Umass Worcester fall 2018 GEP

Published

Hi,

I applied in September for the GEP/FNP program I wanted to know if anyone got an interview yet?

I was accepted to Primary Care Adult/Gero! Couldn't be happier as it was my first choice school! See you all in the Fall, and good luck to those on the waitlist!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

@MLE135 I saw on your other thread that you're trying to decide between MGH and UMass. I'm also on the same boat, so I was hoping you'd be able to provide me your thoughts on both programs and why you picked UMass over MGH? Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

@boston212 Of course! It was a fairly easy decision for me to choose UMass over MGH. I had much more contact with UMass--two lengthy interviews and frequent communication with the admissions department/faculty (who were always very responsive and helpful). By the time I was accepted to UMass I felt I had established a connection with the school and that they really cared about me as a person. In comparison, I have yet to speak with anyone at MGH. I was accepted without an interview. It felt, and still feels, impersonal.

I like the program size at UMass (~35 students), whereas MGH is 100+.

One of my close friends is currently on the FNP track at UMass and only has wonderful things to say, such as how valued she feels and the strong connection she has with other students.

I like that I will finish the program at UMass with a DNP, whereas at MGH you get your BSN/MSN.

I like having a graduate degree from a highly recognizable school like UMass.

I went to undergrad in Worcester (HC), so I am familiar with the city. Worcester is also cheaper to live in than Boston (although it isn't quite as nice!).

I liked UMass's program's connection with UMass Medical School and UMass Memorial Hospital (clinical placement shouldn't be as competitive in or around Worcester compared to Boston!)

I think it is more difficult to get accepted to UMass than MGH.

At UMass, as part of the program you work as a nurse part-time after passing the NCLEX (good way to gain some experience/money!)

And finally... I will get in-state tuition at UMass which makes the total cost of the program (4 years) ~80-90k. MGH (3 years) is ~130k tuition + living cost in Boston.

What I liked about MGH is the location and the connection with world-renowned hospitals (living in Boston definitely has its perks!). I've also spoken with a few students at MGH and they seem to be enjoying the program. I think if I had been given some form of scholarship to MGH the decision would have been more difficult...

Hope this helps :) Good luck with your decision!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
@MLE135 I saw on your other thread that you're trying to decide between MGH and UMass. I'm also on the same boat, so I was hoping you'd be able to provide me your thoughts on both programs and why you picked UMass over MGH? Thanks!

I was also considering both of these programs and I chose UMass because of some of the same reasons @MLE135 stated like small class sizes, tuition, and reputation. Since I was given the chance to pursue a DNP and an MSN, I chose to enroll in the program that will ultimately give me the highest degree possible within the nursing field. NPs w/ doctorates have more responsibilities and can do more things clinically compared to NPs with masters degree. Also, I come from a public health research background so the doctorate allows me to do some research which is a good option. I was impressed with Umass ever since I did the online virtual tour so when I went in for an interview, I asked to be given a tour afterwards and was even more impressed with what I saw. They showed me the classrooms and simulation labs which were very sophisticated. I just felt like I belonged. Also, MGH didn't offer me any scholarships and the tuition is more expensive which made my decision easier to make.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you @MLE135 and @estefpf!! I also share the same thoughts on the MGH program and I was leaning towards UMass for similar reasons. Tuition is a big factor since I'd be receiving the in-state rate. MGH is VERY expensive even though it's a year shorter than the UMass program and is only a MSN vs. DNP.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

To those who was removed from the waiting list- did they notify you by phone call or send you a letter in the mail?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hey NPToBe527,

I was wondering if you would be able to tell me what happens on orientation day over the summer. I was told that you create an email and talk to other students and professors but what else happens that day? Also, do we get to pick our own schedules or are they pre-assigned to us?

Thanks!

Hey Alexandra441,

Great question! So if I remember correctly (orientation feels like lifetimes ago), you should have an email address set up even before orientation. They'll send you an email with steps to set that up. On the actual day, you'll get to meet your classmates & faculty, then the morning is filled with speakers from all different departments...this is kind of the "boring stuff", like IT, HIPAA, campus safety, etc. Then there's lunch with a faculty member, and after that the GEP students split off to go to the GEP room & lab, get to know each other better and there the faculty will talk with you specifically about your questions & concerns for the first year and what to expect.

Scheduling: Unfortunately, schedules are pre-assigned, because your whole cohort (about 35 students) remains in class together, all day, every day. It's almost similar to elementary school, where you stay in the same classroom and different teachers come in to teach to you... I thought it was crazy at first, but now I can barely remember switching classes in undergrad!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

@melodeeyaI received a call and received the official acceptance packet in the mail 5 days later!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I just gave up my seat and hopefully, this gets someone off the waitlist!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion