Q: Why do I still have to apply to the CAHS clinical program I want to enter if I have already been accepted at Ferris?
A: The CAHS clinical programs at Ferris are space limited due to the need for clinical placements. For this reason, every student is initially admitted to Ferris as a “pre-professional” student in the CAHS clinical programs. This status does not guarantee you admission to any of the clinical programs because each program has specific criteria students must meet in order to qualify for entry into the professional sequence of the program.
Q: What if I applied to FSU previously but never actually attended? Do I need to reapply to Ferris to be considered for admission to a CAHS program?
A: Yes, the University requires students who do not attend classes at Ferris or who leave the University for a semester or more to reapply for the semester they plan to attend if they are accepted to the professional sequence. There is no charge for online application and if you are not accepted for that semester, you are not obligated to attend. However, you would need to reapply to FSU the next year if you do not attend and intend to submit a new application for the program’s clinical sequence by the end of the fall semester prior to the next semester’s January application period.
Q: Is there an advantage for students who already attend Ferris as compared to Transfer Students?
A: No. However, transfer students must apply to the University if they want to apply to the professional sequence of a CAHS program. Transfer students are not necessarily required to attend FSU prior to beginning the professional sequence, but if they are not a current student of record, they will not be considered for admission to the program.
Q: What criteria are used to determine selection for the next entry date?
A: Every program has very specific qualification criteria that are intended to predict success in that program. These criteria will vary by program and so students are encouraged to refer to the qualification check list for each program, which can be accessed on the CAHS webpage. These criteria include: Designated pre-requisite courses and grades for those courses as well as a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average. Students should note any specifications regarding the age (refers to when the courses were taken – see below) of math and science courses as well as the number of attempts allowed to qualify for each CAHS program.
Q: What are the time limits for taking math and science courses?
A: Effective for students who apply to or start at Ferris in Fall 2010 or later, there will be a time limit on math and science courses to assure that students have a current level of knowledge in these areas as a basis for their clinical programs. This means that science and math courses must be taken within five (5) years of the date of application to the clinical program. Students who have attended or applied to Ferris prior to fall 2010 should seek clarification as to this policy and how it will be applied to them.
Q: How do I calculate my Grade Point Average if I have attended more than one institution?
A: You will be asked to list the GPA from each institution on the qualification checklist. If any GPA is below the minimum GPA required for your program, your adjusted GPA will be calculated by CAHS to determine if you meet the requirement.
Q: Once I qualify for the program, am I automatically accepted for the next cohort start date?
A: Not necessarily, because there may be more qualified students than seats available in the next cohort. All qualified applicants are sorted according to the semester of qualification – this refers to the semester that you meet the last of the qualification criteria: Fall, Spring or Summer with the year designated. Applicants who qualify in the earliest semester are admitted first, with the next qualifying semester applicants admitted next until the seats are filled.
Q: What happens if there are too many students who have all qualified in the same semester?
A: If there are multiple students who qualify during the same semester, the priority date (date that the desired CAHS major was selected – see below) will be used to make the determination about who will start the program first.
Q: What is meant by a “priority date” and how is it used?
A: This is the date that is unique to each student and could be either of the following:
· The original date of application to the University for those students who initially selected the CAHS program major and never changed it. Example: A student applies to FSU on June 14, 2010, declaring nursing as their major. June 14, 2010 is that student’s priority date
OR…
· The date that an internal academic program change was made declaring the CAHS program as a new major. Example: A student makes a program change from pre-pharmacy to nuclear medicine on April 4, 2010. April 4, 2010 is that student’s priority date).
It is important to note that this date may or may not be used to determine entry. If a student is an early qualifier, the priority date may not come into play in the admission decision, as the student will gain entry without it’s consideration. However, when there is a need for a tie breaker, as in when there are more students qualified in one semester than there are seats available, the priority date is used to determine the order of admission to the program. Therefore, the earlier the priority date, the greater potential benefit to the student. This means that students should apply as early to the University as possible and/or make that program change as opposed to delaying these decisions or actions.
Q: What if a student is qualified at the time they make application to the University declaring the CAHS major or make a CAHS program change within the University?
A: The semester of application or program change is the semester of qualification. It is important to note that a student cannot be considered “qualified” earlier than the date they selected the CAHS program as their major or applied to Ferris.
Q: What do I need to do to apply to the professional sequence?
A: There are 3 steps:
1. Complete the program application form & qualification checklist (found on CAHS Webpage)
2. Attach all required materials:
a. Completed Qualification Check List for Program. You must fill in all the white box/blank spaces because only completed forms will be reviewed.
b. Copy of Unofficial Transcripts from all institutions attended, including FSU
c. Copy of Criminal Background check report if required. Please note that you must submit a copy of the actual report, not the verification that you ordered the background check.
d. Other documentation as specified by the program (see program application form)
3. Submit the complete application packet as directed on the form between January 15 and January 30 for most programs to the CAHS Dean’s Office. Note that the Nursing program has three different application periods, depending on the semester of entry to the professional sequence:
a. Fall Entry (Traditional): Apply between April 15 and April 30
b. Spring Entry (Traditional): Apply between September 15 and September 30
c. Summer Entry (Accelerated 2nd degree): Apply between January 15 and January 30
Q: What are the common mistakes applicants make that might disqualify them from consideration?
A: Good question! There are some common pitfalls you should avoid:
o Failure to attach all required materials: The point of the packet is to process the applications efficiently. The reviewer(s) will not look up missing data.
o Failure to provide all required information on the application form or qualification check list.
o Submission of the application packet prior to the designated application date (January 15, April 15 or September 15) for the program.
o Submission of the application packet after the designated application cycle close date (January 30, April 30 or September 30) for the program. Note: mailed packets must be postmarked by the application close date.
Q: Is there an advantage if I submit application materials early?
A: No. Applications will not be accepted prior to the application cycle initial date and are not ranked according the order they are received. Remember that it is the semester qualification date that determines the order of admission. Applications will not be reviewed until after the application close date so there is no need to rush to submit your packet prior to that date.
Q: Will someone check my application form for completeness and notify me prior to the deadline if there are deficits?
A: No. Unfortunately, the volume of applications processed during the brief application period does not allow for this kind of individual review. For this reason, students are expected to accept responsibility for completing the packet according to directions.
Q: Will I be notified that my application was received?
A: No. Unfortunately, the volume of applications processed during the brief application period does not allow for this kind of individual notification. If you deliver the packet in person, you will be directed by the CAHS Dean’s office staff to place it in a designated, secure location. If you plan to mail your packet, you are urged to use the delivery confirmation service available from the postal service you use so that you have a record that the packet was delivered and received by the CAHS Dean’s Office. Application materials must be postmarked by the application close date (January 30, April 30 or September 30). We ask that you please refrain from contacting us to verify receipt because the volume will make this very difficult for the CAHS staff to determine.
Q: What assistance is available if I have questions about the application packet or process?
A: There are many sources of help available to you:
o The CAHS Advising Assistant can answer questions submitted by email. This person should be your key contact for these questions.
o On campus students must attend a group advising session each fall and spring semester and the application process will be addressed at these times. The dates for each program’ advising session will be posted in the entry to VFS as well as on the College website.
o General Informational sessions will be held just prior to the application period to assist students who still have questions.
Q: How do I print my unofficial transcripts for the application form?
A: If you are a FSU student, you can get an unofficial copy of your FSU transcripts through MyFSU. Just click on “My Academics” and then on “Student Services” and finally “Academic Transcript”. To access your transcript(s) from other institutions, go to the website for the school you attended and follow the links there. Just submit a printed copy of ALL transcripts and feel free to highlight the required courses and grades because that will help in the review of your materials.
Q: How do I do the Criminal Background Check?
A: We require you to use the CAHS preferred vendor for this purpose, which is CertifiedBackground.com. Please refer to the directions on your program’s application form because you will need a special program code to complete the transaction. There will be a cost of $40 or less, which you can pay by credit card. If you apply to a program and are not accepted, you can resubmit the same Criminal Background Check report with the next application cycle. However, these reports must have been completed within the past 18 months to be considered current. Note: Nursing will require a background check at the time of application; however other programs may require the background check at the time you are accepted in the clinical phase of the program or just prior to your clinical internship. If it is listed on the application check list, you must complete the background check and attach a copy of the final report.
Q: If the application form indicates that I can demonstrate math competency with my ACT score and I don’t have a copy of my ACT results, how can I get that information for submission?
A: Although FSU may have official copies of your ACT scores, we still ask you to provide this information if it demonstrates math competency. You can access copies of your ACT scores on MyFSU. Go to “Academics” and then “Services” and then to the area called “Student Records” and click on the link called “Test Scores”. If you don’t have an official copy of your scores, or they were not required at the time of application to FSU (i.e., non-traditional students may not be required to provide the ACT) you have a couple of options if you did take the ACT:
1. Contact your High School and request a copy of your HS transcripts, where your ACT results are included. Attach a copy of this to your application packet.
2. You can contact ACT directly at www.actstudent.org/scores to request a copy of your ACT report form. There is a cost.
3. You can contact ACT directly at 319-337-1313 to request a copy but there is an additional fee for phone processing.
Another option to demonstrate math competency is to take the COMPASS exam. This can be arranged through the office of Institutional Research & Testing at 231-591-3628.
Q: What is meant by “other” documentation to be included with the application packet?
A: This is often program specific in that some programs may offer early admission consideration for certain categories such for students who are in the Honors program here at FSU or who are recipients of time-limited scholarships through ROTC, etc. Another consideration may be given in some programs for individuals who are in the No Worker Left Behind or Michigan Works! Programs. If you are in this category, you need to attach documentation to verify this status.
Other kinds of “other” data might be documentation that demonstrates you qualify in an area that is not apparent on the academic transcript. Examples might include documentation that the program has made a course substitution or has waived a requirement or that you have demonstrated proficiency for a course or requirement.
Please do NOT include other documents such as letters of reference, special awards, immunization or CPR records, or anything that is not specifically requested to demonstrate qualification for the program or that is not specified on the application form.
Q: When will students be notified regarding their admission status for the next year?
A: Applications will be reviewed after the application close date (January 30, April 30 or September 30) for your program. Students should hear of their admission status no later than March 15, May 30 or October 30, depending on the application cycle dates.
Q: What do I do if I am not accepted for the next admission date?
A: There are several options for students who are not accepted the first time they apply for the program:
1. Students can continue to complete general education requirements that fall outside of the designated required qualification courses but that are listed on the program check sheet.
2. Students in an associate degree program can begin work on a bachelor’s degree, such as our BS in Health Care Systems Administration or BS in Allied Health degree while they wait for admission to their clinical program.
3. Students can work on a minor or a related certificate program.
4. Students can consider options that the military branches offer in terms of ways to train in entry level health care jobs in preparation for entry into the program of choice at a later date.
5. Students can elect to leave the University for one year and seek employment in a health care setting while they wait to reapply the next year. Students who leave the University must reapply online (no cost), indicating the semester they plan to return. It is advised that students do this in the semester that they appliedafter receiving their program admission information a year before they plan on returning. Students who have attended FSU and then leave temporarily will not be charged a second enrollment fee when they return. If you are a recipient of financial aid, you are encouraged to check with the Financial Aid office to see if nonattendance for a semester will negatively impact your financial aid award.
After the application decisions are made, the CAHS Advising Assistant will hold some informational sessions for students who are faced with this decision and many of these options will be discussed at that time.
Q: Is there a possibility that I might be granted entry if space becomes available?
A: Yes, it is possible. Applications are kept in order of qualification semester and then priority date. If a space becomes available, the next qualified student is notified and given the opportunity to enter. If that student declines, then the next student is notified, etc. There is no penalty for turning down a seat.
Q: If I am not accepted for the next year, will my application be maintained on file or do I need to submit an application again the following year?
A: No, you will need to submit a new application packet the next year. Application packets are only retained until the selected cohort starts and all seats are filled. Packets are then destroyed because the application forms may be updated to maintain consistency with College and program policies. If you plan to apply the next year, please be sure to review all of the materials on the CAHS website so that any new requirements are noted.
Q: If I am accepted, is there anything else I will need to do to assure admission?
A: Yes, you will be asked to
o Notify the department where you program is housed to confirm your acceptance. In addition, you will need to submit other materials as required by your program:
· Official Transcripts: If you have taken or are currently taking a course at another institution, you will need to have official transcripts sent to FSU by July 1 prior to a fall program entry (or January 1 for spring entry or May 1 for summer entry).
· Immunization Records You will be directed by your program to submit proof of immunity to specified communicable diseases.
· CPR Certification: You may be required to submit verification of completion of a cardiopulmonary resuscitation course.
· Criminal Background Check: If you were not required to submit this with your application, you will be asked to do so later.
Revised: 03/24/10
