Questions regarding assignments

[HerbyRN]

Hi, I have recently made up my mind to start applying to schools for my BSN.I am not afraid of hard work, but what scares me is writing papers. I am not the most eloquent writer and feel uncomfortable writing papers, but I understand most BSN programs online require writing. So I will have to suck it up. So I guess my question is: Typically how long are the papers? Are they usually 1-2 pages or more?

I am planning on applying to Ohio University. :)

Thanks

Melissa

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

The papers aren't bad so far but I'm only in my third class. It seems like they are anywhere from 3-6 pages. If you get PERRLA and follow the rubric it's not so bad. There is also three discussion board posts where one is your initial post that has to be done before Friday and then two responses to other students that have to be posted on separate days although sometimes the TAs don't catch it if you post on the same day.

[ShantheRN, BSN, RN]

The project in nursing excellence can get quite lengthy, from what I've heard. Once you get over your fear of paper writing (and you will, because the first class is nothing but dry boring papers!), the length isn't hard to achieve. I graduate in September and I really don't think the papers have been bad. Although, to be fair, I was an English Lit major my first go around in college. Other people that think they are terrible writers have been successful in this program :)

[AgentBeast, MSN, RN]

Honestly these papers don't have to read like Shakespeare. As long as you touch on all the required areas in the rubric, and don't use direct quotes (paraphrase and cite!) you'll usually only get a couple points taken off. The only reason you'll get points taken off is because some TA's feel compelled to take some points off so it looks like they actually read the papers. If I were grading hundreds of these things each semester I wouldn't take the time to do anything more than gloss over them. Seriously though as long as you turn everything in you usually pass each class.

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

Also, if you want to do the writing class in 8 weeks consider taking ENG 313 with Ana Mardini at Miami University. It's an easier class and I enjoy it so far. It cost a bit more, like 600-650 for the entire class. However, the writing assignments are different as it's technical writing versus writing endless pages. The first two weeks are memos and this week it's a power point.

[HerbyRN]

Thank you for your replies and encouragement! I am looking forward to starting the classes. I just have to get through the admission process. I applied Monday and my transcripts sent out on Tuesday. Do you remember how long it took to get things moving to start a class?

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

They did it really quick. I applied in December and I could have started in Feb. if I had wanted to but instead opted for a March start. I think I could have started in January if not for the hold up on getting my license number.

I think when you apply you have to pick a start date. The closest start date is usually very realistic expectation.