Direct-Entry programs... anyone applying for 2012?

[bostonstudent1220]

Hey all! I am new to this site so please forgive me if this is posted in the wrong section, or if this thread already exists, etc. Basically, I am currently finishing my undergraduate B.S. degree (graduating this January) and am looking at and applying to direct-entry programs for fall 2013 (although some start as early as this May or June). Is anyone else out there in the same boat? Or have any of you gone through the process that can give some general advice? A little about me and my hopes for nursing school...

- I am currently a student in Boston.

- I am from another New England state originally but am hoping to continue my education in Boston because a) I love this awesome city! b) I have a strong network of friends, family and employers here and c) Boston is the medical epicenter of THE WHOLE WORLD (did I mention I love Boston?). However...

- ... I am not made of money so I may opt to leave Boston in order to save money (I could get in-state tuition elsewhere) if I do not get any financial aid, scholarships, etc. here in Boston.

- I have applied to: Regis DE program (interviewed here recently), BC Connell school of nursing DE program, USM (southern maine) accelerated B.S. program, MGHIHP DE program. I probably won't hear back from any of these until winter or early spring.

- I am also planning on applying to: Simmons DE program, UMass Boston accelerated BS program and Northeaster DE program... these applications aren't due until January or February.

- I plan on doing Family nursing because it seems to be the most flexible.

- I have completed all of the prerequisites for all of the schools I am applying to and am planning on working between my graduation this January and my potential start of nursing school next fall in order to save some money and gain more experience.

I think that just about sums everything up. Are any of you applying to these same or similar programs? In these programs currently? Finished these programs? Any general advice would be helpful. I'm mainly just looking for someone to talk to who is going through the same process... none of my undergrad friends here are doing it so it would be nice to find some people here! It is a somewhat stressful and confusing process so I think we should all band together :)

- bostonstudent1220