Simmons versus MGH Direct Entry Nursing

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Hi. I was accepted to both Simmons and MGH direct entry nursing program and have to choose.

What are the pros and cons of each program?

Thank you.

Hi Tozz,

Just weighing my options for both. When I saw the high tuition for the NP schools, I figured why not applying to the BSN program at UMB, where I was accepted. So, that's where I am at...

Smart. Are you doing the generic or accerated program?

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Hi Everyone.. A quick question in regards to the NP programs. Do people mind posting their stats (undergrad degree, gpa) to who got into MGH or Simmons? How much clinical experience did you have?

Also, anyone from the Boston area.. where did you complete your prereqs at? Are you allowed to apply to the program without taking any prereqs and then take them at the summer learning? that part is alittle bit confusing, it doesn't make much sense that they would let people in without seeing grades in biochem or at/phys...

thanks!!

Hey all- I am very interested in these stats as well- the websites all say one thing, but I'd like to know the reality of that- any thoughts? I'm coming from a BS in Psych background and I've been out of school for a couple of years- determined but apprehensive about what my admissions chances are anywhere. I'd really appreciate your input- thanks!!

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First post for me!

As I'm in the mist of pre-reqs, I'd also love to know some stats of those who got in those two programs as they are on my list to apply to. My BS is in Communication from BU and I don't have any clinical experience (been working in Biology/Biology related administration). I'm currently taking my pre-reqs at BU as I currently work there. Got through Stats, Anatomy/Physiology, and General Chem. However Chemistry was a tough course - hadn't taken a Chem course since high school Chem over 10 years ago - and I'm very nervous. Determined, but nervous!

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There's not a heck a of a lot that you can do with your undergraduate GPA, but you are certainly going to want to get as close to 4.0 as you can with your pre-requisites. Based up the acceptance/applications ratio of both schools last year, MGH DE is the more selective of the two.

As I'm in the mist of pre-reqs, I'd also love to know some stats of those who got in those two programs as they are on my list to apply to. My BS is in Communication from BU and I don't have any clinical experience (been working in Biology/Biology related administration). I'm currently taking my pre-reqs at BU as I currently work there. Got through Stats, Anatomy/Physiology, and General Chem. However Chemistry was a tough course - hadn't taken a Chem course since high school Chem over 10 years ago - and I'm very nervous. Determined, but nervous!
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Well I'm screwed, then, I suppose :). I'm doing fairly well, but not a 4.0. Taking the pre-reqs at BU may not been the best idea in terms of my GPA, but I couldn't ignore tuition remission. MGH was always considered a "reach" school for me as I know the number of applications they receive is numerous.

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You don't need to get a 4.0! Just realize, that a 10-20% acceptance rate isn't unusual, regardless of the program. Simmons accepts a higher percentage, but a "C" in A&P and Micro still won't get you a slot. It's competitive, but doable.

Well I'm screwed, then, I suppose :). I'm doing fairly well, but not a 4.0. Taking the pre-reqs at BU may not been the best idea in terms of my GPA, but I couldn't ignore tuition remission. MGH was always considered a "reach" school for me as I know the number of applications they receive is numerous.
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True, true. C's are definitely not an issue, so I'm still determined :).

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I have a 3.02 GPA, my BS is in Behavioral Neuroscience from Northeastern and my pre-req GPA is 3.5. My overall GPA worries me, but Neuroscience wasn't exactly an easy major! Do they take this into consideration? There are some majors that are easier than others, I calculated my "psycology" GPA and it is 3.8, man I should have majored in psych! or nursing for that matter.

I applied to BC, NU, MGH, Simmons, and Regis. I didn't get accepted to BC, I heard from them this week via e-mail. I am crossing my fingers about one of the others. I am hoping for NU or Simmons, since I went to NU that area feels just like home to me. I would love to go to MGH but I feel like that is a bit of a stretch with my overall GPA being on the lower end.

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Quick question about the MGH program, I know this might be a silly question, but I've taken all of the pre-req except for chemistry...I have had chemistry in HS and have my Bachelors in Science in Speech...do I really need to take a course in Chemistry as well??? Thanks!

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Quick question about the MGH program, I know this might be a silly question, but I've taken all of the pre-req except for chemistry...I have had chemistry in HS and have my Bachelors in Science in Speech...do I really need to take a course in Chemistry as well??? Thanks!

Chemistry in HS definitely won't cut it, and if you didn't take any Chemistry when you got your bachelor's you have to take it (including an organic component). They won't let you start the program without it. Believe me...you'll want to take it. It comes in handy in Pathophysiology and Pharmacology.

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I second Juliewoo on that. The MGH classes rely upon (and assume) that you have a good, broad understanding of chemistry and lytes are such an important part of your clinical work and assessments that you'll be better off. I'm pretty sure that they won't let you start if you don't have it done. MGH will accept you if you are in-progress with your prereqs (I was accepted with only chem, A&P 1 and stats finished) but you need to provide verification of finishing them. I finished micro last summer (I'm a first-year student) on August 8th and made sure to get them verification of grade/completions right fast. If you cover your bases, you'll be fine. I took all my prereqs at community colleges and had no problems getting any of them accepted.

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Chemistry in HS definitely won't cut it, and if you didn't take any Chemistry when you got your bachelor's you have to take it (including an organic component). They won't let you start the program without it. Believe me...you'll want to take it. It comes in handy in Pathophysiology and Pharmacology.

I just got accepted into MGH's BSN nursing program, but I wasn't informed of an "organic component" to my chemistry requirement. Do I have to take organic chemistry in order to still be accepted into the program for May??

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