FB group, waitlisters are welcome, so come on over! Also, there is a lot of discussion about JHU applications on FB, but no one seems to be talking much about MGH. Students are also talking about BC. Since the MGH accepted students day is happening on April 26th (which is just 4 weeks before Classes begin at Columbia, on May 28th) I think many people have already committed (at least mentally) to one option or the other. Admittedly, I was intrigued reading the info you posted about MGH. The hybrid option sounds really cool. Good luck at whatever school you choose! :)

@davidbgray83, they definitely are not struggling for applicants (especially given how few direct-entry programs there are in California). You must have had a very compelling reason why you were applying late or you are just an exceptional applicant they didn't want to live with out. Either way, awesome for you!

Hey guys, I am most likely attending Columbia (acute care), but I'm not able to make it to accepted students day. Could you guys possibly share anything interesting you learn that day? I plan to attend one of the financial aid webinars, so I'm mostly talking about non financial info. Message post, PM, email, carrier pigeon... anything will work! Thanks so much!! I filled out the application for "on-campus" housing... does anyone know when we can expect to hear back? I've been apartment hunting just in case, mostly via craigslist. I plan to use the Columbia University apartment brokerage firm (discount for Columbia students) if I don't get on campus. FYI Even though we don't have Columbia IDs yet, if you fax you're acceptance letter they will issue you a temp ID, and the off campus housing/apartment brokerage people can then work with you.

@hudafuturefnp you definitely can't apply to the masters program until you have a bachelors. I pm'd you.

I think it will be exactly like the interview notifications.... an email link to check our application and the status will be there. Reason #856 why living in California is awesome... all this will probably happen before lunch!

That's a helluva lump of coal @jmpsych! Congrats. May that impressive lump of coal cradle you in it's comforting soot as you wait for the Yale decision.