I'm semi new to this site and was curious if there is anyone else out there in the application process for VCU's Accelerated BSN program to start in May 2014. I've started my application, but haven't turned it in, yet. This is the only program I want to go to! I don't know if I can wait until the end of January to get a decision!!!!
I finished my degree in Biology in May 2011 and I've been working in NOVA at a fast paced medical office ever since. Also, I've taken all of my pre-reqs except for A&P I and II (starting A&P I in a few weeks), but just a bit concerned about my grades/GPA from undergrad. I meet all of the requirements thus far, but not sure if it will be enough. Anyone else having similar concerns?
Also, would love to hear from any current VCU ABSN students - what were your stats like when applying, how do you like the program, etc.
@cole3x0h--you seem like a perfect candidate! I think with regards to your essay, if you just keep it honest and simple, you'll end up with a great essay, especially given your experience in the medical field and your prior BS, you'll be just fine! The fact that you have all your pre-reqs complete is going to stand out too.
Good luck everyone :) Can't wait to wish you all congratulations in January! Is anyone applying anywhere else?
I went to finish the VCU portion of my application and it was gone I was 95% done with it, too... So, had to go and re-do the whole dang thing. But! Got it done. I have started my personal statement for the supplemental application abouttttt...5 times. I do think that it is a rather short statement at 2500 characters, especially considering everything they're asking us to address in it. Considering they put a lot of weight on that part of our applications, I think it's definitely a great way to tell who has their crap together and who doesn't. A nicely composed essay addressing everything asked versus a jumpy, incomplete statement.
@Cole, I agree with Grace, you sound like a great applicant! How did you do with your pre-reqs, if you don't mind me asking?
@Grace, I'm only applying to VCU If I don't get in, I'm going to move back to NC where I know the schools better. I'll wait a year (and re-take some pre-reqs if needed) and apply to Duke, Western, Winston Salem State, etc. I would really really like to get in to VCU, though. I don't particularly want to wait another year to get this started! Plus, I might have to retake some classes if they put a "you need to have taken this pre-req within the last 5 years" constraint. Meep.
@allie I cannot believe it disappeared on you like that! Such a bummer but at least it's done now!! The personal statement is a challenge, but like you said, it definitely is a good way to tell who has their mind in the right place and who is able to adequately address the necessary topics. I wrote mine and then kept whittling it down until it was just shy of 2500 characters and still made sense.
I emailed a little bit with someone in admissions about applying to the traditional program, because I voiced my concerns that I didn't have medical experience yet since I haven't been able to take a CNA course yet due to my full-time work schedule. In his response he didn't mention that having no medical experience is a bad thing, but he didn't say anything regarding that at all. He did say that not having all my pre-reqs done isn't a bad thing, which is a relief. I'll have completed A&P 1 and Lifespan Dev. this semester and will take A&P 2 and Micro next semester. I already have three courses in Statistics, so I'm sure one of them will suffice for the Stats requirement (I got an A-, B+ and B in them). I think they truly do look at the applicants holistically and take everything into consideration. His response to my inquiry about applying for the traditional BSN was that I'm welcome to apply to it (deadline 2/15?) but it is more competitive and with less spots than the ABSN. So if it doesn't work out, at least we'll have a shot to apply for that.
I think I'll wait a year as well, if I don't get in, since VCU is really the only place I want to go since they have an amazing teaching hospital. Then, I'll definitely have VA residency and will have MUCH cheaper tuition! But, like alliegem said, I don't want to wait another year to get started. I do suppose that once I get certified as a CNA and work, I'll have a much better chance of getting accepted. I hope they don't start a 5-year constraint on classes, isn't it at 10 right now?
Good luck on your personal statement, I'm sure it'll be great!
@alliegem - I got straight A's and a B in micro, so I'm not really worried about the grades.
I actually decided to apply to Marymount for the Spring semester so I can just get started and get my BSN. If I don't get in for whatever reason, then I hope I get into VCU for the summer.
Goodness. After much revising, I think I finally have the essay set. Just paid $40 for my archived SAT scores to be sent to VCU.
I have an official copy of my transcript from undergrad ready to send, but the community college I'm taking A&P at won't give me an official transcript until AFTER I have completed my first course (which will be in December, AFTER the application deadline). So, just e-mailed VCU to see what I can do to show them I'm in the process of taking a pre-req. The VCU website says they will discard any unofficial transcripts :/ Hmm.
So exciting to almost have your application complete! I spent about the same getting my ACT scores sent, but it took them nearly four weeks to send them electronically, way too slow for me. But the price to send an archived score is ridiculous!
@alliegem I'm in the same exact position you are with transcripts, I have my undergrad ready to go, and am waiting on my community college, but I'm more concerned that it won't have grades on it. I called a woman in the admissions office and she was really nice, and I asked if I could submit a printout of my current grades with my official transcript and she said they won't accept them. I know of people on the forum who've been accepted conditionally as long as they can provide their grades from pre-reqs before the program begins. I'm taking A&P 1 and Lifespan Dev. at one community college, for which I'll have an official transcript, but I'm taking Microbiology through EduKan (Colby Community College in Kansas) online, but can't get that transcript until I complete the course--in December.
It's a bummer that they won't take unofficial transcripts or grade reports, but I understand it. Hopefully we all get admitted and then can just send them an updated transcript afterwards! I'll have just A&P 2 left to take next semester while getting my CNA--will you be completely done after this semester?
@Grace - Sorry it's taken me so long to get back! With a full time job and work plus trying to maintain a social life and get that stupid essay done, it's been hard. Haha.
I just checked my application status to see what they had received, and they've already gotten my SAT scores. I was expecting it to take 3 weeks, but it only took one :) Yay! They also received my undergrad transcriptS! Yes, multiple!!! For Northern Virginia Community College where I'm taking A&P, they have an online official transcript request... So I figured, why not try it out even though I supposedly can't get an official one until my first course has been completed. Well, I sent in the request and BAM! Got an official transcript in the mail a few days later. I didn't open it, just sent it in... So I have no idea what it actually looks like. Oh well.
The lady I spoke with in admissions said to send in another transcript after you've received your grades for this semester so they can have more of your prereq grades in the evaluation process. After this semester, I have one more class; A&P 2. The other prereqs are satisfied by classes I took in undergrad. I got my CNA back in 2010 in North Carolina - I'm pretty sure you could pass the written test now because it's so easy. And the skills portion was also pretty easy minus the time constraint.
Did you get the e-mail from VCU Nursing Admissions telling you what components of your application they had received?
I've just submitted my supplemental material as well and I am SO nervous about getting in! VCU is the only school I'm applying to, so crossing my fingers over here! I have a quick question for you guys though. What were your SAT/ACT/GRE scores? My SATS scores are the only thing I'm worried about... they weren't awful but they weren't amazing ha. I think I got a 490 on Math and a 600 on Writing.
@cmonroe Congratulations on finishing the supplemental application! VCU is also the only school I'm applying to, as well. I had a 590 math, 560 writing and 590 verbal (and not sure if this counts). When I went to an information session, they said the average around 1300 combined, I think.
I was 95% done with it, too... So, had to go and re-do the whole dang thing. But! Got it done. I have started my personal statement for the supplemental application abouttttt...5 times. I do think that it is a rather short statement at 2500 characters, especially considering everything they're asking us to address in it. Considering they put a lot of weight on that part of our applications, I think it's definitely a great way to tell who has their crap together and who doesn't. A nicely composed essay addressing everything asked versus a jumpy, incomplete statement.
If I don't get in, I'm going to move back to NC where I know the schools better. I'll wait a year (and re-take some pre-reqs if needed) and apply to Duke, Western, Winston Salem State, etc. I would really really like to get in to VCU, though. I don't particularly want to wait another year to get this started! Plus, I might have to retake some classes if they put a "you need to have taken this pre-req within the last 5 years" constraint. Meep. 
nursewithgrace
56 Posts
@cole3x0h--you seem like a perfect candidate! I think with regards to your essay, if you just keep it honest and simple, you'll end up with a great essay, especially given your experience in the medical field and your prior BS, you'll be just fine! The fact that you have all your pre-reqs complete is going to stand out too.
Good luck everyone :) Can't wait to wish you all congratulations in January! Is anyone applying anywhere else?