SUNY Downstate ABSN June 2012

ccaalee · Apr 6, 2012

Hi everyone,

Good luck to everyone who may be applying to schools or are waiting to hear back. I've read countless threads about Downstate and NYU and each have their pros and cons. I've been admitted to both and am now trying to decide which would be the better school for me. If there are any grads or current students out there I would really appreciate your thoughts. I think it's hard to get a grasp on the pros and cons through threads because every student comes from a different background and their complaints may not be as much of an issue for someone else, which I think is what mindylane was trying to convey. I included a little about myself so hopefully you will be able to see where I'm coming from and how I should base my decision.

I am a product of upper middle class suburbia and went to a 4 year private undergrad school in Boston. I prefer studying by myself and don't mind self-teaching (but would like the support of teachers on occasion). Although I work hard on my own I would still like for faculty to answer emails and for the administration to be engaged if the student needs it. I am good at following instructions and luckily haven't had any issues with administration from either schools. In academics I am certainly not the top student but I have always done above average (b+/a-). If I don't do well I tend to believe it's because I didn't work hard enough, not because the program/professor/administration was bad.

Assuming that price is not an issue, would you choose NYU or Downstate? And if I were to take price into consideration, would going to NYU be more beneficial in the long run even though it would take 2-3 years to pay off the debt? I am fortunate enough that I do not currently have any student loans. I'm about 70% sure I would like to get my masters but things always change and who knows what will happen.

Do NYU grads have better job opportunities and connections? Or rather, will it be the top students of any school that will have first pick of where they want to work? Would a hospital looking at two recent grads who have the same grades and experience choose the NYU student over Downstate or vice versa?

Sorry for the long post but any thoughts, feelings, or info would be greatly appreciated.

bringinit247 · Apr 12, 2012

@peaceon I tried to PM you but looks like you have it disabled. Was wondering if we could speak about your experiences with the program, either over PM or preferably phone. I am concerned that you and other current students are having such a bad experience with the program. Although with only a few months left, aren't you guys almost done anyway??

hi123456 · Apr 26, 2012

hi everyone,

I was on the alternative list, and got a letter in the mail today that I got accepted. Does anyone know which textbooks we should be purchasing? Since it is such an intensive program, I would like to get ahead start with the reading.

amchugh209 · Apr 26, 2012

Just wanted to say congrats on the acceptance!

mh527 · Apr 28, 2012

Congrats @hi123456 on the acceptance. I was placed on the alternate list as well and am patiently awaiting a final response from downstate. If you don't mind, would you share your stats w/ us (gpa, TEAS, if you have any outstanding prereqs you're finishing up etc.) I'm trying to size up my chances that I'll be accepted lol, although I feel like at this point it's just a guessing game. Well congrats again to all who were accepted and the best of luck!

hi123456 · Apr 29, 2012

i received a 3.85 gpa with a score of 78 on the TEAS and still need to take the human growth and development CLEP examination

brooklyn2012 · May 5, 2012

Has anyone else been contacted from the wait list?

Besides the BLS course and background check, is there anything else that needs to be done before starting school?

thanks...

amchugh209 · May 8, 2012

I just got a call from them and I was offer acceptance from the wait list. I declined as I decided to go elsewhere so someone else should be getting called now!

bringinit247 · May 8, 2012

Hey Y'all!

Just a reminder that I set up a Facebook page for waitlisted/accepted students entering the program this summer at facebook.com/groups/173860906064372

This may be a better place to post your questions about what to bring than these forums, as people tend to be more responsive on the facebook page.

A checklist I made for myself of things to do prior to the first day: background check, sign two financial aid forms provided by the Financial Aid office and then sign promissory note (for federal loans), health forms (probably the most time-consuming thing if you haven't gotten all your vaccinations), BLS, and get all of your transcripts and test results submitted to admissions.

As far as textbooks/supplies, I think during orientation they tell you which ones to buy.

brooklyn2012 · May 9, 2012

Thanks for posting amchugh, I hope I will get a call soon.

Best of luck in your program.

hi123456 · May 14, 2012

What is the Pre-Entry Immersion Program all about? Do we have to attend?

vkolemba · May 17, 2012

Just wondering if there are a lot of people that got accepted but withdrew their applications. I'm on the waitlist and still waiting :/ getting nervous.