SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University ABSN 2021-2022

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Hi everyone,

I've started this thread so we can discuss and share our experiences applying to SUNY's ABSN program for 2021. Being that the application period just opened, I’m sure we can all benefit from sharing information in regards to the process.

Best of luck to those applying!

43 minutes ago, dines said:

hey everyone! This is my top choice and I am planning to apply for next fall. I would appreciate it if anyone can answer me ? did anyone get accepted with B's in their 4 science courses? I have B's in all my sciences but A's and A-'s in all the other courses. I feel like the B's in all my 4 sciences will have me rejected. Maybe I'm being pessimistic but it is competitive and I don't want to have my hopes up. I don't have any healthcare experience other than being a personal assistant to a family friend who is bedbound. 

Honestly, it's tough to say! We have absolutely no idea what the admissions team is looking for. There are people who are apparently perfectly candidates that did not get accepted. The current cohort has some really strong applicants (4.0 GPA, all A's, healthcare experience), but there are also people who have excellent grades, but no healthcare experience that were also accepted. I'm sure there are a fair amount of B's as well! 

If you have the time, definitely try to gain more healthcare experience, work as a MA, EMT, CNA. Get a competitive score on your TEAS if you haven't taken it already, have a solid essay. I know that Downstate reviews the applications pretty holistically, so don't be too discouraged over your pre-requisites. 

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On 7/31/2021 at 2:14 PM, dines said:

hey everyone! This is my top choice and I am planning to apply for next fall. I would appreciate it if anyone can answer me ? did anyone get accepted with B's in their 4 science courses? I have B's in all my sciences but A's and A-'s in all the other courses. I feel like the B's in all my 4 sciences will have me rejected. Maybe I'm being pessimistic but it is competitive and I don't want to have my hopes up. I don't have any healthcare experience other than being a personal assistant to a family friend who is bedbound. 

You deff have a chance! I mostly had B+'s in my science classes and all A's in my other classes. I barely had any healthcare experience, besides being a caregiver. They allow you to explain everything in your application which I think is amazing. Study for the TEAS, try to write a stellar statement, and tbh your letter of recommendations can actually help you land an interview. I was the same way. Downstate was my top choice and I thought I had no shot because of how competitive it was and I got in. Don't doubt yourself. You got this. 

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On 7/31/2021 at 2:34 PM, MamaBear9 said:

I'm sure there are plenty of B's among the cohort members... How do your TEAS numbers look? Can you spend this year trying to boost your TEAS if the numbers are low?

The program director did confirm that they are seeing unprecedented numbers of applicants this year. Maybe it will calm down a bit next year?

Honestly, I wouldn't bother applying in the Fall. They say it's rolling admission but it's not true. The process won't really begin until the Spring, so I suggest doing whatever you can to boost your application in the meantime before you submit another. You have plenty of time to find some medical experience/training, such as volunteer work, a phlebotomy certificate, a CNA, maybe even a medical scribe training, etc. Here are some more ideas: https://www.kbcc.cuny.edu/ce/divisional.html If you are accepted, you'll have to do BLS certification with the AHA - it doesn't hurt to get it down now (although it has to be renewed every 2 years). These are all slightly more affordable ideas that can also be completed within a few months or less, and many can be done mostly online. And then write a stand-out essay with a good "hook" to get them interested.  

Keep attending open houses and ask good questions. 

Maybe others have some good advice to add. Honestly, it seems arbitrary who was selected and who wasn't, to some extent. Not everyone has across-the-board highest scores in all requirements, but it does seem to be a solid, capable group. Sell to them what your unique skills are, what you have to offer, and how they align with nursing. 

Good luck and don't give up!

 

On 7/31/2021 at 3:03 PM, ImpossibleBasis said:

Honestly, it's tough to say! We have absolutely no idea what the admissions team is looking for. There are people who are apparently perfectly candidates that did not get accepted. The current cohort has some really strong applicants (4.0 GPA, all A's, healthcare experience), but there are also people who have excellent grades, but no healthcare experience that were also accepted. I'm sure there are a fair amount of B's as well! 

If you have the time, definitely try to gain more healthcare experience, work as a MA, EMT, CNA. Get a competitive score on your TEAS if you haven't taken it already, have a solid essay. I know that Downstate reviews the applications pretty holistically, so don't be too discouraged over your pre-requisites. 

 

22 hours ago, so mo said:

You deff have a chance! I mostly had B+'s in my science classes and all A's in my other classes. I barely had any healthcare experience, besides being a caregiver. They allow you to explain everything in your application which I think is amazing. Study for the TEAS, try to write a stellar statement, and tbh your letter of recommendations can actually help you land an interview. I was the same way. Downstate was my top choice and I thought I had no shot because of how competitive it was and I got in. Don't doubt yourself. You got this. 

Thank you guys so much, really gave me hope! I really appreciate the advice ? and I'll be sure to do all that! 

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Hi guys, 

Has anyone thats on the wait list been notified about acceptances ? Also for the person who was accepted after spending 1 week on the waiting list did you have all of you pre-matric checklist completed? 
 

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Hey, I haven’t heard back yet.

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@Futurenurseinjn Hey, have you completed everything from your check list? & how long have you been there if you don't mind me asking. 

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9 minutes ago, Maimoi1 said:

@Futurenurseinjn Hey, have you completed everything from your check list? & how long have you been there if you don't mind me asking. 

Everything is completed and I’ve actually been on the waiting list since March ? How about you?

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I’ve been on it since April, I guess its over for this year LOL.

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Nope LOL. Don’t give up just yet, there’s still time.

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Yes you are right, Good luck to you! @Futurenurseinjn

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Has anyone from the waiting list heard back? I have a few more Titers to do but don’t want to rush and pay for them if it’s not likely I’ll get in :| Where in NYC does one do these things?

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2 hours ago, bknelly said:

Has anyone from the waiting list heard back? I have a few more Titers to do but don’t want to rush and pay for them if it’s not likely I’ll get in ? Where in NYC does one do these things?

No, I haven’t heard back yet and I got my titers done at citymd.

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