DizzyD25

Does anyone know when we find out about financial aid or lian allowance?

Hi guys! I'm adult gero primary care. I only received the first packet but nothing else. Is anyone relocating to Worcester?

GEP for adult gero primary. The dnp is only for family right now. If they change, I will continue for my dnp tooo :)

Hi guys! Sorry I haven't been on! I'm definitely attending. I've heard nothing but great things about UMW's program. My PCP who has MGH NPs working for her said that UMW is harder than MGH to get into and is an AMAZING school. Has anyone heard? if so what is your decision?? Orientation is in June fyi I'm currently looking for apts. Went today to scope out the area and have looked at many units in local condos. We can't advertise for roomates, so if anyone is rooming please PM me. Rumor has it you have to start early to get into safe decent apts.

I asked what I needed to do and she said we will be getting a large packet in the mail within about a week or so that will have all the information we will need. I'm pretty sure I'm going to Umass. My best friend's mom is a nurse and asked around. She talked to someone who taught at various schools in Boston who said that both schools are excellent and to base your decision on: debt, cost of living etc, the overall feel you had when you imterviewed or attended the campus, she said we will find jobs after both programs, and that MGH does slightly more research compared to Umass, so if you really are interested in research this is something to consider. She didn't think the BSN was too big of a deal. Having talked to other people, they aren't too concerned about it either. It's a perk, no doubt, but shouldn't be the deciding factor from what I'm told. I loved UMW's campus, feel, program, the cost is AMAZING as well as the cost of living. What are you thinking????

Me too and I'm feeling the exact same way. I thought waiting would be the most difficult part, but it certainly isn't.

Any news?!??

@Bosfnp2b: I read in an earlier post on the MGH forum that you went to a Umass info session... What were they saying about the DNP program?? Were they extended offers to that program to some of the regular GEP-MSN applicants?!? And also, I know the BSN is a great degree to have. So i figure, if it becomes a problem in the future, I'll go part time or do an online degree, where my BS will most likely eliminate most of the prereqs and I'll already have passed the NCLEX ect and obviously will surpass the program in clinicals. Or, you could work part time as an NP and get your BSN part time.. Honestly I wouldn't be surprised if my the time we graduate schools have some type of program for us nonBSN NPs considering it would make then lots of $$$$$. It would be a pain to have to do but can be done and would still cost me less than MGH.

@Bosfnp2b: I read in an earlier post on the MGH forum that you went to a Umass info session... What were they saying about the DNP program?? Were they extended offers to that program to some of the regular GEP-MSN applicants?!? And also, I know the BSN is a great degree to have. So i figure, if it becomes a problem in the future, I'll go part time or do an online degree, where my BS will most likely eliminate most of the prereqs and I'll already have passed the NCLEX ect and obviously will surpass the program in clinicals.... It would be a pain to have to do but can be done and would still cost me less than MGH.

I hear you. I was so all about MGH then when I interviewed at UMW I loved it. I love that all the graduate students cross paths and interact unlike at MGH where you really only interact withg people from your class. I also love that they have the hospital right on campus and are affiliated with pretty much every long term care facility and program, clinic, primary care facility, etc. AND you aren't competing with all those other schools for clinicals, jobs, etc. I've read on this forum somewhere (only stated by one person) that as students, you get to be more hands on in a rural or suburban location because there aren't as many other students to have to "share" with. Also, I hate the thought of not having my car :/ and having to use the T and buses to get around from class to clinicals... You have to go with your gut feelings i guess. Both schools from what I'm gathering are comparable. I just feel like there would be more primary care in an area like worcester as well as long term care facilities. I also like that you can subspecialize in cardiology (I think 3 to choose from). Also, I don't know from experience but have heard from friends that Worcester has some not so great areas, but all in all its decent, has some nice restaurants and shops, as well has night life, and has some cool stuff going on. I've also heard most people in there 20's and early 30's are graduate students from UMW so it has that college town feel to it a bit. I love that I can have a good sized apartment for less than 1500$ with a small yard and whatever... And don't get me wrong, the actualy cost of tuition has definately influenced my opinions. Lastly, UMW is not for profit where as MGH is For Profit. BUT we should be hearing back today!!!! I'm sooo nervous and excited!! I hope you get in Although it sounds like your heart is at MGH. Do you already live in Boston??

I Interviewed last Wednesday too!! From what I understand if you recieve an interview you have a pretty good chance!! What track are you going for?? And what other schools are you considering/ torn between?

They meet every other Thursday, so tomorrow they will meet and I will find out either tomorrow or friday. They review applications in batches depending on when you submitted everything I think but honestly, who knows. Did you interview? I can't remember what you said :/ If you get into UMW, is that where you are going??

I'm deciding between Umass Worcester and MGH. There are other great schools as well like BC. I wanted to stay in MA so limited myself to schools in the area. Originally MGH was my first choice due to its amazing reputation and that you are awarded a BSN at the end of the program However, I will most likely attend UMW for other reasons. From what I gather having talked to current students, the first year at MGH is great. Clinicals are awesome etc. However, I hear the last two years can be hit or miss as far as clinicals go. After all, you're in Boston, so you are competing with all the other schools placements etc. (This may not be entirely true as these are only other's opinions. I'm sure many graduates were entirely thrilled with the program.) Also, I would have to move and am taking out student loans for the entirety of whatever program I choose as well as for living expenses. I'm looking to go into Primary Care. Unfortunately it's not the most profitable avenue, but it's what I love. For me, being in debt at least 200K is lot, espicially when UMW is much much less. Also, I don't see myself in Boston working at a hospital. You really have to decide where you see your career going. If you want to be in a hospital, Boston may be the place for you.

KoKe, I'm not sure but I do know for a box in boston you are paying well over $1000. However, Charlestown might not be as pricey. I guess they have a forum for accepted students with housing postings for incoming students. I'm also not sure if I'm attending. It's an amazing school with great clinical experience, plus they offer a BSN. But honestly, UMW is soooooo inexpensive, it's hard to ignore. I also heard that the clinicals for the NP portion of MGH's program are really hard to come by and they are having a hard time placing all of their students... Anyone else hear this?

Is there anyone who needs to relocate to Boston area to attend MGH? I'm not opposed to roomates Anyone who is currently in the Boston area...What is the approximate annual cost of living in say Charlestown? (decent place) I'm trying to figure out how in debt I may be at the end of this...

I only had the interview, but they pretty much told me I was accepted (although not set in stone so maybe I'm freaking out about nothing). They said I was a breath of fresh air and that I interview extreemly well, which I don't feel like they would have said if they didn't like me. From what I understand, you have 15 days to accept or decline. LIke I said, don't sweat it. I would put your deposits down just to reserve your spot (assuming you can afford that). Doesn't mean you have to attend, but at least you know you have options if other schools fall through. I haven't heard anything from Northeastern, but I send that app out close to the deadline. At this point, I'll probably have to decide between MGH and UMW before I hear back from NU. I guess they can run into march/april for acceptances.

Thanks! same here, I'll fill you in. Hopefully I can get in there before the first, or I'll be putting down the deposit regardless where I go From what I understand, they have a decent amount of applicants though, so I'm just surprised no one on here seems to know much about the program. Well we will see.

Also, I think it's strange that I can't find any forum about UMW. It's driving me nuts... seems like no one applied there...

Have you interviewed with UMW? They do rolling interviews and admissions. You find out within 2 weeks of your interview if you were accepted (kind of weird) but o well. There is still a chance for you! Plus I believe MGH is more difficult to get into. I'm pretty sure (but not 100%) that I want to work in a clinic and travel to long term care facilities. But hey, I might love the ER.... I just don't want to feel limited because I don't have the BSN. I'm going to visit MGH, ask some questions, and get a better feel for the program. I'm going to have to move either way so I guess that's not too big of a factor

When did you find out about the MGH scholarship?? Was it with the acceptance email? If so I didn't get one, lol bummer. I don't have connections at either location, but I'm sure most students are in that position. What school are you leaning more towards??

Yea, I also thought UMW had great resources and I believe the building is finished! Plus side to a state school is more funding. I'm going the Adult-Gero primary care track and they have an awesome program for that from what I understand. I'm not sure if there is assistance/aid. But the cost for the first year is 30,000 the second is around 12,000 and the last year is 9,000 ish. And you are working part time as an RN the last two years so you have some sort of an income. I also like that they have sub-tracks like cardiology or oncology. Housing is cheap compared to Boston, and I asked about this at my interview with a current student. She told me they don't have official housing arrangements, but they do help medical students and NP students find housing. I guess a lot of time you room with students in the medical school. I like that there's a lot of integration with the medical students as well as other graduate students. From what I understand about MGH, you really only associate with your own class. UMW seems to have more of that "graduate" school feel which I like. Do you know if UMW places you in your clinical rotations or if you are responsible for finding them yourself??

I like that MGH offers a BSN at the completion of the program, but the cost of school, living expenses, and boarding is crazy compared to UMW. What UMW would cost me for the ENTIRE program plus expenses is less than one year at MGH for a comparable education... BUT no BSN. Decisions, Decisions...

I'm close to Lawrence so I wouldn't want to commute and I like that the Worcester area is similar to where I live now. The cost of MGH plus boarding and living expenses is crazy compared to UMW, but I like that MGH offers a BSN once the program is completed... I'm excited I have choices and realize many are not as fortunated this time around, but really wish this was an easier decision like undergrad

They are both direct entry msn programs. After the first year at both programs, you sit for the NCLEX and are awarded a certificate RN. Then you continue to earn your masters the following two years, and are eventually awarded an MSN. At one program, they will award you a BSN once you've completed the entire program (you are already an RN since passing the NCLEX first year). The other school does not give the BSN. I just don't know what this may mean for my future as an NP and finding a job... I'm assuming the BSN would be better just in case

If any of you still check this thread, what do you think of UMW????? Would love any info :)