kcwolf200

I just finished my 1st year with a 4.0 GPA. I have a daughter who was 6 months old when I started and is now 18 months old. It requires time management, but I spend time with my daughter every night and don't feel like I have missed out on anything. Also, she will be 3 years old when I graduate. That means that she will not remember when I was in school like she would if she was older. I am glad I did it now and not waited until she was older. Oh, I have also known 2 people who got pregnant and delivered while in school, and both have done just fine (although they said it was a little rough). If you really want to do school and have a baby, it can be done. You'll find a way to make it work.

I have been using INGDirect.com. I believe the interest rate is 4.35%. I put the whole amount in that savings account. It takes 2 business days for the money to transfer from the savings into my checking account. What I have done to ensure that I manage the money well is that every 2 weeks on my wife's payday, I transfer the money into checking (with a 2 day headstart). That way, most of the money keeps earning the high interest rate and I continue recieving a "paycheck", just from a different source. This method has worked well, since I have heard of people running out of money and having to obtain more loans. Plus, it is much easier to budget and keep track of than having a huge sum of money in your checking account.

So am I correct in assuming that loans that are sent directly to you are the non-school approved loans? Here is what I am wanting to do. I would like to take out $50,000 for this year in outside the cost of education loans (my school states the max at $30,000/year). I am taking out this much because I will have to maintain 2 residences for 6 months (my family will not join me my first semester) and this will also allow an extra "buffer" for any unseen emergencies or expenses. I just don't want to have to worry about money while in school. Next year, I should be able to take out less. Is this possible? Has anyone else done something like this or taken out this much? What loans did you take out? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I looked into this program a little and was going to apply. My reason for wanting to apply there was because I have family in Phoenix. I was unable to find anyone that was familiar with the program and all I knew about it was what I found on their website. Long story short, I did not apply and was accepted to TWU. Sorry this isn't much help, but I thought at least one person should reply. Good luck.

What's the most anyone has taken out for one year of school to live off of? I will have to move twice through my program and for my first semester, have to help pay for two residences (mine and the one that my wife and child stay in back home). My school said that the max that you can take out for "outside the cost of education loans" is $30K/year. I understand the school and non school approved loans, but it seems that most people just take out the $30K/year. With the moves I have to make and also wanting to have some money set aside for any unforseen emergencies, I am just wondering how much you can really take out. Thanks.

The interview went well. Most of the stress that I felt was me putting it on myself. Everyone was friendly and I really learned a lot about the program in talking with some of the students that were there doing the interviewing. I interviewed in Nov and here is how mine went: I started out in a room with other interviewees where a written test was given to me. There is also a Powerpoint presentation that answers many questions about the program (such as clinical sites, how many students they are accepting, and when to expect to be notified of acceptance). They will call you from this room to go to one of your three interviews. One room had a CRNA and two students currently in the program. This room focused on physiology and medications. The second room had an instructor and a student and focused on your personality, how you handle stress, and how you have prepared for the saacrifices that you will have to make through school (such as finances). Be honest in your answers. The third room had the director and two students and this was a "just getting to know you" type of interview. It was very laid back and it seemed like they just wanted to find out a little about me. One other thing. My interview was at 8:00AM and I was done at 9:30AM. In talking with students at the interview, I was told that these early interviews are the best to get because they get backed up. One student said that his interview was scheduled at 1:00PM and he didn't get done until 6:00PM (sat around waiting for most of it). I was accpeted to the program, but I decided to attend another school. I really liked the program and the people that I met there, but the program I decided to attend worked out better with my family. I would highly recommend ASU. Good luck on your interview and I hope this will be helpful to you.

I will be starting at Texas Wesleyan in the fall also. I am always willing to talk with future classmates so feel free to PM me with any questions.

I am also interested in what some of you have to say about this. I am getting ready to apply for these loans and would like to hear what others have done.

Can we make this thread a sticky? It has been very helpful to me and I am sure others. This would keep people from having to search to find it. Thanks.

I decided to buy a Palm E2. I really like it. I used to use a Pocket PC and I like my E2 better. It is easy to use and I have already beamed programs with a coworker. Thanks for all your input. I almost got a Palm TX, but I am not sure that I needed the WiFi. Bonita, good luck on your interviews and hope to see you in the fall!

I have a quick question for those of you in school. I know a lot of people have PDA's to keep track of cases, look up meds, etc.. I start at Texas Wesleyan in the fall and was wondering whether I should get a Windows based PDA or a Palm based PDA. What do you guys think?

I recommend shadowing a CRNA. I did this a few times and it really helped me come up with an answer to that question that was honest and personal to me. It also prepares you for the "what is inside the scope of a CRNA's responsibilities?" or "what all does a CRNA do?" questions.

Sent you a private message.

I had all of my stuff in by the last week of August.

I am starting CRNA school in the fall at TWU and my wife will be moving down to Ft Worth with me. She is an RN and will be looking for a job. She has 4 years experience (2 years post surgical and 2 years ICU). Anyone have any advice on which hospitals are good to work for? What is the pay like? Also, what are some good daycare centers? Any replies would be appreciated. Thanks.

I was offered a slot at TWU right after my interview. I was initially told that they usually don't tell people until about April. I know other people that are in the program and told that usually people are not notified until then, unless you have been accepted to another program and need to know where you stand at TWU. Hang in there and good luck. Hope to see you in the fall!

I called the surgery department at my hospital and asked about following a CRNA. My hospital was very helpful and directed me to the right person who set it all up. Even if you don't work in a hospital, just call and let them know you would be interested in following a CRNA and see what they say. I will PM you about my interview later this week and give you some tips to pass on to your friend. Have a happy Thanksgiving.

I would suggest to follow a CRNA a few times and see if you like any aspects of what they do. This is what really made me decide to persue this carreer. It also helps in the interview process because at my last interview, I was asked "what all does a CRNA do or what is your understanding of a CRNA's responsibilities?". This question is a lot easier to answer if you have followed a CRNA. As for TWU, when does your friend interview? I interview on Tuesday, but would be willing to give you some tips for her after my interview.

I interview on Tuesday Nov 22. I will be glad to give you any tips after my interview.

I interviewed at Arkansas State on Nov 5th and at the interview they said that they would notify me of whether I was accepted or not in about a month. I don't know how many applicants they get, but I know that they accept 30-40 students for class of 2007. Have you already interviewed at Ark State? If not, let me know and I can answer any questions for you.

I have an interview at Texas Wesleyan next week also. Do you interview on the 22nd? If so, what time? This will be my first interview so I am a little nervous. Sorry I don't have any tips for you on the interview, but just wanted to let you know that I would be interested in being a part of your support group. Good luck next week.

Congrats on getting an interview. I have one at ASU on Nov 5th at 8:00AM. I have heard that there is a written test that we have to take and that we will spend time interviewing with the director. I do not know any other specifics. Good luck on your interview. As for the program, I have a friend in it now and he loves it and highly recommends it to anyone.