This thread is for all of those out there who are planning on applying to one of Vanderbilt's MSN programs for Fall 2013. I'm starting to get my application packet together. I haven't started my interview survey questions and goal statement yet but I need to get on it. I need to take the GRE still though. Has anyone taken that? What did you get? Did you study? Harder than you thought?
Glad to help sarahdukie! As amandy pointed out, pre-specialty year actually begins in August in the "fall" semester and we do have patho and pharm for each of the three semesters of pre-specialty year. I was really intimidated by pharm at the beginning of the semester because out of all the classes we had, it was the one I had had no previous experience with the subject matter, but it ended up being the course I loved the most!
For me, choosing Vanderbilt was not difficult. I graduated as an undergrad a few years prior, so I was very familiar with the overall academic environment and rigor of the university. I did apply to and consider other schools, but when it came down to it, several of the other programs were longer in duration, requiring that I earn a BSN or MN before moving on to the MSN. These programs were 3-5 years long and cost as much or more than Vanderbilt. It was a bit a bit scary realizing how accelerated the program would be, just being 2 years long, but speaking with several students and healthcare providers unassociated with Vanderbilt helped me realize that it was the right choice for me!
As far as juggling my personal life with school, it can be a real struggle at times, but as long as you make it priority to have balance you won't feel burned out all the time. Having lived in Nashville previously, then lived in St. Louis for two years to complete a certificate program before returning to Nashville, I have become more appreciative of all that Nashville has to offer and make it a point to go out with friends or find something new to do in town at least a few times each month!
I have given a LOT of thought about loan-repayment after graduation. I was fortunate to have very few loans as an undergrad, but picked up quite a few during my certificate program. I realized that whichever school I attended would have a pretty hefty price tag attached to it so I began looking at avenues for debt repayment as I applied to schools. I found quite a few options on my own and I'll dig deeper during the break between pre-specialty and specialty year.
Thanks Sprint!! Very helpful. I'd love to hear more about covering the cost of tuition--do most students have to take out private loans, or are federal loans sufficient? Do you know anyone who had trouble getting loans to cover the costs? I feel pretty confident in the ability to pay them back, but I've never taken out a large private loan before and I know lending is more difficult now than it was before 2008. Any advice on that?
I personally took out federal loans and did not have to apply for additional outside private loans. I was fortunate to receive one of VUSN's several scholarships offered to incoming students in addition to two smaller outside scholarships (around $1,000 a piece). I don't know anyone who has had any issues covering the costs of school and living. A friend of mine attending a nursing school in MO did apply for one large private loan to cover all of her costs, and the only setback she had was to have a family member co-sign even though she had great established credit.
There are a wide array of scholarships available to MSN students, the key is to begin your search early and commit to writing the essays now, since many of the deadlines coincide in March and April. Hope this helps!:)
Just finished my phone interview. i feel pretty good about it, but i guess i'll see when they send out acceptance letters. they just asked a few questions and talked about the program. they told me that they were finishing up interviews and that accceptance letters would go out the first of March. Good luck to everyone!
congrats jb30! I bet having the interview completed successfully is a huge weight off your shoulders. Now if the first week of March would just hurry up and get here...
Its great to be done with the interview. Waiting for a decision is the hardest part. Incher, are you already in the program? Or are you waiting for a decision as well? What's your specialty, if you don't mind me asking?
Now if the first week of March would just hurry up and get here...
sprint880324
16 Posts
Glad to help sarahdukie! As amandy pointed out, pre-specialty year actually begins in August in the "fall" semester and we do have patho and pharm for each of the three semesters of pre-specialty year. I was really intimidated by pharm at the beginning of the semester because out of all the classes we had, it was the one I had had no previous experience with the subject matter, but it ended up being the course I loved the most!
For me, choosing Vanderbilt was not difficult. I graduated as an undergrad a few years prior, so I was very familiar with the overall academic environment and rigor of the university. I did apply to and consider other schools, but when it came down to it, several of the other programs were longer in duration, requiring that I earn a BSN or MN before moving on to the MSN. These programs were 3-5 years long and cost as much or more than Vanderbilt. It was a bit a bit scary realizing how accelerated the program would be, just being 2 years long, but speaking with several students and healthcare providers unassociated with Vanderbilt helped me realize that it was the right choice for me!
As far as juggling my personal life with school, it can be a real struggle at times, but as long as you make it priority to have balance you won't feel burned out all the time. Having lived in Nashville previously, then lived in St. Louis for two years to complete a certificate program before returning to Nashville, I have become more appreciative of all that Nashville has to offer and make it a point to go out with friends or find something new to do in town at least a few times each month!
I have given a LOT of thought about loan-repayment after graduation. I was fortunate to have very few loans as an undergrad, but picked up quite a few during my certificate program. I realized that whichever school I attended would have a pretty hefty price tag attached to it so I began looking at avenues for debt repayment as I applied to schools. I found quite a few options on my own and I'll dig deeper during the break between pre-specialty and specialty year.