ra1001

I've been accepted to the accelerated program starting this Spring/ Summer session but haven't heard anything. Have you connected with anyone in your program yet?

This is a big help, thank you!

Hey, I'm trying to choose between a local program in CT or doing the UMass program and just driving up for clinicals and to practice in the sim lab (have lived in the Boston area for a few years, so I can figure out Airbnb or short-term rentals if need be). No one I've spoken to from UMass administration will give any idea of what the clinicals might be, but they've made it sound like coming up is feasible since it's mostly online. Do you mind sharing what your clinical schedules have looked like?

I've been accepted into some good out of state programs and am waiting to hear back from UB, which is in-state for me. My options for applying were very limited/ diverse because of some old pre-reqs, so I was excited to find a program close to home. The other programs are well-established, but it looks like UB's ABSN is brand new this year. Anyone else applied to/ been accepted to this ABSN program? Anyone know about the strength of their traditional BSN program? I've read they have clinicals at Yale New Haven, so I'm hoping it's decent.

Thanks for doing this. It's great to see people working together and helping out already.

Do you wish you had done a different program? Would it be worth it worth it to spend more time/ money? I was close to starting another program, and I found it super disorganized. We had homework assignments we were never told about due the first day, the teachers changed mid-course, I heard from people who stayed on. I'm wondering if many of the ABSN programs are hectic by nature. Do you have in-person obligations the first month? I've been invited to a family member's wedding out of the country in mid June and I'm wondering if I can do the work online. I know that's a bit of a ridiculous question, but your thoughts would still be appreciated if you have time.

Neighborhoods are kind of hard to judge. I have friends who have lived in most parts of Boston, and even within the same neighborhood the feel can change as soon as you cross the street. I loved Somerville, but parts of it were super industrial and loud, and parts of it by the Orange line were built up with no trees. Being close to a T station (especially Red Line) will cost more, but also be super convenient. Southie (South Boston), JP (Jamaica Plain), Roxbury, and Dorchester are all nearby. All of them have good areas and areas that you might not like as much. Another thought: Google Street view is something I've used to scope out apartments before I decide which to see in person. Might be worth doing that and also seeing what else is around your apartment. I live in CT, and my long-term gf is a doctor in a fellowship program here, so I plan on mostly staying here and finding some way to crash up in Boston for clinicals or when I need to go to campus. If anyone is open to a room share with a roommate who is gone half the time, let me know. I'm open to all neighborhoods.

Received an email and portal update notifying acceptance. Good luck to everyone still waiting! Fyi my name is early in the alphabet, so I wouldn't sweat it if you're still waiting. If anyone starts a FB group to be in touch and share information, let us know. Otherwise, I'll start one in March when more of the letters have been sent and everyone's enrollment decisions finalized.

I have a friend who shipped his car from CT to DC for only $600. An acquaintance shipped hers from CT to California for about 1000. It's a good chunk of money, but something to consider if you choose this program and want a car without the hassle of driving/ buying again/ registering at the DMV. They both had good experiences. I was accepted into and was close to joining an ABSN program in Maine a couple years ago. Someone set up a facebook group and the locals in the program were super helpful, so I'm sure the same will be true here if you choose this program and need help with the relocation. Good luck!

I lived in Somerville, a suburb on the T (local name for the metro), for a few years. I generally didn't need my car, but there were times where it made travel a lot easier and allowed me to get to areas that were inconvenient by T or bus. Something might take 15 minutes by car but 40 min by public transit. I asked a staff member in the program the exact same question to be certain, and she said that some of the clinical assignments will be difficult to reach without a vehicle, especially because you may be required to travel early or late for nights/ weekends. In short, I think having any pseudo-reliable vehicle will reduce your stress for making it to clinicals. To be honest though, the traffic in and out of Boston can be so bad at times that you may as well be sitting in a parking lot. (Getting to some clinical placements might stink regardless of your chosen transportation.) I'm currently in CT and was hoping to stay down this way to avoid the inconveniences of the city, but some of my prerequisites have expires for the programs down here and UMass is super generous regarding that. Hope that helps.

Hey all, a little late to the party, but submitted my app a couple weeks ago and just sent in my deposit. If anyone is still looking for potential roommates/ housing let me know! Or, even if not, it would be great to connect on FB and know some people in the program before it starts, so feel free to add me. Ryan Christensen. There are a bunch of us, but my pic is of me bungee jumping... Looking forward to meeting everyone!