Direct Entry Programs- How hard to get in?

[GoodyNurse2b]

Thanks for all of your responses to all of my previous posts. As you probably assume, I'm evaluating all of my options including ADN, BSN, and Direct-Entry MSN. The direct entry programs look extremely appealing, but seeing that they are at the best of colleges, I don't know how easy they are to get in.

Does anyone know what the typical GPA, scores, acceptance rates of these programs are? Anyone have any experience applying?

I'm in MD, so I'd consider Hopkins, but Columbia, MGHI in Mass, Case Western, Vanderbilt, Pace, and Yale also look appealing.

Seeing as nursing traditionally isn't an "ivy league" profession, are the credentials required for these programs less than what a typical "ivy" student would need?

I'd love to hear experiences with any programs.........

[dream2nurse]

Well I got the notice today... I did not get into SFSU. But I have applied to 7 other schools so hopefully I will get in somewhere. :)

Sorry Seahorse, I was hoping I would get in so I could give you my spot. ;-)

I will keep checking back though... I hope you all get in!

~ Amy

[Jess RN]

Well I got the notice today... I did not get into SFSU. But I have applied to 7 other schools so hopefully I will get in somewhere. :)

Sorry Seahorse, I was hoping I would get in so I could give you my spot. ;-)

I will keep checking back though... I hope you all get in!

~ Amy

Oh Amy, what a bummer. I'm sure that you will have plenty of options among the 7 others! Do you know when you will hear from your others?

-Jess

[dream2nurse]

Thanks Jess and the rest of you for your support! These forums are so great!

All other notices don't come in until April and May so I have what feels like a looooong time to wait. So we will see...

If it takes me another TEN years to get into nursing school, so be it. I know it is what I truly want to do for the rest of my life and so it will happen. I have good grades and a lot going for me, so I hope a spot is waiting for me somewhere.

Best wishes to you all!

[Jess RN]

If it takes me another TEN years to get into nursing school, so be it. I know it is what I truly want to do for the rest of my life and so it will happen. I have good grades and a lot going for me, so I hope a spot is waiting for me somewhere.

I love your awesome attitude! You will certainly find a spot- hopefully it will be this year!

Keep your eyes on the prize everyone!! Don't let setbacks break your stride!!

-Jess

[pancake]

Well I got the notice today... I did not get into SFSU. But I have applied to 7 other schools so hopefully I will get in somewhere. :)

Sorry Seahorse, I was hoping I would get in so I could give you my spot. ;-)

I will keep checking back though... I hope you all get in!

~ Amy

You're going to get into one of those other schools, and if it doesn't happen this year it will happen next. I think it will happen this year for you :) You were so wise to apply to so many schools, and with your motivation it's just a matter of time now.

I was shocked to discover that the SF-State acceptance rate was approx the same as UCSF . . . 15%! Egads! I wonder if it's as insanely competitive elsewhere in the country?

I look forward to hearing where you end up and thank you for all the support.

Take Care

[NP-to-be]

:smiley_aa

Well I got the notice today... I did not get into SFSU. But I have applied to 7 other schools so hopefully I will get in somewhere. :)

Sorry Seahorse, I was hoping I would get in so I could give you my spot. ;-)

I will keep checking back though... I hope you all get in!

~ Amy

What a bummer Amy but keep your head up ... I'm sure that you wont continue to be disappointed !! you have a great attitude that WILL pay off in the end :wink2:

Jess - At this point I plan to go staight through for the 3-yr program - but I also want to have the option of changing my mind. Alot of programs require a 6-12month RN internship after passing the NCLEX - I'm sure that it is no subsitute for a 'real' staff nurse position ... but it's a start !!

[Gennaver, MSN]

Well I got the notice today... I did not get into SFSU. But I have applied to 7 other schools so hopefully I will get in somewhere. :)

~ Amy

Amy,

Six more to go!! :) I hope you do get in too.

Keep checking, we are all with you on this!!

Worst case scenario though would not that bad, really, (worst case is that we all have to wait another year and get to work on more pre-reqs).

Gennaver

p.s. I really hope that we dont' have to spend any more years on our pre-reqs though!!

[Jess RN]

I had a good interview at Regis today for their direct entry program. I was really pretty impressed by the program (it's a 3 yr accel BSN/MSN program). It's been around 10 years and has a good, though local, reputation. They also have the option to do the RN portion full time days or nights and weekends, which is nice- I would have to use less childcare that way. The admissions counsellor told me I would hear in 2-3 weeks. They have 250 applicants for 50 spots- so slightly better odds than the other two schools I applied to. I liked the program. I'd be happy if I got in. I'm cautiously optimistic!~ :)

-Jess

[NP-to-be]

I had a good interview at Regis today for their direct entry program. I was really pretty impressed by the program (it's a 3 yr accel BSN/MSN program). It's been around 10 years and has a good, though local, reputation. They also have the option to do the RN portion full time days or nights and weekends, which is nice- I would have to use less childcare that way. The admissions counsellor told me I would hear in 2-3 weeks. They have 250 applicants for 50 spots- so slightly better odds than the other two schools I applied to. I liked the program. I'd be happy if I got in. I'm cautiously optimistic!~ :)

-Jess

Congrats on a great interview !! Do you know how Regis would compare to BC or MGH?

-Jen

[PdxDreamer]

Do you gals know what the ratio of applications/accepted students are for MGH and Simmons? Out here in OR and CA, they have SOO many applicants- 300 for 20 spots...crazy!

Good job on your Regis interview. I thought about applying to Regis, but I grew up in Needham, and it just felt too close to home for me. And besides, I'm single and 27, so I need the big city atmosphere to rev up my social life!!

Then again, I'm sure grad school will ruin any chances for free time... :chuckle

Diana

[Jess RN]

Congrats on a great interview !! Do you know how Regis would compare to BC or MGH?

Locally, their reputation is really good. But it's not a nationally known program like BC or MGH you know? They have double the clinical hours in the RN portion which I really like. Where you get an RN and a certificate at BC and MGH you actually get a second bachelors at Regis. It also seems that the clinical portion is run really well- the two tracks are days or nights/weekends. They make sure that your clinicals are on the same schedule as classes. So your aren't stuck with classes in the am and then an evening clinical- which would be almost un-doable for me with two little kids and childcare to coordinate. I think since they have been doing it for 10 years they have the kinks worked out.

It had a nice feeling too- small school- very intimate setting. The people were friendly. I'd be really happy to go there- I think it would be great.

-Jess

[Jess RN]

Do you gals know what the ratio of applications/accepted students are for MGH and Simmons? Out here in OR and CA, they have SOO many applicants- 300 for 20 spots...crazy!

Good job on your Regis interview. I thought about applying to Regis, but I grew up in Needham, and it just felt too close to home for me. And besides, I'm single and 27, so I need the big city atmosphere to rev up my social life!!

Then again, I'm sure grad school will ruin any chances for free time... :chuckle

Diana

I think MGH has 300+ applicants for 55 seats. Not sure about Simmons.

They are all super competitive- jeeez!!!

-Jess