Boston Direct Entry Program - Calling All Applicants!

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Hello everyone - I just wanted to create a thread for those of us applying to direct entry programs in the Boston area to talk. Has anyone heard from any schools yet? Although I did not apply to Regis early decision (I am applying by the regular deadline), I know that they have likely already notified people - congrats to those who got in! I called Boston College a few days ago, and they said they are notifying people late February. I'm also applying to MGH, Northeastern and Simmons.

Good luck to everyone! :nurse:

SaraNH - I agree, I find MGH's sudden delay (by one month) just a few days after they told us they were mailing out decisions on the 16th, to be completely unprofessional. They HAD to know late last week that they were still in the process of reviewing applications and would take another MONTH before notifying people. This is going to cost many people an expensive deposit at another school. We pay a lot of money to apply to these schools - $50-75 for many of these MA programs, and the least they can do is follow up on their word (and if they can't, they should not state a date at all).

This is not exclusive to MGH at all. Honestly, I haven't been impressed with how too many of the programs have been handling the application process. BC basically sent out nothing to those people they accepted for the direct entry program (at least the FNP program has not received anything) - just a quick email with an acceptance letter and a reply form asking us to commit to a deposit. I have not received any brochure, any financial aid information (and it sounds like, based on the comments on this thread, there is a lot of confusion about how to complete the BC forms, using an eagle ID), or any other mailing from the school. Also, it is not always easy to reach these programs - I called 3 different numbers at BC in the past couple of days and could not get through to anyone. Our deposit is due imminently - in 2 weeks - and I do not feel equipped to make a decision based on the information they provided.

Additionally, I don't think the BC website (or any of the other MA programs, honestly) has much information on it for prospective students, and some of the schools (like Simmons) have websites that look like they are from the early 2000s. They are disorganized and lack a lot of information - I have spoken to current students at a couple of these schools who also complain about this problem, however I'm surprised nobody does anything about it.

What bothers me about this is that the commitment a school demonstrates to you during the application/acceptance process is in many ways indicative of how they will treat you once you are there. If anything, the schools should be treating us BETTER at this point to try and create an impression. I have not been impressed, to say the least.

I know I am hijacking my own thread with this post, but it's just something I had to get off my chest! I think I'm going to create a new topic on this point, because I'm concerned about how the students in these direct entry programs are actually treated by the schools once they get there.

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I just called MGH and they said they are sending letters out this week and we should get them in about a week or so... So I'm not sure where the confusion about mid-march came from...

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Specializes in Acute/Critical Care.

Hi Lucy 123,

I called them yesterday afternoon and the lady I spoke to in Admissions, told me mid-March. Hopefully, this is not true. I hate now there is no consistency in the decision dates.

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Hi Lucy - MGH told several of us over the past couple of days that they were now mailing out letters the first few weeks in March - I was told yesterday "around mid-march." If they have now changed things again to this week, that is great, although they have been pretty inconsistent with their messages. Regardless, it will be good to hear from them either way.

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I agree, the inconsistency is extremely frustrating! Hopefully we will hear soon...

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This may also be happening because they are overwhelmed and don't have enough staff to handle the number of applications received -- which isn't good either.

It is frustrating, and probably depends on who you talk to and what they know. But from what it sounds like, they are swamped.

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SaraNH - I agree, I find MGH's sudden delay (by one month) just a few days after they told us they were mailing out decisions on the 16th, to be completely unprofessional. They HAD to know late last week that they were still in the process of reviewing applications and would take another MONTH before notifying people. This is going to cost many people an expensive deposit at another school. We pay a lot of money to apply to these schools - $50-75 for many of these MA programs, and the least they can do is follow up on their word (and if they can't, they should not state a date at all).

This is not exclusive to MGH at all. Honestly, I haven't been impressed with how too many of the programs have been handling the application process. BC basically sent out nothing to those people they accepted for the direct entry program (at least the FNP program has not received anything) - just a quick email with an acceptance letter and a reply form asking us to commit to a deposit. I have not received any brochure, any financial aid information (and it sounds like, based on the comments on this thread, there is a lot of confusion about how to complete the BC forms, using an eagle ID), or any other mailing from the school. Also, it is not always easy to reach these programs - I called 3 different numbers at BC in the past couple of days and could not get through to anyone. Our deposit is due imminently - in 2 weeks - and I do not feel equipped to make a decision based on the information they provided.

Additionally, I don't think the BC website (or any of the other MA programs, honestly) has much information on it for prospective students, and some of the schools (like Simmons) have websites that look like they are from the early 2000s. They are disorganized and lack a lot of information - I have spoken to current students at a couple of these schools who also complain about this problem, however I'm surprised nobody does anything about it.

What bothers me about this is that the commitment a school demonstrates to you during the application/acceptance process is in many ways indicative of how they will treat you once you are there. If anything, the schools should be treating us BETTER at this point to try and create an impression. I have not been impressed, to say the least.

I know I am hijacking my own thread with this post, but it's just something I had to get off my chest! I think I'm going to create a new topic on this point, because I'm concerned about how the students in these direct entry programs are actually treated by the schools once they get there.

i totally agree with you. I wasn't accepted to BC, but the way they handled the application made me feel even WORSE about myself. this was the email I received and letter: Thank you for your application to Boston College and for your patience throughout this admission process. In consideration of your time, I am attaching your letter. Regards xxxxxxx. The Admission Committee for the Master's Entry into Nursing Program met to review applicant records. The applicant group this year was exceptional in number and quality. Given the extraordinary caliber of the applicants and the limited number of spaces, the committee was faced with difficult decisions. We regret that we are unable to offer you admissions for September 2011.

ok so the decision letter seems to be like a normal rejection letter, but i thought the email could not have been more insensitive.. not insensitive, but just not personal or warm. i was very surprised.

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I called MGH as well today and they were really nice, she confirmed that they would be sending out the letters "by the end of this week" and we should hear next week sometime. Just thought I would share that even though someone had already shared the same info earlier! Holding my breath for quick mail delivery!

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I just called MGH and they said they aren't sending out letters until March 2015...

kidding. but for real, I agree that they must be swarmed and it looks like we're all just gonna have to sit tight and keep stalking the mailman everyday!

good luck everyone :)

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Just wanted to let you all know, I called MGH this afternoon and was initally told that they would be sending out the letter today or tomorrow. When I asked if financial aid/scholarship info would be included, I was asked to wait a moment. When the woman came back on the line, she apologized profusely and told me that letters are actually coming out mid March and will include scholarship/financial aid info. So... that may be where the confusion is coming from-- an admissions receptionist who wasn't aware of the change in notification dates!

There goes $400 to BC!!

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Hi sorry if this is a repeat post--- doing it from my phone--- but wondering if any Family track applicants have heard from Northeastern? I know my application was processed late and am trying to keep up my hopes. Thanks!

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Choco80 - AMEN! I'm actually leaning towards Columbia at this point and they have been so professional, considerate and organized during the entire process. We already have invitations to an accepted students day in a couple of weeks, information on orientation, including uniform and equipment ordering forms, etc. Anytime I have emailed them with questions, they answered within hours. I really couldn't be more impressed and it certainly soothes my "type A" self. All jokes aside, I think people should take more into consideration how they are being treated during the application process. Good luck again to everyone on their decisions!

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