UMSON Fall 2014

Published

Deadline is set - February 3, 2014

Who is applying?

I'm concerned because one of my science classes is approaching its 5-year "expiration date" so this is probably my last shot. If it's a "no" then I still have time to apply to UMD for microbiology for the fall. I'd just rather be a nurse than a scientist! I still want to study micro later on, but I want to be able to work with patients.

I thought science courses had a 10 year expiration date? That's what the perquisite course list paper said.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

PinkEagle- That's right. I keep forgetting, because other schools have a shorter lifespan for science classes. I guess I can just keep applying, if need be. I will go crazy if I don't, because I'm currently working as a cashier (easy student job with good benefits) but I can't imagine STILL being in the same job in the fall. I don't know what I'll do in the fall, if I don't get in, because I don't have any other classes I need to take. I took Physics for fun this semester, just because I needed two classes in order to get financial aid. (Well, and it's part of my back-up plan of going for a Micro degree.) I'm totally overthinking all of this.

Husky2011 and beachgirl124- Ok, so we are all waiting then. Here's hoping for good news on Monday. I know it will happen when it happens. I've just had so many other things start going incredibly well for me lately, so I would like this to be a part of all the positive things happening. Heck, getting into nursing school has been a goal and THE motivating and deciding factor in my life for almost 7 years now! I sincerely hope that the three of us will become classmates. If we get in, we should meet up (after the end of this semester) and celebrate! After all, we might spending most of our time together over the next two years.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

afowler77 - Yes I completely agree! I'm trying to think positive about this, and if the news I hear isn't what I expect, I'll figure out plan B. I did apply to Montgomery College's nursing program but I really don't want to go there. Unfortunately, I can't afford to live away from home and these two school are my only options. Do you have any back-up schools?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I hope we all get the answers we want! If not, then we can always try again! I can't wait for Monday to come and I can't wait to see what everyone's answers are! I'm so glad I've encountered such a supportive group on this forum! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I had options in the beginning of my quest. I had narrowed it down to Johns Hopkins and Maryland. But then Hopkins did away with its traditional BSN program. I was crushed and scared because it narrowed my options down to just Maryland (and what if I don't get in?)

I looked into Coppin State and Towson, but they didn't seem like the right fit. Towson also required Chem 102, Organic Chem, and a Nutrition class that FCC didn't offer. (FCC said they so rarely see anyone transfer to Towson, that they don't really offer that Nutrition class anymore.) No one else required that much Chemistry, so I would have to spend an extra year in school, just for Towson's Chem pre-req's. Also, I am an older student, so Towson requires that I apply for special consideration. I understand that they want to hear more about their applicants, but I felt like I was viewed as a less desirable candidate because I'm twice as old as a "traditional" student.

I looked at Georgetown and George Mason. Again, not quite the right fit. Georgetown's program looked like it was better suited to someone who was already a Georgetown student. Some of the pre-req's were so unique that they could be taken only at Georgetown. George Mason is a stretch, but I might reconsider. It's just so far away, and I can't move either. I didn't want to go the community college route, because that will just add to the time it takes to get to a BSN. I want to get my Master's, so the less time I spend getting to that end goal, the better.

I had attended MC way back in the mid-90's. I started back to school in 2007, at FCC. I had intended to apply to their program, but then I found out you don't stand a chance at getting into their highly-competitive program if you aren't a Frederick County resident. (I wasn't. I am, however, moving to Fred. Co. this week, so maybe that can become a back-up plan.) MC is too far away. And, at this point, I took my TEAS 4 years ago, and some schools won't accept a score from that long ago. Many seem to want it from within the past 2 years. I'm a mom and I have to work, so I have only been able to take 2 classes per semester, at most. It can't be helped that I wasn't able to progress any faster. I wish they would take into consideration all the things I've juggled over the past 7 years, rather than just the time it took to get through the pre-req's. But if wishes were horses, beggars would ride.

After taking Micro last year, I began to see that as a viable option. It may not have quite the demand that nursing does, but Microbiologists are needed in a wide range of fields. If nursing school doesn't work out, then I am considering going that route. I am fascinated by diseases and microbes. I read about them for fun! Ideally, I can combine the two disciplines, and get involved in research nursing and/or travel to developing countries so I can work in the hot zones. I would LOVE to be in Guinea right now, treating Ebola patients during this current outbreak!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm very disappointed to hear that Towson singles out older students in a way that sounds discriminatory. That doesn't even sound legal. Let me say a word about Georgetown. It's a great school and their hospital is across the parking lot from their nursing school. I strongly considered applying there but money is a huge factor for me. Some of the prereqs they require can be found online at various schools. I hope you get the answer you want from Maryland.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I loved microbiology, it was such an interesting class! I think it would be really fascinating to work in a research lab.

I started MC in 2011, and I was initially studying for a bachelors degree in biology but there really aren't any jobs available unless you get a masters and beyond. I also hate chemistry, CH101 was enough for me, I can't imagine taking any more chemistry courses.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It wasn't specifically discriminatory, but it was certainly off-putting. I wouldn't have minded if it weren't for all those extra classes. Even Hopkins didn't need that much Chem. No, it was more like, "Explain what you've been doing while you were away from school for more than 10 years." No other school needed an explanation. No other school needed me to apply for "special consideration." It would put me in the same category as students whose GPA's were below a 3.0! They require a formal statement, requesting special consideration, 2 academic references (not required otherwise,) and a personal statement to explain why the applicant is deserving of consideration, why they do not meet the required criteria, and why nursing is the applicant's career choice. Surely they have a reason as to why they require this, but Johns Hopkins didn't even have those requirements! Looks like Towson did away with their additional Chem requirements though...

I'd pay any amount of money to attend a nursing school in the area, since I can't relocate! I am aware of and in awe of Georgetown's reputation. I actually am friends with the former head of the Obstetrics department and have great respect for the school and hospital. (My brother was in PICU there when he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.) I can't really decipher what their classes would translate to in classes I could take elsewhere. It looks like I would need Biochemistry, Ethics, Theology, and an additional Psych class. That would add a whole year to my pre-req's, just hoping I could get in.

We are very fortunate to have some of the best nursing schools in the country, right here as our local schools. Maryland is ranked #11, which would make me very proud to be a part of that reputation. I am ready to be a Terrapin!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
afowler77 - Yes I completely agree! I'm trying to think positive about this, and if the news I hear isn't what I expect, I'll figure out plan B. I did apply to Montgomery College's nursing program but I really don't want to go there. Unfortunately, I can't afford to live away from home and these two school are my only options. Do you have any back-up schools?

I applied to MC as well!! My priority school is definitely UMSON (it has been my dream for the past several years), but as a second option I applied to MC. I am not exactly sure when we should be hearing back for MC (maybe mid-May) since the forum is pretty quiet over there. Do you know about their admission process? I heard it was based on TEAS (?) but not completely sure.

Either way, hoping for the best for UMSON and MC!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Monday is only a mere 22 hours away...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I don't know much about their admission process. I only know that they give priority to students that have already taken certain courses, such as Anatomy, MA110 or higher, and EN102 or 109. I found it odd that they only accept a printed copy of your TEAS score, and not an official copy from the ati website.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hey aflower77 and beachgirl124,

I applied to Shady Grove as well, and my status is still at committee ready...Hope we find out on Monday!! Best wishes!!!!

I am also at committee ready and applied to Shady Grove. Maybe they let Shady Grove applicants know later? Monday can't come soon enough!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion