wpolorocker

CN4207, I have a similar experience to you--my undergrad was also in music. I did have a good GPA coming out of undergrad which differs from you, but I made good grades on my prereqs and a decent GRE score (I don't even remember what the score was). I did get a CNA license which I never used because I wanted to make sure that I even thought I would like nursing. I had no healthcare background at all and was accepted to Boston College, MGH, and Marquette's direct-entry NP programs. It sounds like you are willing to relocate which will really help you. I just finished Marquette's direct-entry program (though they have changed the program slightly to a direct entry MSN, not a NP track) and worked as a RN part time for 2 years while finishing the MSN portion. I really thought I would hate bedside nursing but I was surprised that I actually really like my floor RN job. Looking back on my experience, I almost wish I had just done a BSN program and then gone back for the NP--just because there are many more RN programs available and I wouldn't have had to relocate. That said, I did go from zero to NP in 4 years, as well as getting a couple years of RN experience in, and have a job lined up prior to passing my boards. If you are worried about getting in, I would suggest applying out to direct entry NP programs first and then if you have no bites look into BSN programs. If you have any other questions, you can PM me. Good luck to you!

Thank you for the good tips! I am planning to buy the Leik book. Any other texts or classes anyone would recommend?

FYI for everyone else, I responded to this in a PM. I can't put my blog link on the forums directly. If anyone else wants it, PM me! :)

Well, I have done everything that I can so far. Obviously we can't upload our RN licenses because we don't have them yet, and I am taking CPR at Marquette. I would just get everything else done before you get to school.

I recently finished my application "journey" and have a few things I would like to share to those who are prospective DE applicants. Though I applied to nine schools, I ultimately was only offered admission to three. I originally applied to the University of Southern Maine, Yale, Penn, Boston College, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Simmons, University of Hawaii, Marquette, and Seattle University. Out of those, I was offered admission to Boston College (ranked #31 in nursing by US News), MGH (#64), and Marquette (#44). However, I was rejected from Penn (#1), Yale (#7), University of Hawaii (#99), Seattle University (#127), and University of Southern Maine (#127). I withdrew my application from Simmons (#127) after there were some complications with it. What I am trying to show with these rankings is that each school has its own set of criteria that they base their admissions decisions upon, and it is really hard to figure out where you will be accepted and denied. It also depends on the strength of their admissions pool. My recommendation is to cough up the money and apply to schools across the board, since you can't really predict how an admissions committee is going to work. I have been following forums on allnurses.com, and these have proven to be a great resource. By reading the previous year's threads, I was able to gauge the strength of admissions pools, as well as when I should hear back from the colleges by (a lot of admissions committees say vague things like, "you will hear by the end of March"). I would highly recommend reading through these forums to do a little extra research. Lastly, here is a link to a list of direct-entry MSN programs accredited by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. This list isn't exhaustive, but it proved very helpful for me when I was trying to figure out where to apply. If you are reading this and in the midst of applications/research, feel free to message me with questions. I am writing a blog about my DE NP school experience if you would like the link to it. And good luck to you!

Congrats to those who were accepted! It must have been a very competitive group this year. I was surprised that I wasn't accepted, since UH is ranked #99 for nursing, and I was accepted to three other schools that were ranked much higher than that (among them, Boston College, which is #31). I guess it shows that each school really looks at different aspects of the application when deciding who to accept and deny.

Lizzy, Other than UH, I applied to Marquette, Boston College, MGH Institute, Simmons, Penn, Yale, Seattle University, and the University of Southern Maine. I got in to Boston College, MGH, Simmons, and Marquette, and was rejected from the others. I applied to a range of schools, hoping I would get in to at least one (it was expensive, but I didn't want to have to do it again). All of them had about the same requirements as UH, except the ones in Boston all required organic chemistry. Most of them also required GRE scores, whereas UH did not. The "average" GRE scores from these schools was somewhere around 1000-1200. I decided to go with Marquette over the others mainly because the cost of living in Boston is much higher than it is in Milwaukee. The tuition was between about $80,000-110,00 at all four schools. I figure, after you get above a certain amount for tuition, it's like monopoly money. Bring on the loans! Haha. PM me if I can help you in any other way. :)

Hi,Yes, I applied regular decision. No, there is no interview. I spoke to someone on the phone today and she said they were planning to send out the rest of the letters next week. There was something weird that happened with my application and so I knew I had been accepted earlier. Basically they had to call me because one of my professors had not responded to an email they had sent, so I had to get in touch with him so they could guarantee that I met all of the requirements. However, I declined since I have already accepted at Marquette. Good luck to everyone still waiting!

I'm really frustrated by UH. I really wanted to go there, but I have had three other schools require deposits already. I guess it's always a gamble, but I had to put down a deposit at Marquette. At this point I won't be going to UH even if I get in. Good luck to all of you!

Yes, I heard today that I was accepted. I won't be going though, I have already accepted Marquette's offer. Good luck to you who are waiting!

I already got my info packet and yes, it does give info on registration and stuff. One thing you can get started on is compiling your shot records. I had to look up my pediatrician that I haven't seen in 12 years to get proof that I had chicken pox as a child. What a pain! Karen Nest emailed out something about housing as well. She has also been trying to match up roommates.

I would have been looking for something cheaper too, but I have a built-in roommate (boyfriend). :)

I rented a one bedroom on the east side for a little under $800/month. Parking costs extra though ($50-100). There were one bedrooms near campus for that price or cheaper, but the area was really sketchy. There is this annoying rent assistance program that means a lot of places are advertised ad cheaper than they really are, and full time students don't qualify. I even had a couple of buildings tell me they didn't allow students to live there at all. I was only able to look one weekend though, since I am out of state.

check around on past forums. there is a lot of info on this site. and look back to page 12 of this thread. :)

They don't offer the MSN courses in the summer. http://www.marquette.edu/nursing/documents/MSN-AcuteCare-NP.pdf Notice that all of the courses are Fall or Spring. So if you only took 6 credits each semester, it would take you 7 semesters (3 1/2 years) to finish the MSN. :)

hi uwbadger, this is what the graduate programs coordinator had to say: students already in the program will be grandfathered, but if you choose to you will be able to continue on to receive the dnp or phd.

There have been a bunch of threads on this topic, and lots of articles online about it. Here is the link to one: https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/what-will-happened-485555-page2.html. Of course, everything is speculative. Basically, it seems that we will be grandfathered in IF it happens, but it also seems that nobody believes it will really happen. They have been trying to change the basic RN to a BSN instead of a 2 year degree for a while, and that hasn't happened either.

Yes, the deposits are due today.

I have heard back from some schools. Penn was my first choice and I was rejected, but I got into Marquette, which was one of my top choices. I put in my deposit there already. :)

Gglove, I'm sorry you weren't accepted, but you have to remember that there are lots of qualified applicants for these programs. If you weren't accepted this year, you can always try to improve your application and try again next year!

Hi all,I went to visit the campus this weekend. The campus was lovely, though I didn't think the nursing building was anything too spectacular. They are renovating part of the building though, so some of our classes will be in a neighboring building this summer. If you are a work out junkie, the gym is really big and has 6 indoor tennis courts (awesome!). The library and student union are great, too. I thought the area west and north of campus was totally sketchy, but the on campus housing seemed very safe, as did the campus. I toured a couple apartment buildings at 21st and Wells and decided I would really be uncomfortable living there. I put in an application at a building on the east side. The rents are a little more expensive and you have to pay for parking, but I felt it was worth the cost. There are a lot of restaurants and other apartments in that area. I will have to drive to school, though, with about a ten minute commute.I haven't been home to check to see if I got a packet in the mail. I put down my deposit though! I am still waiting to hear from a couple schools in Boston and Hawaii, but the cost of living is much cheaper in Milwaukee. it seems like a nice city, though it is smaller than I am used to. :)

I applied for FNP and haven't heard anything yet. I was kind of on the fence between Seattle and Marquette. However, I was accepted to Marquette for acute care and they want a deposit by Feb 28th, so I guess I'm going there!

This was in an email sent to all accepted students: Please be sure that you understand the direct entry program.* The pre-licensure phase of the program is completed in 15-months (May 29th, 2012-August, 2013), after which you will take the NCLEX examination to be licensed as a Registered Nurse in Wisconsin.* You will then continue in the specialty portion of the program which requires a minimum of 3 to 4 years. As you near completion of the pre-licensure phase, you will select your first and second option choices.* We will try to accommodate your first choice; however, due to overwhelming interest in this program, there may be space limitations for some options.* Also, some options highly recommend and/or require a year of practice prior to beginning clinical practice courses; this may necessitate part-time study. Review the frequently asked questions about the program and specialty options on the College of Nursing website.

23 in June! Looks like I'm the youngin of the group!

Our deposits are due by the 28th so I assume they will send out round 2 based on how many people accept the offer of admission.