applying to direct entry masters programs

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i'm finishing up my BS right now but I'm set on applying to direct entry programs in nursing within the next year or so. I still have to fulfill several requirements and take the GRE, but I was wondering how you guys decided on what programs to apply to?

most programs have highly specific/distinct requirements so there are some that I probably won't apply to. schools that appeal to me so far are UIC and Columbia (mostly because of location? i'm from CA and would like to relocate...unless UCSF works out for me :)

anyways....i just need a heads up on how the application process went for you all! many of the cycles are different...so its added stress that i have to time it properly.

THANK YOU! and CONGRATS to the new nursing students!

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Hi lemonchiffon!

I'm in the same boat as you. I'll be done with my BS in December after I return from a semester abroad in Australia and I want to apply for direct entry MSN programs for fall 09. I'm also from Cali and am looking to move out of state (altho I'd gladly go anywhere that accepts me). I think I'm going to apply to UCLA, Columbia, and UPenn.

I still have a few more pre-reqs to do, but I just took the GRE's and to my surprise it wasn't as horrible as I thought it was going to be. My math score basically carried me thru tho. I definitely need to up my verbal and am planning to take it again while I'm in Australia.

Where are you going to school now? I'm just stressing about having to send in applications and get it all together while out of the country!

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you remind me of myself. i'm at ucla right now :) but I don't think I'll be applying to their program--there aren't very many options, if i'm not mistaken.

i was studying abroad last semester and i'm surprised how on top of things you are. i wasn't concerned/thinking about preparing at all so now it's hitting me at once. hopefully i'll figure out soon what i'm doing after graduation (moving home? prereqs, work..etc) so i can study for the GRE and start looking at schools in more detail.

i think ideally i'd like to go to UIC to be able to experience Chicago....tuition is more reasonable and i wish that weren't a factor for me but it is.

doing the prereqs is a pain for me because timing is off if I do it at a JC, which i plan on doing. i'm used to the quarter system. some schools are extremely specific about courses too, but there are plenty of schools that are less picky...so i'm just going to finish anat & phys, and microbio for now.

let's keep in touch, yeah? ;)

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I forgot to put I'm applying to Emory too in my first post. Chicago is such an awesome city, but it's SOOOOOOOO cold in the winters! I went with some friends in Dec 06. I don't know what we were thinking going in the winter time, but I've never been so freezing in my life! I'm too used to 60 degree SoCal winters.

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you remind me of myself. i'm at ucla right now :) but I don't think I'll be applying to their program--there aren't very many options, if i'm not mistaken.

Hey you guys,

I'm going to be starting Yale's direct-entry program in the fall, and would highly recommend looking into their program. They have a lot of specialty options, which is what originally attracted me to them. :)

Good luck! The process isn't as bad as you think!

Kens

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do you know how much financial aid is available at yale? i havent been considering the financial aspect of the programs too much yet but i think i need to start doing more research.

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.

I picked a public school in my region because of (a) cost, (b) location, and © the timing worked out perfectly.

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Specializes in Med surg, cardiac, case management.

I confess that I only applied to 2 schools...DePaul and UIC...because I live in Chicago and didn't want to move (really too expensive). Got into the former, but not the latter.

Which brings up an important point: Do you know what you want to do after you graduate? Programs like UIC require you to choose a specialization when you start, while programs like DePaul provide a generalist MSN. If you're not sure then the latter might be a better choice. It's worked out for me, as I'm still not sure what I want to do even after a year in the program.

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do you know how much financial aid is available at yale? i havent been considering the financial aspect of the programs too much yet but i think i need to start doing more research.

Unfortunately, Yale's financial aid package isn't the best. They have a really strong program, however, and they cost less than Columbia! You definitely need the right combination of factors for you between location, reputation, specialty offerings, cost, etc. Good luck!

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