FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS- ACCELERATED CAREER ENTRY (ACE) PROGRAM:
What is the ACE program?
The ACE program is an accelerated BSN program for individuals with a BS/BA in any field from an accredited college or university who wish to enter the nursing profession.
How long is the program?
The nursing coursework is completed in 12 consecutive months.
Can I go part time?
No, our program is set up for fulltime study only
Are any of the classes or clinicals in the evenings during the weekend?
Quite possibly some of your clinicals may be scheduled in the evening or on a weekend.
Can I work while I am attending the program?
Because of the rigorous demands of the coursework we strongly discourage students from being employed during the time.
How do I apply to the ACE program?
It is a 2 step process. First you apply to the university by completing the Undergraduate Application for Admission, Accelerated Career Entry (ACE) Program in Nursing application. Once matriculated into the university you are eligible to apply to the ACE program through the Nursing Department.
How do I get the University Ace Admissions Application?
There are several ways. One you can go to the University Admissions homepage and click on applications, then click on ACE-Accelerated Career Entry Nursing Applicants. Download the application, complete it and return it to the address on the application with the appropriate fees. You can also access the University ACE application by going to the nursing website, www.southernct.edu/nursing/undergraduateprograms/ace/
Must I have a Bachelor's degree when I submit my application to the University?Yes
Before I apply to the University could someone look over my transcripts and let me know what courses I need to take?
No, upon acceptance into the university you will receive a Credit Transfer Equivalency Worksheet which will indicate how your previous coursework transferred into SCSU.
How many credits can I transfer into SCSU?
Ninety credits is the maximum from a four year institution. Admissions will determine which credits are the most appropriate for your program.
What will I need to submit to the University for Admission?
Official signed and sealed postsecondary transcripts must be submitted, even if it is for only one course. Any applicant from a foreign country must submit and original transcript evaluation from WES.
Now that I have been accepted by the University I am uncertain how to interpret the Credit Transfer Equivalency Worksheet? Do I still need to take some pre-requisites?
The left column of the worksheet indicates the course you are transferring in, the right column shows the SCSU equivalency. You can also log on to Banner Web, select student services and financial aid. Select student records, then select Degree Evaluation. The degree evaluation shows your course transfers
I think that some of my courses should have transferred and they did not. What should I do?
Admission compares course descriptions with other institutions and the course may have not met our criteria. If you disagree you have the option to go to the particular department and request a waiver (please be ready to submit catalog with course description, syllabus and a transcript). The course may not have transferred as a nursing prerequisite because you received a C- or less in that course.
I still need to fulfill some prerequisites in order to apply to the ACE program; do I have to take them at SCSU?
No you may take them at any accredited post secondary institution as long as it is SCSU's equivalent. Below are the equivalencies at Connecticut Community Colleges:
SCSU CTCC
Bio 110 Bio 211
Bio 111 Bio 212
Bio 120 Bio 235
Chem 120 Chem 121
Math 107 Math 110
Math 108 Math 142
Psy 100 Psy 111
Psy 210 Psy 122
You can also determine SCSU's equivalency by clicking on the university Admissions homepage and going to http://www.southernct.edu/bannerweb/transfer.php3. This lists many colleges in CT. Follow the prompts to determine equivalencies from
I have been accepted into the university and am ready to apply to the ACE program. How do I begin this application process?
The ACE application is available online once a year (beginning November 1). Download that application from the applications page on the Nursing website. Follow the instructions carefully and return the completed application by the due date indicated on the application. All applications and supporting documents must be postmarked by the due date. ANY INCOMPLETE OR LATE applications will NOT be reviewed (this includes late recommendations)
What constitutes a completed ACE application?
A complete ACE application consists of the following.
Application
Essay
Self-Evaluation
Recommendations
Original transcripts from any and all post secondary institutions attended
Copy of Transfer Credit Equivalency Worksheet (received from Admissions upon acceptance)
Original transcripts were sent to the University Admissions office when I applied to the university, why can't you get it from them?
Privacy laws restrict our sharing of transcripts
Who should I ask to write my recommendations?
Whomever you wish, past or present employer, professor, someone who can attest to your motivation and character. We ask that you wait until the ACE application is available before obtaining your recommendations as there are specific questions and rating we require.
Should I send all the applications pieces together?
Although that is helpful, it is not necessary. The most important thing is that all pieces are postmarked by the deadline date.
What are my chances of gaining Admission into the program?
The program is very competitive. For 2008 we reviewed 61 applications and accepted 24 students. The average GPA was 3.34.
How and when will I be notified if I am accepted into the program?
You will be notified by mail by April 1st.
I was not accepted this year. Can I apply again next year?
Yes
What is the cost of the program?
The tuition is based on our regular undergraduate per credit cost. For further information concerning cost please contact the Busar's office, www.southernct.edu/bursar/tuitionfees/
revise 8/7/08 mcw
