Second-Entry Nursing Programs - 2014 Hopeful

[MatchaGreenTea]

Hi Everyone!

I'm starting this topic for those who are applying to 2nd-entry programs, to start in 2014.

A bit about myself:

I'll be applying to University of Ottawa and University of Toronto.

Graduated with a Social Science degree from Ottawa U w/ 7.2 CGPA (aka 3.33 on 4.0 scale, or a B+)

A lot of community involvement in health promotion, youth counseling programs, women's health research..

Currently taking the prerequisites...

I'm kind of nervous about the applications because I know how competitive these programs are... Any advice from current 2-year BScN students would be great!

Let's get this thread going

[sharpie16]

I am trying not to lose hope but it is so hard not to. I feel myself dying a little everyday.

Did you find out your position on the UoT waitlist?!

[an16]

I'm not sure what the GPA cut off is and when I called in to ask, they told me they can't really say since there are other components to the application as well. I think that if you meet their minimum requirement then they will consider you as long as you have a good personal statement and reference letter.

I actually applied after the deadline, and strangely the program is still available to apply to through OUAC. There are 50 spots available, and from what I have been told from someone else, they interview about 100. I think they will continue to accept applicants and do interviews until they fill all spots. For this reason I imagine that it is a lot easier to be given an interview if you apply earlier. The later you apply, the fewer spots they have left.

I applied in mid May and received an invite for an interview through email 12 days later. There were 2 people interviewing me (although there were supposed to be 3) and it lasted about 20 minutes. Most questions were quite predictable after reading their program description. I received an offer of admission through OUAC and the Nipissing website about a week after my interview.

[Talstar]

@an16 @butter I don't know much about the Nipissing program other than what's on their website. I have yet to meet one person who is going there or who has graduated from there. Are you saying there are 50 spots in total or 50 more spots left?

Also, they didn't disclose a cut-off avg but you need a minimum of 70% in 10 Best FCE's. Like UofT they look at your application holistically. You also need to have your degree conferred by 30th June. All of this info is from their website. Unfortunately I have not called in to ask for any other stats.

@an16 I applied early to Nipissing and got in. So I want to start a FB group. Is there one already? I have sent you a PM.

[lalalene]

yes…3rd group, hence why my hopes are being shattered lol

[sharpie16]

yes…3rd group, hence why my hopes are being shattered lol

This group thing is so confusing to me! Well at least we know we were almost there so if we have to reapply next year we will probably make it!! There's some hope!!!

[Talstar]

To those who didn't get a reply from UofT, I emailed them today and they basically said that offers of admission can still be made until June 30th. So even though wait list and rejection offers are being sent out, there are also offers of admission being sent out too.

[rose89]

Hello everyone,

I have been an observer for awhile. Has anyone heard anything from trent recently? And what about lakehead? Has anyone applied there? Also, how did you guys prepare for the SPP nursing interview ? I am interested however, when I called nipissing nursing, I was told that the program is now full and they are only extending wait listed applicants in case someone drops out.

[butter413]

@an16 thanks so much for replying back with a thorough post. yea i feel like i would have a higher chance with this program. i never knew the second entry programs were this competitive until i started doing research this year. for the prerequisites, they said we need physiology and psychology. do we need just one half course in each or 1 FCE? and would you mind sharing your stats?

@Talstar, just wanted to say thank you to you as well. i know there aren't that many people who applied to nipissing and uses this blog. so everything that you have shared was greatly appreciated :)

[lalalene]

Dear Phone,

Please ring already,

Sincerely,

Nursing Hopeful Who Is Currently Going Crazy :)

[an16]

@butter413 i'm not sure if you need half or full courses because i had full courses for each so i never really looked into it. i'm sure if you call in and ask then they can give you that information. my gpa on my best 10 FCE's is between a b and b+. my reference letter was from a volunteer supervisor i had at a long-term care facility and my personal statement included information on other volunteering i did. i probably would not have been admitted into any other program in Ontario or even Canada, so i'm pretty lucky/happy :)

[an16]

@Talstar there are 50 spots in total. i have contacted someone who is almost finished the program so if i receive any feedback i'll be happy to share it

[A_Axelrod]

I spoke with a number of students from the SPP program via email and they LOVED the program, they said that it is very self directed but you have lots of hands on experience. It seems like an wonderful experience. I do know that it is currently going through the accreditation process, it lost accreditation last year and just recently got 2 year accreditation in Canada this year. I was close to going to the program but I chose U of T mainly because I have a strong research background and Nipissing doesn't offer that, as well as, they don't have any big facilities in Toronto, like a gym or library. But they do offer the Nipissing library and will mail you books form there. If you have questions about the program the facilitators are extremely helpful and will ensure you get the answers you need.