Easiest accelerated BSN program to get into in Mass?

"Easiest accelerated BSN program to get into in Mass?"

If I wanted to find the easiest nursing program to get into, I would look up NCLEX pass rates and class dropout rates. The program with the lowest NCLEX pass rates and highest dropout rates would be a leading candidate.

thats a good idea. Most boston schools are very similar though and have good pass rates. I wouldnt want to attend a school that didn't. I guess i'm afraid to put all this work in and get rejected from each one, but who doesn't have those feelings? Do I have a chance with the GPA I have? Who knows?

I heard that you shouldn't do pre reqs at a community college if your GPA wasn't that great in undergrad because it "looks like you're taking an easier way" Has anyone else heard this as well? I would like to take them at a community college not for that reason but because its considerably cheaper. I'm take 2 summer classes and its costing me 4k... that hurts the wallet

thats a good idea. Most boston schools are very similar though and have good pass rates. I wouldnt want to attend a school that didn't. I guess i'm afraid to put all this work in and get rejected from each one, but who doesn't have those feelings? Do I have a chance with the GPA I have? Who knows?

I heard that you shouldn't do pre reqs at a community college if your GPA wasn't that great in undergrad because it "looks like you're taking an easier way" Has anyone else heard this as well? I would like to take them at a community college not for that reason but because its considerably cheaper. I'm take 2 summer classes and its costing me 4k... that hurts the wallet

My university encouraged us to do our prereqs at community colleges. Unless an admissions counselor at the program you're interested in has said that.....I would disregard it.

Don't let a GPA get in the way of what you want to do with your life. It's just a number. Granted, a number that people look at a lot. Do some research, and don't be afraid to apply! I hope you get in :)

I don't know about the schools you are looking into but a lot of schools place most weight on the prereqs GPA. Some only consider prereqs GPA (along with the other requirements). I would think if you do really well in your pre-reqs, that will help you. You also said there was a clear upswing in your grades, so I'm sure they will that into consideration.

I wish I knew the easiest schools to get into in the Boston area because I would apply there as well! However alot of the schools in this region around Boston are VERY COMPETITIVE. A 2.95 GPA is not THAT bad. Many schools look only at your pre-req GPA, that is the GPA that matters. I would take some pre-reqs at a community college, then apply. A good GPA isn't the only thing schools look into.. Have you ever thought about becomming a nurse assistant (CNA/PCA)? That would give you hospital experience and would look really good on your resume.. As for schools Salem State has an excellent accelerated nursing program and is within close proximity to Boston! UMASS Boston also has an amazing program along with Simmons College..Good Luck!

Hello Everyone!

A little back story on my life...

I graduated from Umass Lowell with a bachelors degree in Criminal Justice back in May 2009. I decided my senor year that I wasn't really sure this is the career I wanted to do but thought I might as well just get my degree if I came this far.

I've always wanted to help people in my life (cliche i know) so that is why i chose criminal justice. I just don't see myself as a gun and badge type guy. I'm more nurturing and caring, which is why i want to pursue nursing.

Now, i'm currently doing pre reqs and stressing out trying to figure everything out because each program requires different pre reqs by at least 1 or 2 classes. I'm looking at all Boston schools or in the area of Boston. I graduated with a 2.95... ouch i know.. kinda messed up my freshman year. But from freshman year on you can really see a change in my grades.

My question is this: I know my GPA is pretty low so what school do you think i have the best shot of getting into? I'm looking into UMass Boston, MGH, and a few others. I know being a male doesn't really help but I thought I would throw that in as a factor as well.

I think my hair is falling out with all this stress haha

Thanks guys!

Concentrate on acing your prerequisites. Many schools will either factor those grades in to your cumulative GPA which will give you a higher overall GPA, weigh the prerequisite coursework more heavily, or will look at your most recent coursework more closely than your older coursework. There will be some programs that don't do that, but contact the admissions counselor to ask them how they handle such situations, as many second degree students are in a similar boat.

Leave the differing ones to the end so that you can potentially be accepted and know where you're going when the time comes to take them. I think there was only 1 class I took that was not a requirement for the school I ended up going to.

Your first degree has nothing to do with Nursing, so if you Ace the pre-reqs you should be fine. I would suggest having just about all the pre-reqs done at the time of your application, that way the school has more to go on (especially A&P). I agree that working as a CNA, or volunteering at a hospital would boost your application, and make sure to have great references. As for programs in the boston area, they are all pretty competitive. Umass Boston is probably the most competitive. I was basically told at the info session that as a young white female I had a better chance of winning the lottery (you may have better luck being a male!). There are also programs in Worcester and Amherst if your willing to travel/move. You might also consider applying to just an RN program as a back up.

Good Luck!!!

"Easiest accelerated BSN program to get into in Mass?"

I personally would stay away from an accelerated BSN program that was easy to get into. That fact alone speaks volumes about their curriculum and the type of students that attend there. And if you ask me, selecting a nursing school on this basis alone is just not smart.