(DISMAL) GRE Score Question and Boston College

oohnurse · Oct 30, 2009

To make you feel better, it's easier to bring up the score in Quantitative section and Verbal section! I have studied for months but couldn't bring up my Verbal up over 500.

luckylady5 · Oct 30, 2009

Thanks, oohnurse. The only problem is that the application deadline for next fall is November 1, so I don't have time to study and take the test again. I wonder if schools ever admit conditionally, allowing time to retake the test and get a higher score?

allnurses Guide · Oct 31, 2009

I don't think they place that much weight on your GRE scores. Several of my classmates at BC would joke about how poorly they had done on the test, but they were strong in other areas and were accepted. It's only one small part of your total application. I wouldn't lose sleep over it.....

luckylady5 · Oct 31, 2009

Thanks, BCgradnurse. When I asked someone in the admissions office at BC what scores they consider competitive for admission, I was told 550 Verbal and 650 Quantitative, so I am much lower than what they are looking for in that area. I'm sure I could bring both scores up if given the chance. I feel so hopeless because of this low score that I'm not even sure I should bother to overnight the last piece of my application - my 2 essays. I just feel like I'd be wasting my time at this point. Also, my last recommender (as of yesterday) still had not sent in her letter, and I've had no reply from the emails I've sent her - so frustrating! Do you have any idea as to whether there is any leeway in when all of an applicants materials are received? The deadline is tomorrow. Thanks!

allnurses Guide · Oct 31, 2009

By all means overnight your essays. You definitely won't get in if you don't complete your applications. The letter of recommendation thing can be so frustrating. Can you reach this person by phone or do you have a back up? I don't think they'll put you in the "do not accept" pile as of Monday if you don't have that last LOR, but I'd get it in ASAP.

Don't get too hung up on what BC says about scores. On paper, I never should have been accepted. My GRE scores were in the 500s, but my undergrad GPA (from the 80s) was barely a 3.0. My MBA GPA (from the 90s) was about a 3.3. However, I had to retake several prerequisites and I got all As in those. I had some great work experience, had wonderful recommendations, and wrote two outstanding (BC's words, not mine..lol) essays that were personal and from my heart. Despite not being the best candidate grade-wise, I was accepted to all three programs I applied to. So, it's not all about grades, or GRE scores. It's about the applicant as a total package.

NP to be · Mar 3, 2010

Dear BCgrad-

I got into the FNP option and will be visiting the school at the end of March. Are you in your first or second year of the program? I have many questions:

How do you feel about the pace of the program? I also got into UCLA CNL program and am trying to figure out what will be best for me.

Do you live close to the campus? Do students in the program usually live together?

Do most students get good clinicals?

How far is the commute to most clinicals?

Have people in the program gotten National Health Service Corps scholarships? I will be applying for this program.

I know I have so many questions but I am excited to speak with someone who is already in the program.

Thanks!

allnurses Guide · Mar 3, 2010

Congratulations on your acceptance!!

I graduated last May and am working as a FNP now. I did not live near the school, but commuted from a pretty fair distance a way (already owned a home in the 'burbs). The pace of the program was fast. I had very little free time, but i also have a husband, kids, and had a part time job at the time. Some students did live together, but others were already in the area and had their own places. If you do decide to go to BC, I would not recommend getting graduate housing. It's expensive and you can find a less expensive and nicer place on your own via Craigslist or the student affairs office at school. All of my RN clinicals were in Boston and accessible by public transportation. NP clinicals can be pretty far flung, and you'd be hard pressed to get through the year without a car. I had fantastic clinical placements, partly because I was willing to drive anywhere. Some people weren't happy with their placements. There are 5 or 6 NP programs in Boston, so there's a lot of competition for clinical sites. No one in my class applied to be National Health Scholars, but 3 of us (myself included) are National Health Service loan repayors. Absolutely apply to the program-they are accepting everyone now because they are flush with money. It's made my life a whole lot easier!! The BC program trains you to do direct patient care-there are no management or leadership tracks. I'm not sure if you would be eligible for the NHS program as a CNL. It's my understanding you have to provide direct primary care to patients to qualify. Do you have strong feelings about either the CNL or NP role? That may help you decide which program is best for you......but damn...the weather is much nicer in LA!!!

Let me know if you have more questions.

NP to be · Mar 3, 2010

Dear BCgrad-

Thanks for your thorough speedy reply. I do feel pretty passionate about doing FNP and ya, I know the national health service corps doesn't scholar CNL programs. Your advice has helped me so far. I will be in contact with you further when more questions arise.

Thanks!

kp002 · Mar 23, 2010

Hi NP to be,

I am just wondering if you have decided yet on whether you will be going to BC or UCLA? I am also debating on whether to attend BC or another masters entry program and will be coming from California as well, so I have a feeling we have some similar concerns on the move/change. I would love to chat about your thought process!

cruisin_woodward · Mar 23, 2010

I foolishly took the GRE tonight with absolutely no preparation, not because I was confident that I would do well, but because I truly haven't had the time, so rather than cancel my test, I thought I'd take it to see what it was like and how I'd do. I did ok in the Verbal section - 560, but terribly in the Quantitative section - 360! I expected that the math section would be hard for me - I haven't been in a math class since 1989, but it was so completely foreign to me! I literally guessed 95% of the questions (and guessed incorrectly, apparently!)
I have a good GPA (about 3.7) and letters of recommendation. Does anyone know if I have ANY chance of getting into the Boston College Direct Entry Program? Very doubtful, I think...

OK, I did HORRIBLE on the GRE...I took it twice. Got the same score each time. I got accepted into two well respected anesthesia programs (I was below the minimum they accepted) and I got accepted in to the MSN ACNP program as well as the DNP program. My GPA was only a 3.6...

Honestly, From what I have understood, they are not putting as much weight on the GRE any more. I think I am proof of this.

NP to be · Mar 23, 2010

Dear kp002,

Yes I have pretty much decided on the school between UCLA and BC. I found out I got a fellowship at UCLA that pays for at least my first year. UCLA is far cheaper and because I know I will eventually be back in CA and I want to make the connections in LA versus BC. I also was a little worried about the length of the BC program for a NP. The other entry NP programs were at least 3 years long and BC is only 2yrs. This is a little concerning. UCLA is a CNL program so I guess I am compromising by choosing UCLA because I know I want to be a NP.

What other schools did you get into? Any in CA? I know I had a hard time figuring this all out. The Fellowship was a big decision maker for me but I think even with out the fellowship UCLA is still a good choice. I think Ill have an easier time finding a job with a UCLA degree vs a BC degree, especially if Im trying to work in CA.