Direct Entry Programs- How hard to get in?

smile123 · Feb 19, 2005

You know, it's not exactly what you are asking- but I was surprized to learn at the BC infosession that they let you know what scholarships and grants you've been awarded in the acceptance letter. Now these are from the school directly- but how strange is that?! Is that common at most schools? I always thought that getting any kind of money was only though the financial aid office after you've submitted a FAFSA and that you found out what your total package was well after being accepted. Any of you who have already been accepted to schools know anything about your finiancial package yet?
-Jess

That is really strange. How can they give you scholarships and grants upfront? Perhaps if they really want you, they'll offer you that as an enticement to come to their school. The FAFSA on the other hand, is mainly for loans (subsidized and unsubsidized). When I got my acceptance letter, they said to go to the FAFSA website and fill out the form to be eligible for financial aid. (Part of doing the FAFSA is that you have to do your 2004 taxes first! That takes awhile. And if you are a dependent, your parents have to do their taxes before you can complete the form.)

Smile123

Jess RN · Feb 19, 2005

That is really strange. How can they give you scholarships and grants upfront? Perhaps if they really want you, they'll offer you that as an enticement to come to their school. The FAFSA on the other hand, is mainly for loans (subsidized and unsubsidized). When I got my acceptance letter, they said to go to the FAFSA website and fill out the form to be eligible for financial aid. (Part of doing the FAFSA is that you have to do your 2004 taxes first! That takes awhile. And if you are a dependent, your parents have to do their taxes before you can complete the form.)
Smile123

Yeah, I have no idea. The dean who was doing theinfosession was like- we arent the cheapest, but we do have a large endowment and we are able to offer scholarships to a good percentage of accepted candidates. So, you will never know how much it would actually cost to go here 'till you apply and see what scholarships you get. And it will be right there in your acceptance letter- so you will have all that information to make your decision. :rolleyes: So weird. On the one hand they go on and on about how competitive the program is bla blah blah and then on the other hand they seem to be throwing $$$ at those lucky few they do accept! Strange!

Myethpio · Feb 19, 2005

That's so great that they can offer that!!

I assumed FAFSA was only for financial aid as well as loans for undergrad, but for grad FAFSA only helps with loans. Money that does not need to be paid back would have to come from scholarships at the grad level, right? So low income doesn't qualify you for financial aid help as it did for undergrad at the grad level... although I have come across some scholarships which were based on your financial situation, but not many...

It's just been tough finding them out there since it's a grad program (technically)...

smile123 · Feb 19, 2005

Yeah, I have no idea. The dean who was doing theinfosession was like- we arent the cheapest, but we do have a large endowment and we are able to offer scholarships to a good percentage of accepted candidates. So, you will never know how much it would actually cost to go here 'till you apply and see what scholarships you get. And it will be right there in your acceptance letter- so you will have all that information to make your decision. So weird. On the one hand they go on and on about how competitive the program is bla blah blah and then on the other hand they seem to be throwing $$$ at those lucky few they do accept! Strange!

It may be the dean was generalizing and saying: when we send you an acceptance letter, we tell you about possible places to get loans, scholarships and grants. They would tell you exactly how much the fees would be (tuition, room and board, other fees). I would be highly suspect of a statement like that, especially at a general info session. That's like saying, they have a pool of scholarship grant money and will toss it around to select people to give them free money (that they do not have to pay back). I've heard of this happening for undergrad for athletes or minorities that they are heavily recruiting, but not in nursing. If anyone else has heard of a person actually getting an acceptance letter like that, I'd love to hear it. Can you go back to the dean and clarify? :uhoh3:

Smile123

smile123 · Feb 19, 2005

That's so great that they can offer that!!
I assumed FAFSA was only for financial aid as well as loans for undergrad, but for grad FAFSA only helps with loans. Money that does not need to be paid back would have to come from scholarships at the grad level, right? So low income doesn't qualify you for financial aid help as it did for undergrad at the grad level... although I have come across some scholarships which were based on your financial situation, but not many...
It's just been tough finding them out there since it's a grad program (technically)...

When you fill out a FAFSA, you can get subsidized or unsubsidized loans. Those loans to not have to be paid back until after you graduate. That's what the financial aid person told me. Most scholarships are based on financial aid; very few are based on merit. She did say that the educational loans are usually cheaper than if you went out to get a private signature loan, so that's the reason to fill out the FAFSA in the first place. I work fulltime right now, so I would not qualify for a subsidized loan, but I could get an unsubsidized loan. They also know that the first year of an accelerated BSN/RN, you cannot work, so they take that into account.

Here's another unique thing: She also told me that when I filled out the FAFSA, I would be considered a 3rd year junior, not a grad student. I would be going for a 2nd bachelor's. So that must be the way they get around this graduate student status and any limitations it may have. Who knows? I followed her instructions and sent it in. :specs:

Smile123

westcoastgirl · Feb 20, 2005

Hi all - wow, I don't know that there is 1 answer to OP's question since schools use different criteria (some explicitly stated others not), but I will try my best to offer my 2 cents. I was only able to apply to 2 direct entry programs because I cannot relocate to another area, so my info is rather limited I'm afraid.

I got into Seattle U's program and I've been doing a happy dance ever since! My undergrad GPA was 3.6, additional pre-req.s was 3.9, and GRE v710 m610. I wasn't happy with my GRE score since I had the flu badly when taking it, but didn't have time to re-take it. I did volunteer work at several hospitals, had a steady work history that included doing well in Fortune 100 companies, speak several other foreign languages, and also taught elderly students English. I just did everything I could to prove to them I was a good candidate. One thing I probably should have done is review the 2 recommendations I submitted (they were sealed by the writers at my request). I can only guess both letters were good.

Lots of awesome applicants on this thread and congrats to those who got their letters:balloons:

CAG12345 · Feb 21, 2005

I've been reading everyone's news about other schools, and other people's waiting games, which I can totally identify with, because I'm waiting, too. Vanderbilt told me they send their letters out the last week of February, and MGH said the first week of March, but I'm just curious about who else is waiting out there for these letters and if anyone has gotten one or any other encouraging or discouraging communications.

Congratulations to everyone who has gotten good news, and hang in there everyone who's waiting.

Jess RN · Feb 21, 2005

I also applied to BC- and both schools say they mail out letters the first week of March. A friend of mine applied last year (rejected from BC and wait listed at MGH) and he said he got both his letters like March 3rd or 4th. MGH sent out an email confirmation if you applied online and the way the email is worded made it sound like you could possibly hear from them before March. They said:

Once the Entry-Level Nursing admissions committee has reviewed your application, you will be notified via regular mail of your status. Final decisions should be mailed in March 2005.

I think they mean March- but you could interpret it earlier than March. We'll see. I'm also applying to Regis and they have rolling admissions. I interview there this Friday.

The time is drawing near and I'm getting antsy! :chuckle

-Jess

NP-to-be · Feb 22, 2005

Hi Jess -

I'm new to the forum but noticed you've applyed to BC and MGH. I am also from Boston and have applyed to BC, MGH and Simmons. I was recently accepted to Simmons (huge relief!) but am also waiting on BC and MGH. I have a BS in business and have worked in financial services for the last few years. I had a 3.4 undergrad GPA, 540v, 600q, 5.0a. I had volunteer experience and a few prereqs complete (w/ A's). I feel like this may be the "middle of the pack" for BC at least, but I really have no idea what to expect. I wish they would get the letters in the mail already :rotfl:

A question out of curiousity ... did you apply to Simmons? If no, was there a particular reason? Was it based on ranking or reputation? Just curious and would welcome any feedback you may be able to offer.

Good luck !!

Jen

Jess RN · Feb 22, 2005

A question out of curiousity ... did you apply to Simmons? If no, was there a particular reason? Was it based on ranking or reputation? Just curious and would welcome any feedback you may be able to offer.

Hi Jen! Nice to hear from another Boston area applicant! I didn't apply to Simmons. Isn't the direct entry program there pretty new? I have a friend who is getting her BSN (second bachelors) at Simmons through the Dix program and she's been a little frustrated with the organization of the program. This, and the downtown location turned me off to Simmons a bit. But really, the more I learn about nursing programs in general the more I think this "problem" isn't unique to Simmons.

I got a little freaked out last week and put together a quick application to Regis in Weston for their direct entry program. I have an interview there this week. It is a better location for me and the clincial hours of the RN part of the program are almost triple BC's. I'm getting a little leery- both of my chances of acceptance at BC and of the pace of the RN portion. For me- I want all the clinical experience I can get as I'm coming from a totally unrelated field to healthcare (business/human resources). I also have two little ones (2 and 6 mo)- so I'm worried about childcare for them/the intensity of the program I sign on for etc, etc. Basically I'm just an anxious mess right about now! :chuckle

This thread has been really eye opening for me. It is hard to know what these uber-competive schools are looking for and all that- but the general trend I seem to be seeing (at least for those accepted on this and other threads) is GREs over 1300, a strong GPA (over 3.5) and unique, interesting expereince either in a work or volunteer capacity. I know there are exceptions of course- but for BC, at least- I too feel like I'll be somewhere in the middle of the pack. Qualified, but not over the top outstanding. We shall see! :uhoh3:

-Jess

Jess RN · Feb 22, 2005

I just re- read my post and I'm sorry for being such a downer! I'm having a tough week housebound with sick kids and cold weather and I'm just starting to stress about school and the fact that we may be hearing from them next week. I'ts hard to stay positive!

I'm really starting to think through the logistics of going to school and the effect it would have on my family too- and to be honest I'm freaking out a little. I've been a stay at home mom for almost 3 years now- and I just don't know how I'll be able to do it all, you know?

So, in a way I'm stressed about not getting in AND about getting in. I'm a little bit of a nutcase right about now.... :rotfl:

-Jess

NP-to-be · Feb 22, 2005

Hi Jess -

Thanks for your response! You are very brave doing w/ this w/ your two little one ... good for you !!! You'll do great and I sure you will not regret it !!

That is interesting to know about the Simmons program. It is relatively new (I think it's in its 3rd or 4th year), but so far I have found everything to be very organized and streamlined. I hope this continues throughout the program.

I also am concerned w/ BC's super-accelerated program. It just seems amazing to me that they are able to cram in adequate class and clinical time into only 2 years. I was originally planning to apply to Simmons, BC, MGH, Regis, Northeastern and UMASS Worcester. However, I heard from Simmons at the beginning of January and decided to hold off on the ladder three since they were not at the top of my list.

Do you know how many people are accepted to the MGH program? Also, do you know what you'll specialize in? Sorry for all of the questons! It's great to finally have someone going through the same experience - I wish I had found this site earlier in the application process.

- Jen