UMSON Spring 2015

[littlemango]

Hello everyone! I may be a little early with this, but here's a new post for all of you hoping to apply this September 2nd for the Spring 2015 semester at UMSON. You can post questions you have, helpful advice you would like to give (if you're already in the program), etc.

I specifically have a question for those who have already applied to the Spring 2014 semester and got in. When you applied last September, when in November did you get your acceptance letter in the mail? Was it the beginning, middle, or toward the end of November? I'm asking this because the other nursing school I am applying to only gives a 3-week time period after the end of October (when they let you know if you made it in or not) to accept or decline enrollment. So, if I don't make it into UMSON, I'd want to be able to give this other nursing school an answer before the 3-week time period runs out.

[littlemango]

usedtobecool84 thanks for clarifying! Yeah I can imagine they are under a large amount of pressure, with about 300 or so applications to process and review before the end of next month.

[afowler77]

A few things to share:

JHU's program is only for those who already have a bachelor's degree or are RN's going to BSN.

Always be sure to factor in the cost of health insurance when calculating UMSON's cost. It is mandatory! You can purchase it through UMSON or provide proof of your own health insurance.

[usedtobecool84]

Thanks for the extra info afowler. I'm going to go on my husbands insurance, so I didn't include that in my estimate.

[smoup]

Few days late on this but all that's left is the waiting. You've done all you can do to make admissions see why you'd be a good candidate for the program. PLEASE try to enjoy yourself until decisions go out. While I know this is easier said than done, worrying will get you no where and if you are still taking pre-reqs, it will take away from brain space.

For better or worse, it's out of your hands now. While scary, it's also freeing in a way. Good luck!

[NurseKait_11, BSN, RN]

Turns out it was my fault and I feel bad now because I thought it was theirs. I sent the document but it was the wrong document, not my resume. I emailed them and one of the admissions people emailed me back saying to send them my resume and she would add it to my application. She understood. I am very happy and thankful! We are only human.

Now, we wait!

[littlemango]

katiep_123 THAT IS GREAT! I was getting really worried for you there!

And smoup, the temptation to check SURFS is hard to overcome. I really doubt anything will change in the next month or so, but I keep checking about twice a day! Argh! I am waay too excited to see the status change. Haha! Also, I really like their new website (like the new colors). Can't get enough of it!

[NurseKait_11, BSN, RN]

Thanks little mango :)

[hegster]

Hi all,

I'm late to the party, but I applied to the BSN program for Spring 2015 at Shady Grove. I already have a BA degree, but I decided on the BSN program rather than the CNL program. I'm interested in going on for a DNP down the line and it wasn't clear to me that the CNL Master's would be accepted at other institutions. I'm hoping I made the right choice!

I'm a PCT at a local hospital and I'd like to continue working FT (36 hours) during the program, but I'm so nervous about having enough time to study. Fortunately when I was hired I did mention to my boss that I'd be applying to nursing school, so if I have to cut back on hours it won't be a surprise to them. They're very supportive and I think will work with me on my schedule. Maybe I'll pick up night shifts here and there. We always seem to need another night tech!

I'm a little nervous about getting in because my undergrad degree was earned with a 3.03. Yikes! But that was nearly 20 years ago now, and my prerequisite GPA is more like 3.67. I did very well on my TEAS test (91%), so there's that.

Good luck, all! Hoping I see some of you come January!

[bcandygurl]

Hi hegster,

You will be fine. I had a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, and my prereq. GPA was a lil higher than yours and my TEAS was a 89 and I got in when I applied 2 years ago. I also didn't apply for the CNL program for the same reason you didn't. You will still start on the floor as new graduate nurse with no experience. The only benefit is you may be considered for more financial aid depending on if you had to take out financial aid for your first degree. Best wishes!!

[vigor145]

This is my very first post on AN.com!! I have been reading from this website for over a year now. I, too, applied to the UofM for the Spring 2015 semester. It is great to see others who have as well. While I have distractions such as work, home and a husband, the wait is still going to drive me INSANE!!!!! Good luck everyone.

[littlemango]

Welcome hegster and vigor145, I'm glad you joined our little thread!

hegster, bcandygurl is right. I'm sure your application is very impressive! Nothing to worry about, in my opinion.

And vigor145, welcome to the allnurses community!!! Which campus are you going for?

[afowler77]

Hi hegster,

I would advise having a back-up plan regarding work. I know some people can and do work while in nursing school, but most advise against it.

When I was almost kinda-sorta in UMSON for the spring, I was slated to be on campus ALL day Mon, evenings on Tues and Thurs, most of the day Wed, and clinicals on Fridays. I, too, considered working, but I don't see when I could work and still have time to study. I also have a family, so that rules out working on weekends.

I don't want to be a naysayer. I just wanted to give you an idea of what you may be facing, schedule-wise, so you can plan ahead.

Personally, I desperately need the money from working, but I know I cannot go to class, study, take care of my family, work, and sleep all in a mere 168 hours! The financial aspect of nursing school is what scares me the most. But I know I'll have no time to study or sleep if I work.

How is everyone else planning on handling it?