Accepted to UCHSC

Hey girl!

I found out last week that I got accepted to UCHSC too :) I am also trying to find out more info about the program. UCHSC is the only school I applied to - so unless I change my life path- I will most likely start in June in the traditional program. My friends cousin just graduated from UCHSC and took the NCLEX and I think she scored in the top 1% and she took a job at Childrens Hospital in Denver- which is a great hospital. I work in a lab on the UCHSC campus- what is kind of weird is the whole school is making a move to Aurora- which is east of Denver. The projected move is set for 2007 I believe ,but most of the research labs have moved as far as I know- so that might be kinda weird if we get stuck in the middle of the move. Apartments are pretty reasonable I think- I know there are some right across from campus advertising for $399 a month but I am not sure if they are studios. The school is in a pretty safe area about 10-15 min from downtown Denver. If you decide to come here definitely email me or message me :)

So glad to hear from you! I was also accepted for June admission, and have already sent in my $200 deposit--it's refundable up to 60 days before school starts, and I'm seriously considering the school--I only have one other choice above this one (University of Portland) and it's looking grim compared to UCHSC. I've been to Denver several times and totally enjoy the weather; it's so much more refreshing compared to the smog I'm used here in So Cal. The only thing that worries me is the tuition--it's $936 per credit hour for out-of-staters like me. Not to mention the other expenses of apartment rent, food, some utilities, internet, etc. I've already done some housing research on UCHSC's student housing board and found that rent will probably set me back $500 or less for a studio, which is all I'll need. I may just have to leave my financial security "at the door" and pay the big bucks in order to get a great education.

Best of luck to you, and I will definately keep you posted on my final decision; I just may be one of your classmates!

Michelle in Ca :)

I have submitted my application for the accelerated BSN beginning in June 2007 - could you all please comment on what your experiences have been with the school, course load, professors, clinicals, etc. Thanks so much for your feedback.

Since they do not offer housing, is it hard to find a good apartment in a safe area close to campus?

Any help is seriously appreciated, and thanks in advance!

Michelle :)

First of all, congrats on your acceptance. I've heard nothing but good things about the program. Although I do not attend, so I can't give you any first hand knowledge of the program itself.

As for living near by, there is plenty reasonable and safe areas near the campus. The Aurora locale is considered (by locals) to be "Ghetto". But that's because the locals out here have a twisted idea about what is considered to be "dangerous."

If you live in S. Cali (I'm from nothern CA) the area won't intimidate you one bit. It's no where near what an east or west coaster would consider a "Bad Neighborhood". When they say that, just understand that what they are really saying is: "There are minorities in the neighborhood." LOL.

And since you're used to S. Cali cost of living, the rent/mortgage you'll pay out here will be considerably less pound for pound (or sq. foot to sq. foot)

Congrats again, and GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!

Congrats to all of you for getting accepted to UCHSC! You were of the VERY few selected (usually over 600 total applicants for only 140ish spots, so congrats!)

I am currently in the traditional BSN program at UCHSC and will be graduating in May. As a current student I can honestly say that there are things I really hate about this school and things that are good. I have enjoyed most of the faculty (some just aren't great public speakers/lecturers, and they are quite hard to follow)..these are the classes I usually skip and study the notes on my own. Then there are those teachers that are super fun, provide lots of personal experiences and you actually learn quite a bit. One bit of advice... this first summer will be a lot of work and really intimidating (especially your pharm and patho classes with Professor Sampson). Don't give up though (I really wanted to) it gets better and a little less overwhelming.

Things I hated: lack of communication between school administrative offices (such as financial aid, clinical affairs etc.) and students. There were many a times when I needed an answer about clinicals or financial aid and could not get a reply from someone for weeks. Also didn't love the campus itself. Really old, not very attractive, in a very busy area of Denver. But lucky for you guys you will be moving to the new campus in Aurora (I am so jealous) which is absolutely beautiful. I could see it being a little more difficult to find a great place to live close to the new campus though. Kinda a sketchy part of town, may want to look outside it in Parker, or Denver itself and commute. I commuted from Thornton for the entire 2 and 1/2 years (about 30-40 minutes outside Denver-great area) and it wasn't that bad. Especially since by the end of your 1st year you are only going to class on campus one day a week. The other two days are spent in clinicals at the designated hospital you are placed. Also hard to find parking on campus. I did not pay for a parking pass (waste of money in my opinion, especially since you are only usually in class one day a week for four hours). I would just park in the residential areas around campus and walk.. not too big of a deal.

Things I loved: Lots of opportunites to experience many different hospitals for clinicals. I got to view St. Joes, DH, North Suburban, Univ. of Colo (new hospital-gorgeous!), and many more. The school also really makes an effort to make sure you get the opportunity to see a wide variety of patient care. I also liked that alot of the classes by second year are offered online, so for example this last semester I have no classes on campus (yipee!) only online classes and clinicals.

If I can give one more piece of advice. If you think you can balance school and a job, it is easily doable. I worked anywhere from 10-20 hours a week plus school and clinicals and I was fine. Also if you are interested look for a nurse intern position as soon as you can after your first year. I waited until know to get a nurse intern position and now I am struggling to balance all of my commitments this close to graduation.

If anyone has any questions at all about UCHSC nursing program or being a nursing student in general don't hesitate to ask!

Congrats to all those accepted. You are among the VERY LUCKY FEW. Hope u don't take it for granted.

Great reminder to count ye blessings! I'm stuck in corporate america right now, headed to UCHSC in June, and every day (literally!) I think "I can't believe I am actually going to be kissing my desk job goodbye pretty soon." I'm still in shock that I got in. (Did I mention I cried like a little baby while sitting in my car with the envelope in hand.) Can't wait to meet some new classmates and start this cool new journey.