Boston College Direct-Entry MSN, NP Track Summer 2025

MissCloo510 · Feb 13

I'm stuck in a similar dilemma. I've been accepted into BC, MGH, and UPenn. Boston College is a fantastic school and I've heard great things about their program. Have you attended their new student webinars? I've had a really great experience getting information from their admissions and they have been so helpful. The main factor for me is that BC offers two MSN degrees at the end of three years. Did you apply for the MSN generalist/MSN NP Program?

I'm not completely familiar with MGH's program at this point (probably should be), but I don't believe their confer a BSN or MSN degree at the end of the first year. You are conferred one MSN for NP degree. However, you do get exposure to MGH, which is one of the best hospitals in the world. That being said, BC also would allow you to do clinical rotations at great hospitals in the Boston area.

Can I ask what your specialty is for BC if you also applied to the NP portion?

I'm also torn with UPenn because it's a great program. However, I'm wondering if there's any difference with an MPN degree from Penn vs an MSN degree from BC after the first year.

Hopeful1005 · Feb 13

Hi @MissCloo510

I applied to the pediatric primary care NP track! Can I ask why the second degree is helpful? Just to work as an RN during your time getting the NP?

yara28 · Feb 24

@MissCloo510 I figured I would respond in the correct thread haha. I went to the admitted students day and it was lovely! The staff seemed so nice and caring. I really get the sense that they care about their students deeply. Because it is a smaller program (roughly 50 students in the pre-licensure year), they really get to know you well. It seems like past students also stay in touch with faculty and staff, which is a good sign.

One thing I noticed is how flexible and understanding the staff seem. When I attended Emory's admitted students day, they informed us that there is a $250 fee if you miss a clinical. At Boston College, they said they understand that things happen and they build days into the curriculum to account for missed clinicals. In addition, some students on the panel discussed how understanding faculty and staff are when things come up with their kids. The student body is diverse age wise - ranging from 20s-40s and they come from all types of backgrounds.

They gave us a sample schedule for the first two semesters, which was nice for planning purposes and they seem very organized! We got to tour the simulation lab and campus. They emphasized how because the nursing school is located on the main campus, you feel like you are a part of a community.

The program director for the pre-licensure year used to work at UPenn and mentioned that it was a bit more competitive and that she much preferred working at BC. I most likely am going to commit, however I feel a sense of guilt at giving up the chance to attend an Ivy League university. Even though BC may not be as highly ranked, I think their program is the best fit for me. Please let me know if you have any more questions!

MissCloo510 · Feb 24

@yara28 Hello and thank you so much for sharing your insights from the student day info session! I really appreciate it 🙂 It sounds like BC truly has very supportive faculty! You know, it's funny - that was also the feeling I got when I reached out to their admissions and throughout the application process. They were so responsive and so kind in answering every question I had. I, too like you, also feel a at crossroads for giving up the chance to attend Penn's program. I think good organization is probably one of the biggest factors as well. I may look in previous threads to see if any current students from Penn have any insights. If I learn anything else, I will let you know as well. But sounds like BC might be the one for you!! Thanks again and good luck with your nursing journey! Cheers!

MissCloo510 · Feb 24

@Hopeful1005 Sorry for the late response! Personally, I would like the RN degree just to have options to work as a bedside nurse first to gain experience. I believe experience is really important . However, I think I might have mispoken. MGH might offer the BSN degree after the first pre-licensure phase. You should reach out to them to check. Just a note - I also reached out to MGH admissions regarding some questions a week ago, but they never responded. That is a little offputting so for me, the choices are Penn or BC. Hope that helped!

Becca12 · Feb 24

Hi! Does anyone know of an accepted students group on Facebook or want me to start one?

yara28 · Feb 24

Becca12 said:

Hi! Does anyone know of an accepted students group on Facebook or want me to start one?

I haven't seen any! It would be great if you could make one!

Becca12 · Feb 27

Hi! I started an accepted students page!!

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18c4XTBoGM/?mibextid=K35XfP

yara28 · Apr 15

@MissCloo510, I know its been a while, but I'm curious to know which school you ended up committing to?

MissCloo510 · Apr 15

@yara28 Hello, I decided on Penn's program because of the MSN specialty track they offered. Which program did you end up choosing?