Rutgers ABSN Newark vs. New Brunswick

[mk426]

I've been fortunate to be offered admission to Rutgers Accelerated Second Degree BS in Nursing Program, Newark & New Brunswick campus. For those ABSN students who have experience at either campus, I would appreciate your feedback/opinion. Thanks!

1. How do the class sizes compare?

2. Are facilities better on one campus vs another?

3. Is the admissions selection criteria the same for both campus? (Is it harder to get one over the other?)

4a. Are clinical rotations at the same hospitals?

4b. Does proximity to Rutgers Medical (Newark) and Robert Wood Johnson Medical (New Brunswick) affect School of Nursing on the different campuses? (ex. more/less rotation with students from other schools, networking for future job opportunities, etc)

5. General Pro/Con?

For those students who are/were in the process of making the same decision, what factors are/were you weighing?

Thanks everyone!

[mk426]

It's a little odd but I will answer the questions from my own experience. (Because I wish I had these answers when I was trying to decide. So here's to hoping this helps someone out.)

1. Newark class is definitely bigger, almost 3 times. Yikes.

2. New Brunswick has a more typical campus, whereas Newark technically has a campus but it doesn't feel like it because it's a bunch of Rutgers buildings spread around Newark. (Think NYU campus except in Newark, not SOHO)

3. I'm not sure about the admission process but my guess is... refer to #1. There are more seats available for Newark than New Brunswick.

4. Clinical sites are comparable.

If I could do it again, I'd choose New Brunswick. (Hence, the reason why I am doing the absurd thing of posting an answer to my own question. In the off chance someone is trying to make the same decision and wondering the same things.)

But when you get down to it, it's the same program, same professors, etc.

(I feel the need to throw in a reason why some people like Newark better just for the sake of balance. The home base for the program is Newark and if you're the type to go to office hours and whatnot, it would make sense to choose Newark. Also, some people might like being part of a larger cohort rather than seeing the same ~20 people for 1.5 years straight.)

[patientlywaitin]

I just got accepted to both campuses so I'm glad I found this. Thank you for responding to your own question. It was very helpful!

I would also like to know some other things:

1. How are the classes? Do people normally pass them and what happens if you fail?

2. Is it possible to work a part time job or did the program take over your entire life?

3. Have you completed the program yet?

Thanks!

[Nora Meleegy]

Those are very good questions, I'm currently applying as well and was wondering if you received answers to any of these questions