Applying to Direct-Entry MSN Boston Programs for 2015

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Hey everyone,

I just began collecting information for applications to the direct-entry programs at MGH, Northeastern, Simmons, and UMass Med. I will be applying at the end of this year for matriculation in 2015 for FNP track.

I'm also interested in gauging the strength of my application, so here's a little about myself.

I'm 23 years old and live in MA. I attended Plymouth State University where I received a BS in psychology. I originally thought I would go into PA but changed my decision due to PA's lack of intimacy with the patient (counseling, health education). I had a 3.57 overall GPA with a 4.0 in prereqs. I currently volunteer as an EMT with about 300 hours (6 months) under my belt. I'm also an LNA but not currently practicing (only worked for a month but decided to focus on EMT and online prereq. courses). I'm expecting to take the GREs this summer and in the process of gathering LORs. I just finished a couple of my statements of intent. My top school is MGH but I'm still waiting to attend information sessions at Simmons and UMass Med.

Is anyone else applying to these schools? I'd love to hear your story... :D

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Im planning on applying to Simmons.

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I am not sure on a LOR from a nursing professional who has served as a mentor. Im an ER nurse and has been as the same place for 10 years. I've seen all kinds of managers come and go. In fact, the hospital im working for is in contract to be purchased by another for profit hospital. Managers are dropping like flies. I have no mentor. What would your recommend as an option?

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LORs don't necessarily need to come from someone of a higher status. A reference could be from a co-worker. Really anyone who can convey your professional capabilities. It's best to pick someone who knows you well and can attest to your potential.

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Excellent! So you're planning on FNP? I was undecided for awhile between primary and acute care. What made you go with FNP?

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Yes...I am planning on FNP. I am going to do like you and apply to several programs.

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I am in the club. Good luck

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I'm applying to the FNP track at Simmons, MGH, & UMass for Boston schools and applying to Seattle U and Vanderbilt as well.

My relevant info:

From Washington State

33 years old

US Army veteran w/service related disability

BA in Business Admin from University of Washington

Diploma in French Language Studies from the Defense Language Institute

3.3 undergrad 3.95 in prereqs

GRE scores were kinda meh: 157 verbal, 151 quantitative

I work as an in-home caregiver (requires a minimum of a Home Care Aide certification in Washington) for patients with a variety of disabilities, developmental and otherwise

~50 hours volunteering and shadowing

As for references, I had the same professor for molecular bio, human a&p I and II, and nutrition so she's writing one, my supervisor from when I was a TA is writing one, and maybe one of my old commanders or platoon sergeants if I can find them

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

Good luck everyone.

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I'm applying to FNP at BC, Simmons, and MGH and my priorities are in that order. I am a career-changer: I've spent the last decade or so in the environmental field. This year I realized it's no longer financially practical for me to do (not in my 20s anymore). I also realized I don't feel like I'm truly being of service to others in the job that I currently have. So, a change! I'm really, really excited about becoming an NP.

I like BC the most because of the school-wide commitment to service to others, the program is reputable and apparently of a very good quality, it is shorter than other Boston programs (I want to be out in the world doing the work), and because I get the impression that the environment is supportive. In a high-pressure situation I want relatively nice people around me. I like Simmons second-best because I also get the impression it is reputable and of a very good quality and because it also seems supportive. These two schools also appear to have their ducks in a row for the students--good clinical experiences, fairly (though not perfectly) organized, etc. MGH is my last choice because I've only heard luke-warm reviews and I've heard the administration is a bit disorganized--but it's still a decent school, as far as I can tell.

I have a B.A. in environmental studies (3.8 GPA) and a M.S. in plant biology (3.9 GPA).

GRE scores are 710 verbal (98%ile), 580 quant. (44%ile, though when I took it I was in 60%ile--meh), and 6.0 analytical (98%ile).

I am in the process of getting my LNA cert. and have a job at a LTC (this will have been going on 1-3 months when I submit my apps).

I am volunteering at a community health center as an admin volunteer (same duration, 1-3 months).

I worked as a caregiver for about a year.

I've only finished three prereqs so far, but GPA is 4.0.

I chose FNP because I am told it provides the most versatility in terms of jobs. Also, I'm interested in serving all kinds of people, especially the underserved.

As for recommendations, I'm asking a former professor/mentor, a former professor/mentor/current supervisor, and ...I don't know who my third is yet! I'm thinking an NP at the health center might be good.

Thanks, BostonFNP, for your good-luck wishes. I find your posts extremely informative and balanced and make a point to pay attention to what you say.

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Wow, everyone seems to have amazing credentials. I recently received some excellent advice in regards to my career in healthcare and I've decided to get a second bachelor's in nursing and gain experience as an RN before I go for my FNP.

Good luck to everyone! :)

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Hey guys,

I'm also applying to Northeastern and MGH! :D How's everyone on their apps?

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