Accepted to Georgetown and Simmons.......now what?

TereseRN, BSN, RN · Dec 14, 2013

I am in the process of applying to Simmons. I am applying to 4 or 5 schools and so far Simmons is my number one choice. I love Simmons for the fact that they are very interactive, hold actual lectures with attendance (which makes me feel like I will be held even more accountable for the material) AND they have clinical placement which is huge! All the students who are either attending Simmons online or on campus all state that it is a great program, that you will be challenged and come out a good FNP. They also have a 100% first time pass rate on campus. One person on this site said that the program is user friendly and that she likes all of her instructors and course delivery. Simmons also has a good reputation as well as a B&M school.

I am not applying to Georgetown, but we are interviewing a FNP who recently graduated from Georgetown. She said she loved the program and felt that her instructors cared about her. Georgetown also carries a good name that will look great on a resume. Do know that Georgetown refers students to Simmons, and that Simmons utilizes the same technology as Georgetown.

Congratulations on getting in to both programs. That is something to be proud of! I would maybe look at both programs and compare the sylabus and see which one feels like the right fit for you. At the end of the day this is you education and you want to choose a program that will make you feel the most comfortable and prepare you to be the best FNP you can be.

Can I ask you, what was you GPA and what kind of work experience do you have?

I have a 3.51 and wish my GPA was a little higher. I have 2 years experience is ICU and 3 years experience in primary care/pulmonary/immunology. I hope I can get in to Simmons:) Good Luck to you!

BiotoBSNtoFNP · Dec 14, 2013

So I've been accepted in the full time programs at Simmons and Georgetown. I don't know what to do! I'm really nervous about the cost of Georgetown's program. Has anyone experienced problems receiving enough financial aid for the program? Or programs getting a GradPlus loan?
Simmons worries me a little because of how new the online program is. Georgetown is an easily recognizable name and I like the idea of clinical placements. I'm just not so sure about the extra debt.
My fiancee' is a CRNA so we already have huge student loans, but I don't want to give up something I want just because of that either. I plan on working part time or casual throughout the program but we would be in trouble if I had to start paying out of pocket for classes.
Suggestions and advice are appreciated

I have also been accepted to both Georgetown and Simmons for FNP. I am very nervous about the cost of Georgetown especially since I already have student loan debt, however I think I have made the decision to attend Georgetown because of the name. I believe that will help me get a great job in the area I want. Simmons is more regionally known, so if you are in the Boston area, from my understanding, people are very familiar with the school. Since both programs essentially run the same way with the interactive classrooms and such, I really think it's a personal decision. Over the course of your loan repayment, the cost of Georgetown vs Simmons will not be THAT big of a difference month to month. And I am convinced that where you got your schooling will be helpful with a job, especially since so many online schools are popping up. So that's why Ive chosen Georgetown.

TashaLPN2006RN2012, ASN, RN · Dec 19, 2013

So I've been accepted in the full time programs at Simmons and Georgetown. I don't know what to do! I'm really nervous about the cost of Georgetown's program. Has anyone experienced problems receiving enough financial aid for the program? Or programs getting a GradPlus loan?
Simmons worries me a little because of how new the online program is. Georgetown is an easily recognizable name and I like the idea of clinical placements. I'm just not so sure about the extra debt.
My fiancee' is a CRNA so we already have huge student loans, but I don't want to give up something I want just because of that either. I plan on working part time or casual throughout the program but we would be in trouble if I had to start paying out of pocket for classes.
Suggestions and advice are appreciated

Simmons is 35k less than GU. If you want the name brand go With GU as far as the course set up they are identical because the both partnered with 2U who runs their interactive online platform. Sane amount of time to do the program too. Simmons is new with being online this year however they have an on campus fnp with 100% board cert pass rate 5yrs running, GU didn't have that at all for in campus or online. I also talked to several physicians and most didn't care whatMSN SCHOOL was attended so long as I get that certification paper. I start Simmons full time in March.. So of course I'm biased! Lol

TashaLPN2006RN2012, ASN, RN · Dec 19, 2013

Andi Simmons also does clinical placements... forgot to add that! Lol

2015 · Dec 19, 2013

Tasha...I think GU pass rate is 98%. I would prefer 100%. I thought Simmons is 57K vs GU 77K.

Go for GU for the name brand and best return on investment. You will get a job sooner and probably start at higher paying scale. 100% of GU graduates get a job within 6months of graduation. Am biased too.

TashaLPN2006RN2012, ASN, RN · Dec 19, 2013

Acutally when i talked to GU financial aid (while i was waiting for my app to process) because i had the GI bill, the total cost after fees and books ect is around 88-89K roughly for GU (after they gave me the yellow ribbon military discount), and Simmons was 57K with everything. I would not have been able to pay for GU so I think God knew that and had a hand in the denial, with Simmons my GI bill pays everything but 10K of the school so i'll take out one small loan (if you can call 10K small hahahaha) =)

I agree that brand name can be good, however, I work with a GU graduate and she still interviewed for 8 jobs after graduation and only was selected for 2 of them, another FNP went to a state college somewhere in the West (i don't even remember the name) and she also interviewed with 5-8 jobs and was only offered 2. A new grad is a new grad...perhaps if you work in some big city GU may be whats needed to put you through over other canidates. I've noticed here in jacksonville a lot of the FNPS are the ones that go to the local state university are chosen over others anyway. That's why the physicians i talked to said they didn't care really what school i went to (i was looking at South and Maryville at first too) just that I passed boards. Since I was only accepted to Simmons I didn't have this "choice" to make, I guess I should be thankful for that! I was accepted to South university too, but had already made my mind up about Simmons and after the horrible reviews online about South I decided to steer clear (bad reviews on their financial aid department not the FNP program itself!) Tasha

TashaLPN2006RN2012, ASN, RN · Dec 19, 2013

I am in the process of applying to Simmons. I am applying to 4 or 5 schools and so far Simmons is my number one choice. I love Simmons for the fact that they are very interactive, hold actual lectures with attendance (which makes me feel like I will be held even more accountable for the material) AND they have clinical placement which is huge! All the students who are either attending Simmons online or on campus all state that it is a great program, that you will be challenged and come out a good FNP. They also have a 100% first time pass rate on campus. One person on this site said that the program is user friendly and that she likes all of her instructors and course delivery. Simmons also has a good reputation as well as a B&M school.
I am not applying to Georgetown, but we are interviewing a FNP who recently graduated from Georgetown. She said she loved the program and felt that her instructors cared about her. Georgetown also carries a good name that will look great on a resume. Do know that Georgetown refers students to Simmons, and that Simmons utilizes the same technology as Georgetown.
Congratulations on getting in to both programs. That is something to be proud of! I would maybe look at both programs and compare the sylabus and see which one feels like the right fit for you. At the end of the day this is you education and you want to choose a program that will make you feel the most comfortable and prepare you to be the best FNP you can be.
Can I ask you, what was you GPA and what kind of work experience do you have?
I have a 3.51 and wish my GPA was a little higher. I have 2 years experience is ICU and 3 years experience in primary care/pulmonary/immunology. I hope I can get in to Simmons:) Good Luck to you!

And Teresa has some very UN-biased suggestions here LOL =) HUGS!

2015 · Dec 19, 2013

Tasha...good point about local schools. GU is local for me. Less than 20miles from my house. I would go for a locally known state school than some mediocre online program like University of Phoenix. But one thing I can admit is, I want to be an FNP so bad that I would have gone to any school that bothered to admit me. I know what am capable of....so my plan was to work very very hard....and put in lots of clinical hours to help me be a good FNP. I do understand why people choose to go where they go. I think you remember a lady who had been rejected multiple times for almost two years. I do empathize.

TashaLPN2006RN2012, ASN, RN · Dec 19, 2013

Tasha...good point about local schools. GU is local for me. Less than 20miles from my house. I would go for a locally known state school than some mediocre online program like University of Phoenix. But one thing I can admit is, I want to be an FNP so bad that I would have gone to any school that bothered to admit me. I know what am capable of....so my plan was to work very very hard....and put in lots of clinical hours to help me be a good FNP. I do understand why people choose to go where they go. I think you remember a lady who had been rejected multiple times for almost two years. I do empathize.

I agree and had I been accepted to both I'd have just as hard of a time making this decision. It does have to be personal, what you can afford and what matters to you. I would have taken any school as well and worked hard, i do feel you get what you put into a distance program anyway. I would not have wanted to do a school that bases everything off of group assignments and paper writing though. I'm very glad that Simmons is set up JUST LIKE GU so I'm getting the same benefits. And even though i was denied GU I was referred to Simmons as a strong candidate so that makes me feel good too!

TereseRN, BSN, RN · Dec 22, 2013

Thanks Tasha! I think both are great schools, one is just more well known than the other.I think whichever school she chooses she will be ok, and I think both of you ladies will get a great education. I talked to a lady the other day (I live in Virginia) about the grad schools I was applying to and when I said I was applying to Simmons she said that is a great school with a great reputation in the New England area. That makes me feel good, however I do not live in the New England area, which brings me to this debate. I am in the situation where my first choice is Simmons and my second choice is Maryville. Maryville is $23,000 less and since I have to finance 100% the idea of having to pay back makes me careful. They say your monthly payment is usually 10% of what you financed. So I would be looking at $570 versus $340 a month(estimate) I am having an internal debate on which to choose because I love how Simmons is set up but I do not like that monthly payment..eek! I realize that you get what you pay for, but I have been hearing such good things about both programs it makes me confused. I also really like my advisor at MVU and she has been super helpful. What do you guys think?

TashaLPN2006RN2012, ASN, RN · Dec 24, 2013

Thanks Tasha! I think both are great schools one is just more well known than the other.I think whichever school she chooses she will be ok, and I think both of you ladies will get a great education. I talked to a lady the other day (I live in Virginia) about the grad schools I was applying to and when I said I was applying to Simmons she said that is a great school with a great reputation in the New England area. That makes me feel good, however I do not live in the New England area, which brings me to this debate. I am in the situation where my first choice is Simmons and my second choice is Maryville. Maryville is $23,000 less and since I have to finance 100% the idea of having to pay back makes me careful. They say your monthly payment is usually 10% of what you financed. So I would be looking at $570 versus $340 a month(estimate) I am having an internal debate on which to choose because I love how Simmons is set up but I do not like that monthly payment..eek! I realize that you get what you pay for, but I have been hearing such good things about both programs it makes me confused. I also really like my advisor at MVU and she has been super helpful. What do you guys think?[/quote']
For me I preferred for the School to find my clinical sites, I also like the live classes for discussion opportunities and not a bunch of constant paper writing and group work/discussion board postings. Ive dine that my entire bsn and it gets old boring and find myself doing half butt work. That's me though. You have to do what's best for you. I have had More support from Simmons than ask the other Schools I talked to. That made me feel secure in my decision. I've talked to several staff from financial aid to Student support to IT support with no issues. And my advisor even sent me a welcome post card and then when I finished my BSN sent me a congrats postcard. Which made me realize I'm not just another number t to them. ny emails an calls have been returned within and hour in some instances. Overall I'm just really thankful and comfortable.