Direct Entry Programs- How hard to get in?

I think both schools are great but MGH may be a little better known nationally? Simmons has a great reputation locally though- so if you will be staying in the Boston area it should be fine. If money/reputation weren't issues what school would you be leaning towards? Which one did you get a better feeling at when you visited?

-Jess

Initially, I got a better feeling at Simmons ... but I was also very impressed w/ MGH. They were my top two choices, and I thought I'd be happy at either. The cost is almost the same, give or take $6,000 over the 3 years. The Simmons program runs through both summers while MGH has summers off. It would be great to be able to work during summers. BUT, Simmons requires a 9 month paid RN internship after the second fall semster, so it may all even out. Does MGH require an RN internship or is it just assumed that you will work as an RN during the second summer term?

Sorry to be thinking out loud !!

Good job everybody!!!

I've been in NY at a Columbia infosession. It sounds like all the luck I got sucked out of me (snowed in at JFK!) transferred to you all. It makes it worth it. :chuckle

For any future Columbia prospies reading this thread: at the infosession, the dean said that their DScN program had 800 applicants for 20 spots, and the numbers for the Direct entry program were similar, which works out to around 6000 apps for 150 spots. Wow! Also, the neonatology track ends up being FIVE years instead of three, because of the new federal regulations. Basically, one has to work full time for 2 years in a level III NICU prior to beginning advanced studies. So we do the one-year pre-licensure phase, work for two years while taking the core sciences, THEN 1-1/2 to two years of advanced clinicals. :stone

I just have a&p II to finish which I am taking now. I have a lab practical tonight which i willl be lucky if i get a 60 :).

If you decide to go to MGH you could do the summer session there. Do you have any left?

I am avoiding thinking about the finances, but i didnt think the instute gave much anyway.

I am sending my check soon.

I want to point out that you can also get alternative loans through banks. At Johns Hopkins (where I'm going in June), they said they already have some banks in the area that love nursing students (they know we will make good money when we graduate so we are a great credit risk!) so you can get alternative loans to make up for the rest. You can ask the financial office at MGH about that and see what banks they have a relationship with. So don't think that the money is not out there. It is!

Smile123

Good job everybody!!!

For any future Columbia prospies reading this thread: at the infosession, the dean said that their DScN program had 800 applicants for 20 spots, and the numbers for the Direct entry program were similar, which works out to around 6000 apps for 150 spots.

:stone

Yeowch!

Good grief. I guess you can tell that the nursing shortage is not due to lack of enthused future nurses!

gen

Jess -

I just spoke to someone in admissions at BC who said letters went out on Monday. If they were actually mailed on monday I am shocked mine has not arrived since I live so close to BC. But maybe today is the day ...

-Jen

And I just got an acceptance letter from Boston College!!!!!

I'm in shock. I can't believe that now I get to choose between my three schools!!!!!

-Jess

Oh I should go check my mail- oh never mind- I didnt apply to BC

Congratulations!!

And I just got an acceptance letter from Boston College!!!!!

I'm in shock. I can't believe that now I get to choose between my three schools!!!!!

-Jess

And I just got an acceptance letter from Boston College!!!!!

I'm in shock. I can't believe that now I get to choose between my three schools!!!!!

-Jess

Congratulations!!! Wow! :balloons: :balloons:

You are in a great position to choose! Congrats! Where are you leaning? Did any of them give you financial support? Jess, you are a superstar!!

Smile123

And I just got an acceptance letter from Boston College!!!!!

I'm in shock. I can't believe that now I get to choose between my three schools!!!!!

-Jess

Wow! Congratulations to jess and everyone else getting acceptances. It is quite an accomplishment and everyone should be really proud of themselves. I just got a few more acceptances too (i have to say this process has been much better for my self esteem than i expected it to be) but I'm still sticking with columbia (if I'd have known the stats elizabells just posted I might not have been brave enough to apply:chuckle ).

I'm not at all surprised that this thread is full of acceptances. the reason most of us came to this site was to learn more about nursing and be well informed of our choices. that we have researched so well was probably conveyed to the admissions committee in our applications.

Again congratulations!

And I just got an acceptance letter from Boston College!!!!!

I'm in shock. I can't believe that now I get to choose between my three schools!!!!!

-Jess

Wow Jess !! Congrats, that's great news. Even if you decide against BC, it's a great accomplishment. All of your hard work has paid off ... what a week!!

:balloons: :balloons: :balloons: :balloons:

Wow! You guys are just firing on all cylinders! Congrats to all of you!

I just talked to the husband of our new Bishop, and I'm going to be applying for a year-long Certificate in Theological Studies at an Episcopalian Seminary in Berkeley, CA. Heck, I need to do something until I can apply again to nursing school.

Thanks Max, Smile, bruinlaura, Jen and Chris! No, I didn't get any financial assitance from BC either. I think I'm probably not one of the the uber-elite who actually got money from the schools they got into! :rotfl: It's ok, though. We have some savings, some equity in our house and I'll take out loans. It's the nice thing about going back when you are a little older- you have slightly more financial resources to draw from- but make no mistake- I will still be taking out a ton of loans. The sad situation I'm in is that childcare for two kids for three years actually costs more than tuition. It's insane. If I think too much about it it just feels like it's impossible - but we'll figure it out somehow. :chuckle

-Jess