[Sailrmar9]

Anyone starting the UMass GEP program this upcoming fall semester?

[LIZH18]

Hi,

I'm not starting GEP, but I did apply to the traditional masters program to be a primary care NP. When did u apply to the GEP program, and how long did it take for UMASS to get a decision to you? Thanks and good luck!

[Sailrmar9]

I think our deadline was a little earlier than the traditional pathway. Ours was January 15th and I heard from them almost exactly a month after I applied (maybe I bit longer than a month, 5-6 wks) and was asked to come for an interview. I heard that I was accepted 2 weeks after my interview. I will be doing the adult/gerontology primary care track so maybe we'll see each other in classes down the road at some point Do you mind if I ask where you did your undergrad and where are working now? In the Boston area or other area of MA?

[LIZH18]

Hi,

I did my undergraduate work at MCPHS Worcester Accel BSN program and work at a pedi urgent care center in Worcester. I like the job alot, but had a really bad night tonight...one of those bad nights where u never want to go back. I really want to work in a hospital as a RN if I don't get into grad school. I applied to a bunch of hospitals but really had a hard time even getting an interview. I take the GRE's tomorrow, which literally have not studied a lick for. No time. So, that's why I don't think I really have a chance of getting into the program. I know I'm going to bomb them! But, your program i hear is very competitive so CONGRATS!!!

[Sailrmar9]

Thank you. I was wondering where you worked because I saw that pediatrics is your specialty and my mother works in pediatrics at Baystate in Springfield, MA. I didn't know if you were working out this way.
How did you like the accelerated BSN route? That was something I was considering... for a while I couldn't decide between a graduate entry or second bach. track.
I hope your GREs went ok. Mine were not great and I still got in. I don't think they factor them into the equation too much if thats any relief. I'd say the other parts of my application were much much stronger.
I don't know how competitive the traditional Master's pathway is, but when I attended an info session in January, about 90% of the attendees were there for info on the GEP...maybe only about 6 people total for the traditional Master's.

[LIZH18]

Hi, thanks for your response..i got 840 on the gre's....not too good, but i'm hoping they will take into consideration my other application materials. I actually work in worcester,ma at Fallon clinic. I was unable to get into a hospital upon graduation b/c i didn't work as a PCA/nurses' aide...if i could go back in time, I would have changed that and at least worked per diem in a hospital. I am afraid i will never get into a hospital now...and it's important for me to have that experience. I'm kind of at odds of what to do...hence applying to grad school. I liked the accelerated BSN...it was very demanding at times, but the end result was having a degree and MONEY much faster! That's interesting about the open house u went to. I knew that the GEP was the more popular of the 2, it will be interesting to see if i get in or not...

thanks so much for your response!

[KievHam]

Hi, I'm going to be your classmate this August since I'm starting the UMass GEP program too! I'm very excited, but pretty nervous about what is really ahead. I only know the general classes that we'll take each semester, but I don't have an idea about how many hours of classes we have etc. Do you have inside scoops?

[Sailrmar9]

Yay! I'm glad to finally find some one else. Yes, I am very nervous/excited about starting too. One of my biggest concerns is commuting from the Springfield area to Worcester every day for class. The only info I've found is the sample schedule on the website. I don't know if you've seen it. If you go onto the GSN website to admissions and click on the FAQ for the GEP program, at the end of the FAQ they have the anticipated schedule for the program (mind you it was last year). Seems pretty intense. Any idea when they will be sending us more information? I've been hanging on the edge of my seat waiting for a schedule or info about orientation...

-Johanna

[KievHam]

Hi Johanna,
I actually just got back from meeting with the dean today since I had to tell them that I'm pregnant and delivering this fall. They were wonderful and supportive, so I'm really relieved. I did find out some good info about the year. It's going to be classes Monday and Friday and clinic Tues and Wednesday with class every other Thursday. Another tip I got is that we are required to take a CPR class before the year starts and we should sign up now (before UMass sends out mass mailing about it and classes fill up quickly.)
By the way, I'm in your boat about commuting. I live in Brookline, so it's a good 50 minute drive. I'm nervous about that too, but I think it will just start to be routine.
Looking forward to meeting you,
Natasha

[AHJuly]

Hi guys,

I believe I am headed out to Worcester this fall for the GEP as well. I have deposits down at a few other schools and am trying to make a decision (I heard from UMass only last week!). Anybody want to share why they chose Worcester? The cost is very appealing to me, and I want to work in community health, and soon have a house/family, so I don't want to be overburdened by debt.

I'll be 28 in July, I went to Dartmouth undergrad (English major) and I have been working mostly doing case management for homeless populations since I've been out (in Boston and NYC). I am engaged and my fiance and I live in Somerville MA. I will probably be commuting from the Newton area come fall.

Anybody else? Background? I am wondering if I'll be one of the oldest in the program! Natasha, thanks for the heads up about the CPR course. I'm glad that your visit out there went well. I look forward to most likely meeting you guys!

Andrea