Initial License Turn Around Time

Hi

I recently finished my AREs and AXP, and applied to Massachusetts board for my initial license. It's been 6 weeks since my application, and the status is still "submitted" without any progress or notification. According to Reddit it can even take 6 months. I wonder if it's normal or just slow for Massachusetts? I am desperate for a promotion but this delay hurt my professional development. I would really appreciate if someone applied to Mass gov can share his/her experience.