Summer Entry 2012 Accelerated BSN Johns Hopkins

[MarwaT]

Okay I have searched far and wide to find a topic relating to this but have only found older ones... I mean come on guys the world isn't really going to end December 2012. So here's to the 2012 application cycle!

I have a ton of questions for those who are applying and those who have applied and those who are in the program. Any and all input will be much appreciated. Also just so you know, I will be attending the October 1st open house.

If I were to describe myself, I would say grade-wise I am not the strongest candidate for JHU's nursing program as it is considered top in the nation. HOWEVER I have great experience and recommendations to cancel that out. I am also trying really really hard to make those essays seem great but only 300 words?

So to anyone reading this post, what do you think I can do to make myself a stronger applicant?

Relating to specifically JHU, I have heard a million different things about their program. From "it really sucks and is not worth it" to "best program EVER". JHU is supposed to be a school that is the leader in research and also has a global perspective. Can anyone else tell me what is so special about JHU's nursing program? What is your personal experience with it?

As far as location and campus, I think it doesn't matter as long as the educational program is incredible.

p.s. You are awesome for reading my novel. There have been many a times where I skipped over long posts.

[MarwaT]

yay congrats jiwonkim89! i totally want to meet your adorable pooch!

[ALXiong]

Hope everyone had a wonderful long weekend! Anyone has been to interview yet? I finally had time to contact the office today and the lady who made the schedule said that their interview time were very full. I could not get an appointment until next Tuesday. I am just curious if anyone is willing to post some questions that the admission officers ask during interview. I am so nervous about it and I have no idea how to prepare for it. I don't have much experience for school interviews. If you have any suggestions or advises. Please let me know. Thank you very much.

[cnd29]

I have scheduled my interview for December 2nd, but it is with the midwifery faculty. Apparently their decision is completely different than the ABSN. I called the woman I will be interviewing with and she was very nice and super understanding. I am continually impressed by how wonderful the individuals I have interacted with at JHU have been. I have a full day planned when I go down including a tour, an information session, a meeting with financial aid and my interview. I am very excited!

ALXiong, what MSN program are you applying to?

[MarwaT]

I totally agree cnd29 about the supportive faculty. I got an email yesterday saying my application is complete from Ray! It was very nerve wracking to not get that yet. Within this one month we are supposed to find out!

If anyone else is biting their nails like me, I have some advice for you:

there is no point in thinking negatively! Once you find out you know but right now you can dream away. It's kind of like the butterflies stage...you like them and you are waiting to find out if they like you back...haha

[leenak]

Out of curiosity, where does everyone live? I live in Montgomery County and I'll possibly be looking for commuting buddies. Not necessarily in my county but definitely 'on the way'. I'm also considering a mix of the ICC bus and Marc train or light rail.

[MarwaT]

Well I live in northern Virginia so commuting is not really an option for me. Someone to room with would be good for me!

[leenak]

Ha! I was even having a crazy idea of renting a room somewhere in Baltimore that I'd use a few times per week. I don't think my husband would appreciate it.

[MarwaT]

I was wondering how much studios cost...

leenak it would be difficult to spend nights away from your husband though

[ALXiong]

cnd29: i applied to their fnp program for master. i heard it is very competitive. i am just glad that i will have a chance to be interviewed. hopefully, i will make a good impression.

anyone from nor cal? i live at bay area. baltimore is different from where i live now, but it is definitely a good experience for me. i never lived outside of california myself.

[leenak]

I'm originally from Southern California. I love Maryland and be happy to live here for the rest of my life but due to familial considerations, I may try to move back to California after I go to nursing school. I also investigated going to nursing school in California but the out of state fees are quite high.

Baltimore is well Baltimore. My impression of it is that it is a working class city and that is its heritage. Other cities try to hide their industries but Baltimore seems to showcase them. It is an urban environment with a lot of issues that urban environments tend to have. There are good aspects to it and there are some negative aspects. Poverty is definitely an issue and as such you tend to see a bit of crime and a large homeless population, both of which aren't strangers to urban environments. The good thing I see though is JHU seems to be involved in the community and works for the betterment of the community.

[ALXiong]

Thanks leenak for the great description of Baltimore! I chose JHU for early admission is also because of their community involvements for a better health care to under served population. I worked at a city clinic one year to provide health related and social services to Medicaid recipients and translation for patients whose primary language were not English. The experiences that I had totally changed my mind what I want to do for the rest of my life. Hopefully, JHU will accept me, so I can help those under served population.

[leenak]

My decision to quit my current career and go into nursing has many reasons but I think, now more than ever, the underserved populations are really suffering. I really want to be part of helping fill the gap there. I live in the suburbs of DC and really the only reason I'm willing to put up with the commute is I think the experience will be critical to work towards that goal. If I get into the MSN portion, we may look at moving but for now I have the commute to look forward to if I get in.

One thing great about the east coast is you have access to lots of major cities. DC, Philadelphia and New York aren't that far away. There are cheap buses that can get you to Philadelphia or NY in order to visit. I go to Philadelphia and/or NYC a couple times per year.