I just mailed out my application packet today to Regis College in Weston, MA for their Accelerated Master's of Science in Nursing (NP program). My packet is basically complete with sealed transcripts, sealed recommendation letters, my resume, cv, and essay. The only thing that is pending is my official GRE scores. I took the GRE yesterday. I was only 10 measly points away from the required minimum score of 1000. My total score was 990 (420 verbal and 575 quantitative), although on the upside I think I did fairly well on the Analytical Writing portion. My GPA is 2.8 (they require about a 3.0), but I have retaken most of the prerequistes to improve my science grades (got A's/B's in all of them). I do have about 4 years of clinical experience in research and my recommendation letters are excellent. Although my application is somewhat weak, I think overall I've done a decent job of improving myself. Hopefully Regis will take all of that into consideration.
I applied for their early decision deadline due Dec. 7, 2009. I wonder if this would benefit me in any way? Supposedly letters are mailed out by Jan. 11, 2010. I wonder how many applicants apply for early decision? Also, what is the actual advantage of applying for early decision as compared to waiting for rolling admissions? Is it less competitive or more? I went to one of their info sessions and learned that they receive about 200-300 applicants and 25% get accepted. Im just so nervous, the anticipation is killing me....plus Regis is the only school I'm applying to....so all the eggs are in one basket..lol
Anyone else applying for nursing schools in the Boston or surrounding areas for 2010?
Congratulations to all of you who have been accepted! Can you please let us know your GPA/GRE scores - I'm dying to know if I have a chance! I just recently sent in my application but still have to send my GRE, essay etc. Thank you!
I was also just accepted to Regis' accelerated nurse practitioner program! I'm very excited since it's my first choice. Still waiting to hear back from BC and MGH before making any final decisions but most likely I will be starting Regis Fall 2010. Anyone else having trouble deciding what school to go to and how did you make your decisions? :)
Congratulations!! Do you mind me asking what makes Regis your first choice over the others? I'm just curious as I do not know anyone in any of the programs so what I know about each has only been from online research and the open houses. Just wondering what types of things other people are making their decisions based on. Thanks!
Actually BC was my first choice initially, but after my interview and tour at Regis, I just really loved it. When I drove up I liked the feel of the campus, it reminded me of my undergrad school, which I loved. Also, I like the flexibility of the program. A lot of students work 10-15 hours a week and they offer both classes and clinicals at night and on the weekends, in addition obviously to daytime classes. So I like having that option if I need it. I also love the idea of being able to work two days a week. For the program at Regis, you dont have to chose a specialty upon admission, like you do with most other schools. You complete the first two years and after doing all different clinicals, then chose. Also, after the first two years you receive a bachelor's degree in nursing and have the option to "opt out" if you need or want to and work as an RN instead of an NP(not that I plan on doing this, but its a nice option to have). I also like the fact that the emphasis is on clinicals. The second week of school you start your first clinical and then every semester after that you are doing either one or two clinicals with usually two classes. The school is a bit pricey, but I think most of the schools are and the office of financial aide so far has seemed to be helpful in finding loans and such (although I havent had much experience in this department yet). BC's program is a year shorter, which is really nice, but I believe it is much more fast paced and intense, and leaves no room to work part time, and I dont believe they offer the night and weekend option (if someone knows elsewise, please correct me).
Another benefit for me is I like that parking and commuting to Regis would be much easier than to either BC and MGH. So thats why I think my first choice is Regis. :)
What schools have you applied to and where is your first choice?
I do like the Bachelors degree part of Regis and also not having to pick a specialty right away. The flexibility of day/night/weekend classes is also very nice. Part of my concern with it however is having to find your own preceptor for the third year. I feel that is a lot of added stress on top of everything else. When I went to the open house last fall a third year student answering questions said "start looking for your preceptor now" which was 4 years out. I was very turned off by that. I applied to MGH, UMass Worcester, and Northeastern. I really love UMass, I felt very comfortable when I went to the open house and felt the faculty was very much involved with the students in and out of the classroom and really wants everyone to succeed. I also like that they are very clinical based, clinicals start after 3 weeks. I think the biggest selling point for me was the second and third year you are required to work 500 hours as an RN. I really think this will help get as much experience as possible. Coming out as an NP with barely any RN experience makes me nervous. While it may be possible to work while in some of the other programs, UMass is the only one taking into consideration you are working as well. I know that is also part of the purpose of clinicals but for me having an actual RN job is important. At this point I haven't heard from any of the schools besides Regis (waitlisted) so I am not getting my hopes up but I guess you never know.
I didn't apply to the UMass program but I do like that they make you work as an RN before graduating. It's definetly great experience and will hopefully open doors for future jobs. As far as the preceptorship and finding your own NPs to work with, it too makes me nervous. When I found this out I was a little resistant to the idea, especially since I want to do Family NP and in doing so you have to do four different preceptorships of 150 hours each in Womens, Geriatric, Pediatric, and Adult. So instead of finding one you have to find four. However, I think it will work out and especially with doing so many clinicals you will make contacts and find NPs. The school will help I think if need be, but prefer for you to find your own. Good luck with the other schools. And from what I have heard about Regis, those that are waitlisted usually get into the fall class, they just hold off on telling you for a couple months I think. (not 100% sure on this though)
for those of you have applied after the early decision deadline, how long did it take you to hear back? my application is complete and i had an interview but haven't heard anything and it's been almost a month...grrrr...i'm nervous!!
Congratulations to everyone who has been accepted to Regis! I just received my acceptance letter last week!! Still have not made a decision yet (I applied to MGH, Northeastern, Salem State and Simmons).
Lexhamgardens- I had an interview at the end of January and just heard last Wednesday. So it took about a month to receive a letter.
Has anyone sent in their deposit to Regis- I just want to get to know some of my possible future classmates!
Also, has anyone heard from any of the other (above) programs?
Is anyone willing to share their interview experience with Regis? I have my interview coming up and I am very nervous! It's my first time interviewing with a school...so I feel so unsure as to what to expect :heartbeat
don't worry at all!! it was so relaxed...just like a conversation. they don't ask anything too hard at all. just be yourself, and if you know why you want to be in this program and know what makes you stand out as an applicant you will be fine. Everyone at Regis is incredibly nice and welcoming, so the interview isn't scary at all. good luck!
bdhd0610
5 Posts
hey i just got accepted to regis for the accelerated nurse practitoner program too :) anyone looking for housing off campus?