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.........

[Jess RN]

I agree with this on a certain level, but at the same time if you have a passion you should go with it. I researched specialties pretty carefully before I decided on neonatalogy. It was just really the only thing that interested me. It's about the most narrow, least marketable specialty there is, but it's what I want to do, so there you have it.

I totally agree elizabells. I struggled with my specialty being too narrow and spending all this time and money only to be unemployed at the end of it all. But my interest and passion is women's health. I think it will be easier actually to be employable when you are totally interested and jazzed about your specialty- that will come through in all you do- externships, interviews, networking, etc. I can also see the flip side though, wanting to be a generalist for a bit to see what specialties really draw you in and then decide. I just think from a logistics standpoint that would be hard on schools who need to plan faculty staffing, preceptors and clinicals by specialty and in advance.

-Jess

[Gennaver, MSN]

I totally agree elizabells. I struggled with my specialty being too narrow and spending all this time and money only to be unemployed at the end of it all. But my interest and passion is women's health. I think it will be easier actually to be employable when you are totally interested and jazzed about your specialty- that will come through in all you do- externships, interviews, networking, etc. I can also see the flip side though, wanting to be a generalist for a bit to see what specialties really draw you in and then decide. I just think from a logistics standpoint that would be hard on schools who need to plan faculty staffing, preceptors and clinicals by specialty and in advance.

-Jess

:) I guess I must already aim to be a 'lifer'! If I get in I am planning on going right away upon completion of the Adult NP for my Colposcopist certificate, then go for a post masters Family NP certificate, followed by more or else maybe by then go for the Ph.D.

Okay, but, I think that I am a little different, because I don't want to really ever stop.

Oy, this does look like a lifer situation to me :chuckle Hopefully I will live to be really old, (knock on wood) so that I can have enough time to put this all to practice!!

Fingers crossed.

Gen

[NP-to-be]

I agree with this on a certain level, but at the same time if you have a passion you should go with it. I researched specialties pretty carefully before I decided on neonatalogy. It was just really the only thing that interested me. It's about the most narrow, least marketable specialty there is, but it's what I want to do, so there you have it.

Absolutely !! I in no way was suggesting that people not follow their passion. That was just my personal way of looking at my options :)

I agree w/ Jess that your passion about a specific population/specialty will open doors for you !!

[elizabells, BSN, RN]

Absolutely !! I in no way was suggesting that people not follow their passion. That was just my personal way of looking at my options :)

I agree w/ Jess that your passion about a specific population/specialty will open doors for you !!

I know, pumpkin! I was just giving another perspective, that's all!! :icon_hug:

[NP-to-be]

Jen,

I'm glad to hear someone else mention UMass Worcester! I haven't heard from them either, and I was starting to wonder if they ever received my application. It doesn't matter at this point anyway, but I'm still curious :chuckle

Since I went to UMass Amherst, I thought it would be fun to continue the UMass tradition. However, Worcester's not really my idea of a fun city, so I'm glad I'll be in Boston instead.

Diana - FYI, I got a call from admissions at UMASS this a.m. requesting I come in for an interview tomorrow or Wednesday - nothing like waiting until the last minute! She said that the committee will be meeting Thursday morning to make decisions and everyone is required to come in this week for interviews.

-Jen

[Jess RN]

Diana - FYI, I got a call from admissions at UMASS this a.m. requesting I come in for an interview tomorrow or Wednesday - nothing like waiting until the last minute! She said that the committee will be meeting Thursday morning to make decisions and everyone is required to come in this week for interviews.

-Jen

Wow you guys! That is sooo last minute! When did you have to have your apps in by? I can't imagine interviewing candiates and making all decisions in one week! But you both are pretty set on Simmons and MGH, right?

-Jess

[Jess RN]

Wow you guys! That is sooo last minute! When did you have to have your apps in by? I can't imagine interviewing candiates and making all decisions in one week! But you both are pretty set on Simmons and MGH, right?

-Jess

BTW- my friend who got negged from BC and waitlisted at MGH just found he got off the waitlist! He also found out he got into Northeastern- but ultimately decided to stick with Regis.

[NP-to-be]

Wow you guys! That is sooo last minute! When did you have to have your apps in by? I can't imagine interviewing candiates and making all decisions in one week! But you both are pretty set on Simmons and MGH, right?

-Jess

So last minute! I think I'm going to decline an interview. I'm not sure there is anything that could change my mind at this point so I don't want to waste anyone's time !!

[PdxDreamer]

So last minute! I think I'm going to decline an interview. I'm not sure there is anything that could change my mind at this point so I don't want to waste anyone's time !!

I haven't gotten a call, but living on the west coast, I don't know how they'd expect me to get there for an interview. The application was due on March 1. If they do call, I'll just decline. MGH or Bust!

[CEG]

Hi all, especially Gen,

I got a packet from UIC today that says my interview is May 3. They are having basically an all day event with information sessions for the Midwifery and Women's health specialties.

I e-mailed back to say I want to attend and asked a couple of questions. Hopefully I'll find out how many are interviewing and how many slots are open.

Well, I back to getting ready for the interview.

Have a nice eveing!

Courtney

[smile123]

I haven't gotten a call, but living on the west coast, I don't know how they'd expect me to get there for an interview. The application was due on March 1. If they do call, I'll just decline. MGH or Bust!

I think they would do a phone interview for out of town people. They know it's not possible.

Smile123

[smile123]

So last minute! I think I'm going to decline an interview. I'm not sure there is anything that could change my mind at this point so I don't want to waste anyone's time !!

If you already know you want to go to a different school and UMAss was not your first choice, then yes, you are right to turn them down for an interview. If there is still the possibility you want to go there, I would do the interview and see if they come back with an acceptance and financial aid. Good luck to all you potential UMass interviewees!

Smile123