Vanderbilt Pre-Specialty Applicants 2014

mzaur · Jan 22, 2014

Also I am curious if you could tell us how long the breaks are inbetween semesters? I know it's an intense program, and I'm prepared for that, but just hoping there will be atleast a week or two to rest inbetween semesters and during the holiday season :)

MMarch71 · Jan 22, 2014

Hi TarraLune & mzaur-

It is a very fast paced program, but not unlike waiting for interviews, there is a tendency to make it worse than it really is. What I mean by that is--when they go over the syllabus at the beginning, it will seem overwhelming--but as it happens, you see how it all fits together. The classes are extremely integrated. What you learn in Pharm will be mirrored with what you're learning in clinical, which will be connected with what you are learning in community, and so on. There is a resounding theme to "trust the process". I can tell you that is how I have dealt with things that seem overwhelming...I just repeat that mantra:). I guess I would describe it as taking a drink out of a fire hose, but If I can do it I'm certain anyone can--just takes resolve. 1st semester is didactic sessions on MWF (very long, lots of sitting) say 8-4, with Clinical/Lab component on Th/F 8-4, then about the middle of semester W will shift to community clinical. Second semester is similar to the end of the first as far as schedule goes. As for breaks, we got a day for Thanksgiving and 3.5 or so weeks for Christmas before Spring semester began. Spring Break is coming up soon, and that's a week. That's about it, from spring, summer will seamlessly evolve into session and then capstone before conclusion of pre-specialty year. Beyond that I'll have to let you know. I hope this helped. Good Luck to you. (oh, and it goes without saying...the faculty is first rate. (they should be huh?) it ain't cheap.)

mzaur · Jan 22, 2014

MMarch71, Thanks so much for sharing all that! Very helpful to know. If you don't mind, could you share when you found out about any grants/scholarships? Was it right when you received admission decision or a little later?

ariahealingarts · Jan 24, 2014

Hi Everyone! I am new to all nurses, and I am also a Vandy hopeful for 2014 FNP pre specialty. Wanted to thank all the current Vandy students for giving us some and insight, and let the fellow hopefuls know I just received an email letting my know my application has gone to review! The email states that some specialties may interview/some not. Decisions are announced on a rolling basis, probably starting around Feb 24th...

gabookworm · Jan 24, 2014

I got the same email today, but my interview was last week. I almost lost it when I saw the subject line, thinking there's no way they're making decisions this early! Lol.

TarraLune · Jan 24, 2014

MMarch71- Thank you for answering my questions. That helped to take my mind of of things. It sounds challenging but doable.

I received the email as well I was all set to shriek at the computer and had to dial it down. :)

TarraLune · Jan 24, 2014

Did everyone get the email?

Checking last year's forum the people who didn't get this email got acceptance letters very early and a few who got the email were accepted.

nkw05 · Jan 24, 2014

I got the email saying my app was set to be reviewed too. I about died though when I saw a Vanderbilt email. Need it to be feb 24th now!

Ames78 · Jan 25, 2014

I got the email, too (this after emailing Vandy admissions yesterday to check the status of my official transcripts - guess all is well!).

MMarch71 · Jan 25, 2014

mzaur-

You should be getting a financial aid letter soon if you haven't already gotten it. Everyone receives a small scholarship around 3500-4500, which isn't a lot but it's better than nothing. The rest will be unsubsidized loans. The loan amounts will cover their itemized description of your expenses for school/living. The financial aid coordinator is very good at her job, but she's busy so don't mistake her lack of chattiness for rudeness. She is also very reassuring that there isn't much in the realm of financial aid she can't help you deal with, and from what I have witnessed this seems true.

There is a competitive scholarship for students who earn a 4.0 during the program. My understanding is that those students who have a 4.0 will submit a written statement and then interview to receive full tuition compensation. I am uncertain of how many they do this for, but I seem to think its around 3 or so students. Beyond that, you'll have to do your own research. I have the GI bill, which is very helpful, but may not make me the best person to talk with about how hard it is to offset the cost of this program.

I hope this helps!

mzaur · Jan 25, 2014

I received the email as well.

Thanks for sharing all that MMarch71!

Louise1017 · Jan 25, 2014

I got that email too. I'm applying for RN pre-specialty CNM/FNP. And I'll echo the "can it just be February 24th now" sentiment. Anxiously waiting for an email regarding an interview. Good luck to everyone!