Boston Direct Entry Program - Calling All Applicants!

U.S.A. Massachusetts

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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:

Johanne - I am sorry to hear you were waitlisted, but I don't think all hope is lost. It seems like several people over the years have said they have gotten in on these boards. I have no idea if the WL is based on specialty but it makes sense if they have openings in one area they might take someone in that area. You should definitely follow up with them re: your interest, since those people are the ones who would likely get the spots first... good luck!

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Thanks for the advice Choco- I really appreciate it.

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No problem - also, if you are flexible with your specialty, who knows, it might be helpful to let them know that as well when you touch base with them. I remember years ago when I applied for colleges, and later for another graduate degree, I was waitlisted at a couple of places and I wrote a supplemental essay/letter to the schools, and it helped in one instance - so you never know! These NP programs might actually take a good amount of people of the waitlist - in my husband's med school, about half the class was from the wait list....

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Thank you for your words of encouragement. Are you going to MGH? What specialty did you apply for?

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HugANurse87-

For me, some of the big draws to NEU's program is that they have a portion of the program thats dedicated to you working and getting experience as an RN prior to starting your specialty track; they also don't require you to select a specialty until a year or so into the program (which although I know I definitely want to do the psyc track, I'm not positive If I want to work with children or adults...I like having some time to figure that out); NEU also allows for the option of either CNS or NP in psyc (which from what I've seen, others schools don't offer); and lastly I've just had an overall good experience with the staff and current students that I've interacted with in the program.

That being said though, I've heard really good things about MGH's program. And from what I understand, their program is a year shorter than NEU's, which is attractive to me. I know this probably sounds contradictory because the extra year at NEU is where you work for as an RN, but long story short, I already have a MA degree in another field so the faster I can get my career going, the better lol!

Are you trying to decide between two programs? If so which ones? Do you have any pros/cons to add that I may be unaware of?

Thanks!

PsycMC,

Thanks for the response!! I agree, the co-op is very appealing but it's also appealing to finish sooner so I'm not sure. I actually am on the wait-list at NEU so my only option is MGH. I'm excited about MGH but if NEU calls me with an offer I think it will be a really tough decision, they both have great reputations. I'm waiting to hear from Simmons and UF, I think if accepted to UF that will also make the decision difficult... but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it haha. My main goal is to go somewhere with small class sizes and good hospitals for clinicals and I think MGH and NEU both fit the bill. From what I've heard both programs will be great so I think you'll do great with either one!! Good luck with everything!

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Johanne - Yes, I am probably going to MGH. I applied and was accepted into the family specialty. I only applied to MA schools, and so far I've gotten into BC and Regis as well. I haven't heard from Simmons or NEU yet (which I anticipate means that NE is a rejection).

MGH was my top choice for a while, with BC as number two. Since I have had another career for several years, I am looking for a program that is 2-3 years, so NE is a bit too long for me, co-op notwithstanding. I think the co-op is a good way to make connections (in my current profession, I interview NE grads from different grad program at NEU all the time who have done co-ops so I'm familiar with the concept at the school), however I know that I'll likely want to work in a large hospital environment, and MGH provides all of those great connections to Partners. I know the other programs also place in Partners, however I think MGH has a tighter connection, coupled with a strong name.

Huganurse - I believe you asked about moving into the city (I can't remember if it was this thread or the other MGH one). I won't have to move just yet because I live right near a T stop, and it's not a far trip to MGH hospital or the Institute itself. I know moving is a hassle and a big expense, however. I used to live in the Brookline/JP area and we moved up north of the city where we live now a year ago. What neighborhoods are you thinking about?

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I've also decided on MGH. I'm waitlisted at Northeastern which was originally my top choice because that's where I'll get my undergrad degree from in May...but I sort of took this whole process as a sign. The more I've looked into MGH I feel like it's meant to be and I should go with it. I guess that's a good thing for anyone else on Northeastern's waitlist...I feel like I'd rather not know and just open up the spot for someone else waiting.

I'll be doing the child/adolescent psychiatric CNS track at MGH and can't wait to meet everyone! Is everyone planning on attending the admitted students open house on april 9th?

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Yes, I will be there! I know this must have been a tough decision for you, I know how much you liked NE, but I completely understand where you are coming from. Things work out the way they do for a reason, and you will do great things at MGH!

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Choco80- Moving is a huge expense and I'm debating it but I have a long commute to work now and I can't see myself surviving a long commute to school. I'm not familiar with the north shore but it seems like the cost of living is somewhat lower there than in the city. Are there any places you would recommend?

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Are there any current MGH students out there who could give me some general information about the program? Some of my questions include: Are most of the MGH students from the Boston area or are they from all over the country? Are the all the clinical rotations in Boston, or can they send you up to several hours away? How affiliated is the school with Mass Gen Hospital? If the US news rankings are accurate, MGH has a much lower ranking than a lot of other direct entry programs. Is this an issue? Thanks for your help!

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I just found out I was on the waitlist of MGH. I really don't know my chance to get off it. Any concerns ??:eek:

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Are there any current MGH students out there who could give me some general information about the program? Some of my questions include: Are most of the MGH students from the Boston area or are they from all over the country? Are the all the clinical rotations in Boston, or can they send you up to several hours away? How affiliated is the school with Mass Gen Hospital? If the US news rankings are accurate, MGH has a much lower ranking than a lot of other direct entry programs. Is this an issue? Thanks for your help!

Hi Molls-

I'm not a current student, actually I'll be attending for the Direct Entry program starting this Fall...but I do have a friend in the program and one who just graduated so hopefully I can provide some answers. From what I understand, the students at MGH are very diverse in terms of geographic locations. It sounds to me like a lot of the students have spent the past few years in Boston, but are from all over originally. Majority of the clinical rotations AIM to be in Boston---however my friend did tell me there have been some students who have had clinical placements outside of the city and thus have had to get a zipcar or find an alternate way to get there. This was unappealing to me but she did say that MGHIHP does it's absolute best to get you somewhere realistically attainable for your commuting situation.

The school itself is affiliated with MGH in the sense that it is literally considered a direct partner school with the hospital and also a part of the Partner's Healthcare system--arguably the most highly reputable and well known healthcare organization in the US (according to my friend, who happens to be an employee/may be biased...but having worked for Partners in the past myself, I think she is right). MGH students do not always get to do clinical at MGH (but from what I understand, all med-surg clinicals are done at MGH) but they are highly regarded at the Boston hospitals and often given preference. My friend also mentioned that her and another student did clinical at Children's Hospital, another great site.

As for the ranking....MGH is 64th nationally whereas some other direct entry programs in the area rank near 100 or lower. In New England, MGH has just moved to #3.

...I swear I don't work for them, and am saying this completely unbiased....but after learning all of this myself, I'm extremely proud to start there in the Fall.

Hope that helped!

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