UMass 2nd degree BSN program

Zirine_sa · Sep 15, 2009

I also applied. I have not heard one thing from them at all... i called to verify all the documents were received and they said they were backed up. Have you heard anything in regards to your application being complete? I went there for my undergrad and I had almost all A's in my pre-reqs.

j772 · Sep 15, 2009

This is so stressful! I called 4 times to ensure my packet was complete & finally got a call back. I got A's in my pre-reqs, but didn't do as well in undergrad (2.8 overall). However, undergrad was about 15 yrs ago & I didn't get the impression that they really focused on that. I was told 6 weeks, do you think we may hear sooner?? Have you applied anywhere else? I am waiting to see what happens here since the deadlines for other programs aren't until Nov-Jan. Forgive my 20 questions, I really want this & am not sure what my chances are.

Zirine_sa · Sep 17, 2009

I finally got a call back. complete! Well i applied and got accepted to NYU and Mercer University in Atlanta. I accepted Mercer and declined NYU cause of Fiancial Aid (it costs 80 thousand). I was getting ready to move when I got my financial aid packet and also declined. For both I had to take out mass amount of money in private loans. Umass Amherst is my alma matter, I hope that helps. I graduated in 2006 with a degree in Microbio and I was working as a Clinical Research Coordinator.... for three years. I really hope i get in. I dout we will hear sooner. Im also applying to MCPHS in Worcester. Hopefully umass takes me because its my first choice. Wish us both luck!

Sesqui · Sep 18, 2009

What's the tuition like at Umass for this program? Any stats on the amt of financial aid folks get there?

Tozz · Sep 19, 2009

The rule of thumb for the accelerated Bachelors programs in Boston is a 10% acceptance rate. UMass Boston and MGH were 10%. Curry College climbed to an 18% rate last year, but that seems to be reasonably explained by their institution of a $300 application fee (which has subsequently been dropped back down to a market rate $95), resulting in a significant drop in applications. I suspect the acceptance standards are roughly similar for each college.

Non-intuitively, the Direct-Entry Masters programs seem somewhat easier to get into. I suspect there are fewer applicants--especially among the second career folks--able to spare the three year and $$$$$ committment they require.

For what it's worth, I had similarly mediocre undergraduate grades (in a difficult major), and straight A's in the prereqs. I was accepted even though my undergraduate grades were slightly below their "minimum." I suspect you might too. Good luck!

This is so stressful! I called 4 times to ensure my packet was complete & finally got a call back. I got A's in my pre-reqs, but didn't do as well in undergrad (2.8 overall). However, undergrad was about 15 yrs ago & I didn't get the impression that they really focused on that.... Forgive my 20 questions, I really want this & am not sure what my chances are.

j772 · Sep 22, 2009

Thank you so much for the helpful words. Out of curiosity, did you go to U Mass? If so, how was the program?

Tozz · Sep 22, 2009

Sorry, I misread your original message. I thought you were referring to UMass Boston, which has a new 2nd Degree Bachelors program. I don't know if the Amherst program is more or less competitive than Boston. If I had to guess, I'd say less competitive because 2nd Degree BSN students are by definition non-traditional, and less likely to be geographically mobile. There are just fewer folks within commuting range of Amherst. This is just a guess, though. Good luck!

Out of curiosity, did you go to U Mass? If so, how was the program?

Sailrmar9 · Sep 24, 2009

If anyone has questions about graduate entry- please let me know. I'm in my second year at UMass Worcester and would be happy to answer any questions.

ccbloom · Oct 2, 2009

Sailrmar9 - I would love to know more about the GEP at UMass Worcester. How was the first year? What was you schedule like? I want to know everything :)

Sailrmar9 · Oct 7, 2009

It was definitely a busy first year. I'll send you a private message so we can chat.

ccbloom · Oct 7, 2009

Thanks, I think I need to post a few more times before I can reply to your message, but I have a lot of questions for you!