UMASS accelerated BSN program

Just noticed you had a couple questions. Thought I would reply even if it's been so long since you asked!

The age range of our class varied. I was the youngest at 22. The oldest were in their 50s. The average was probably in the 30s range.

I LOVED living in the Amherst area. In fact, if I wasn't tied down in CT I would move back in a heart beat. The area is gorgeous and safe. It's got a small community feel to it. I lived in Sunderland, right up the road from UMass. The apartment complex was called Cliffside. It was a 1 bedroom, 1 bath, apartment on the 3rd floor. Heat/Hot Water/Electricity all included. It was $850 (?)/month. That area had less college students and more families. I hear the school system is excellent in the area as well.

I really do think the program prepared me pretty well. They weren't too helpful w/ job offers, but luckily I'm employed full time at Hartford now. It's 100% doable w/ a family and/or a job. It goes by incredibly fast!

Good Luck!

Hi,

I applied as well. I was told it takes up to 6 weeks before we get an answer regarding our application, so far it's been about 4 so we should know something in the next 2 weeks. Please keep me posted since I have been stalking my mailbox daily. Also, do you know about how many people applied & how many they accept? I know last year it was around 200 & they took 50, have you heard anything different. Good luck!!

My class (Jan 08 - May 09) had 48 (?) people. I was wait listed and did not find out until December. I thought I heard a little over 100 applied for my class. I know it's been gaining in popularity though so the odds of getting in are slimmer. Good Luck!!!

thank you so much for the info! I am still waiting to hear if I am accepted, the wait is killing me. I wish you all the best and am glad things worked out so well for you.

I was just accepted to the January 2010 class & am wondering about loans? I've submitted my FAFSA & am waiting to see what I'll get through government loans. Like you-1anonlycarol- I am moving there from the Boston area & will need to take out loans to help me live. I am hoping to find a part time job to help offset the costs. Any suggestions?? Thank you again for all of the great information you provided already. I am really looking forward to starting the program.

I am currently in the Umass amherst 2nd bach program. i think I am gonna have a total of 50K for the whole thing (all 16 months) as I have no job. I know that our class (2010) had to pay way more than carol's cause of a credit increase. we pay per credit through continuing ed- not tuition by the semester. half of my loans are federal loans and half are a health professions private loans through wells fargo. it gets a bit hairy as financial aid through a year ends in june and since we go straight through the summer you have to cover the summer, fall and spring in one federal year. if you have a willing parent co-signer person it is no big deal. the health professions loans are alot easier to get though.

i moved from cambridge to do the program and was surprised how much cheaper it is to live here. i also realized that this area has been very affected by the downturn of the economy. i have been trying for over a year to get a nursing aide type job- but everyone basically is either in a hiring freeze or laying people off. GREAT time to be in school though. it is HARD to work in this program. its not intellectually hard so much as draining. i am glad i never got a job. i had more reserves than some of my classmates. I would be happy to answer anymore questions!

and if anyone has already been accepted to the new class i will be at the lunch next wednesday!

I am moving there from the Boston area w/o a job & am really stressing about loans. My sister is willing to cosign if needed, but the people in financial aid were not too helpful when I told them I needed loans to live on. I was also surprised by the cost of the program since I really thought it would have been less since it is a state school. I've been able to save some money (around $2500) which won't last too long & planned on looking for part time work. I have some questions about the health loans, can I send you a PM?

my PM isnt working since i changed my email address here...you can email me if you wanna chat privately:)

Kristin