It's a little less than a month-and-a-half from the application due date for both campuses, and I'm up in the wee hours doing my best to ensure all the requirements are ticked off on my checklists
I was unable to apply for the incoming Fall 2015 cohort, as I had more than three pre-reqs pending, but I'm hopeful to attend Rutgers' Newark campus in the spring. Anyone else excited/scared/unnerved with the application process (especially with NursingCAS; even with an upgrade to 3.0, it still does not seem any more intuitive), or has already completed it? Also, what are your interim plans while waiting for decisions?
After being a bit of stalker on the other threads (sorry!), I'm also hoping it won't turn into the debacle that has happened with the Fall 2015 acceptance letters... although,I might have just jinxed that, and maybe with an application deadline extension, to boot!
Here's to hoping this process goes well for all of us!
How long was everyones personal statement? I am unsure if my mine is too long.
Hi Lizzie626!
Same here; that time that it takes to have our transcripts verified scares me, so I'm glad there's some time to allow it to happen!
My personal statement ended up being a page-and-a-half, however I did inquire and the person who assisted me over the phone from the office of admissions said there is no set length. I'm a little apprehensive, though, because I know that unless one is well-established and it is for a high-level position (e.g., doctorate program or directorship, explaining relevant research studies and expanding on specialized experience), it usually should be around one page
Well as an applicant who went through this process for the fall, I must say, be ready to go through some frustrations. I was hoping this time around it would be different and that perhaps they had become a bit more organized....doesn't seem like that's going to be the case. The deadline for the Fall semester was also extended. It took them about two months to finally make decisions after the deadline had passed. Then a couple of weeks following the decisions, the orientation was scheduled.
They say that it takes about 6 weeks for them to make a decision and hopefully this time around that's true. However, expect to be making many calls to the school for updates. In fact, a lot of us had to call because no letter had been sent and we had in fact been accepted into the program.
I don't mean to put a damper on all of this, but I did want to give all of you a heads up. I would have liked it while I was going through the process just a few months back. It is a great program and it will be worth it but just be prepared. lol
FYI - Although I was accepted into the fall program I deferred to the Spring Semester, so I hope I get to see all of you there!
I would say a couple of hundred applicants at least. Remember this program is not only from the original Rutgers program but it also encompasses applicants from the merger with UMDNJ (who also had a similar program.) I went to an information session at the beginning of the year and I believe they did mention a number of applicants that they accept, it was rather low, but I can't remember the exact number.
In the another thread (the one for the fall semester) applicants were speculating that perhaps the deadline was extended because there weren't enough applicants. However, I don't believe that is true. This program is very sought out and it happens to be one of the less expensive Nursing programs. I, for one, think they extend it because in the first wave they may not have had sufficient qualified applicants. Again, these are all speculations....
Lizzie and Mimi, for some reason I have the number 30 in my mind. Don't quote me on this, but I think I remember Nikia Bomar-Dalce, Rutgers Newark Nursing Recruiter, telling me that's how many people get accepted.
I'm also applying to this school as a back up in case I don't get into my top choice. I haven't really heard much about Rutgers absn in terms of reviews, but I guess that could mean there isn't really anything bad to say about it.
I am in the cohort that started this Fall, after a whole lot of waiting! Hang in there!
It seems like you guys are all on top of the application process, I would be happy to answer any questions you have about the program itself. Though we only started a few weeks ago, you really hit the ground running in this program and I feel as if I've already learned so much in so little time. Good luck to you all!
Ok, I will answer these the best I can.The program is no joke. We move at a truly accelerated pace, and you do need to be ready to dedicate a good amount of time to school work. That being said, I maintain a job working 15 hours a week, I workout 4-5 times a week, and I have plenty of time to socialize. It's about finding your balance. If you dedicate quality time to studying, you will have time to continue living your life. There are several mommies and daddies in our program and they are able to manage just fine as well :) long story short, if this is what you love, you will be okay!The program is not organized but it often is not the fault of the person you are in contact with. Be prepared to be flexible, and to hear about things at the last minute. Most professors try their best to be accomodating if there is a true conflict. The goal is for Everyone to pass! The professors I have this semester are excellent and extremely intelligent. You will enjoy their courses for the most part.I am on the Newark campus, and this semester none of the clinical assignments are in Newark. Most likely, you will have to travel south for a few of your clinicals. But they do take into account where you live! I live in Passaic county and my clinical this semester is in Summit NJ. Not a bad journey for me.As far as my admission stats, don't get hung up on this. They actually mean it when they say they take everything into account! At the same time, there are 50 or so of us in our cohort and I'm not sure how many applied, but I know there were at least 100 or maybe more. It is competitive, but if one aspect of your app isn't seamless it won't be the end of you! I graduated with a bachelors in biology with a 3.65 GPA, 4.0 in my prereqs. I had experience as a medical tech assistant for 2.5 years and some clinical research experience. I held a couple other various jobs and I was a member of my college's club swim team. I can't think of anything else really that I had on my application that was stand out for me. Good luck !! :)
Hi lte16! Thanks for giving us your wonderful feedback. It's very much appreciated.
Can you give us what classes you are taking this semester, as in, their names? Which is your favorite/least favorite, why?
And as far as clinicals, when is your first week doing them? What are the coveted locations? I'm from Passaic County too and would hope I get a close enough location.
I am worried about the out of pocket expenses. Please tell me anything you can about uniforms/scrubs, stethoscopes, and all others.
Those are all the questions I have right now, but I'm sure I'll have plenty more! =) lol
This semester we're in pathophysiology, foundations of nursing practice, health assessment, nursing informatics, and cultures lifestyle and health. Health assessment has a lab, and foundations has a clinical. I actually enjoy all the classes because they are all very relevant to nursing! But patho is my favorite, even though it's difficult, it's by far the most fascinating in my
opinion. Our clinicals in fact start immediately, but for the first 7-8 weeks you are in a lab learning skills, and then you begin to report to the hospital about two months later. Clinicals for us this semester are at raritan bay, overlook, or St. Peter's, but it changes every semester. The list of possible hospitals is long, but there's a lot involved in getting clinical sites and placements and who fits where. Finally, there are a lot of little upfront one time costs. There's the uniforms, books, nursing kit, stethoscope, background check, parking pass, among other little things I can't remember right now. But, this is easily the most cost efficient program that I was aware of in this area.
Thanks again for chiming in and answering questions, guys! It's much appreciated í ½í¸Š.
- I was also wondering if most students form study groups together, or is it mostly individual study ?
- also, how do you think this program compares to other ABSN programs in the area (FDU, Seton Hall, Caldwell, Felician, etc)? I know Rutgers is a good school, but Im applying to several programs and wanted hear some opinions.
but just be prepared. lol 
lacerti, BSN, RN
48 Posts
Hi Lizzie626!
Same here; that time that it takes to have our transcripts verified scares me, so I'm glad there's some time to allow it to happen!
My personal statement ended up being a page-and-a-half, however I did inquire and the person who assisted me over the phone from the office of admissions said there is no set length. I'm a little apprehensive, though, because I know that unless one is well-established and it is for a high-level position (e.g., doctorate program or directorship, explaining relevant research studies and expanding on specialized experience), it usually should be around one page