MGH accepted students...

C'mon MGH people, the rest of the letters are out now so don't try to hide! :)

Hi Angie O'Plasty!

I got the skinny envelope of doom, too; luckily I had just talked to a friend whose roommate was accepted to a grad program at Harvard via a suspisciously thin envelope, so I didn't TOTALLY panick.

Yesterday I got the thick packet with the forms to sign and the scholarship info. Very exciting! I'm trying to decide between MGH and Simmons... but leaning towards MGH. I got a better feel from them all around, at least through my interactions with the Admissions office. Also, I'm interested in the dual-track Adult-Gerontology program, and Simmons doesn't have Gero.

Are you going to be taking any of the Science Summer classes? I'm on board for A&P and Nutrition...

Chantelle

Hi Angie O'Plasty!

I got the skinny envelope of doom, too; luckily I had just talked to a friend whose roommate was accepted to a grad program at Harvard via a suspisciously thin envelope, so I didn't TOTALLY panick.

Yesterday I got the thick packet with the forms to sign and the scholarship info. Very exciting! I'm trying to decide between MGH and Simmons... but leaning towards MGH. I got a better feel from them all around, at least through my interactions with the Admissions office. Also, I'm interested in the dual-track Adult-Gerontology program, and Simmons doesn't have Gero.

Are you going to be taking any of the Science Summer classes? I'm on board for A&P and Nutrition...

Chantelle

"Skinny envelope of doom"--I like that! With this whole process, it got so that seeing anything in the mail from any of the schools would set off instant tachycardia. Especially those darn skinny envelopes... I will be taking Nutrition this summer. I got the thick packet yesterday as well and am just waiting for the doctor's office to do what they need to do with the immunization form so I can send everything in. So it sounds like we might be classmates in the fall--congrats on your acceptance!

Hey, does anyone know what uniforms, supplies etc. we'll need and where to get them? Or will they tell us all that at the open house in April?

Does anyone know if it's possible to visit MGH before the deposits are due? I know I can go and wander around on my own, but it would be awfully nice if there was an open-house type thing BEFORE i send them $300!

Hey does anyone know what uniforms, supplies etc. we'll need and where to get them? Or will they tell us all that at the open house in April?[/quote']

Hi all,

I recently found this site and decided to put up a post since I'm currently in the nursing progam at MGH. Congrats on your acceptance...I remember exactly what you guys are going through right now. I can't give you any advice re: MGH vs Simmons since I didn't apply to Simmons, but I can say that I'm really happy at MGH. Yeah, there are some easy "fluff" classes, and a couple courses that weren't well organized, but I think that's common at many of these direct-entry programs. Overall, from what I've heard from classmates, most people think the clinical instructors are great, the placements are excellent (first year med-surg is all at MGH), and most of the professors are good too.

I hope that you are prepared for one TOUGH program...well, it's not that it's hard...it's just intense!! I did well in my undergrad, but never experienced anything like the schedule I have now! Definitely find ways to de-stress! If you plan on working while in the program, think twice (or at least cut way back on the hours). :)

Regarding the uniform and open house...I don't know if it will be the same next year (probably will), but we have teal scrubs with a school patch on the left chest and white shoes of any kind - they will tell you all that information this summer, so don't go buying anything yet. THey'll also let you know about stethoscopes, BP cuffs, etc. I seem to remember there being an open house for incoming at the end of April last year, but I didn't go to it.

If you have any other questions, I'll try to answer as best I can...if I don't respond right away, it's because this is one busy week - and we have spring break next week so I'll be on vacation (can't wait!).

mules03

Hi mules03,

Thanks for your insights! It really helps to hear some first-hand experience (even though the experience sounds scary!). What track are you in?

Good luck in making in through to Spring break!

~Chantelle

I'm another current IHPer, and I'll second what Mules03 said about the intensity. I didn't find any of the work terribly hard, but there is a lot of it, and you're going to have to think in a lot of different ways at the same time--e.g., be able to work on stuff for community health during one part of the day and write up a med/surg case report the second part. It's also really taxing, especially if this is your first experience with healthcare in an inpatient setting. The problem is not so much that you won't have *time* to work, but that you may not have the physical/emotional energy.

The first year clinical placements are GREAT. The first year nursing skills and procedures instructor is GREAT. In my limited experience, IHP students are better prepared and generally more confident than Simmons students (of course, that could mean anything; maybe IHPers just start out a little cockier/more experienced).

Good luck! If you want a set of teal scrubs or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

-woolie (PNP track)

I was thinking of applying to MGH next fall and was wondering if you could give me an idea of a typical GPA+GRE scores as well as any relevant info. Moreover how competitive is it to get into MGH. Thanks and congrats on your acceptance.

Hi all!! I too will be attending MGH this fall, I can't wait!! I graduated with my BSN last year, in Portland OR (grew up in Boston, however). I have worked in the SICU at BIDMC for the last year. I am in the ACNP track, and have a strong interest in emergency medicine, but i'm keeping my options open. Anyway, i'm looking forward to meeting some of you this Fall. Enjoy your Summer!!