Applying to UCLA MECN to start Fall 2015?

vee_24 · Feb 2, 2015

@BruinMecn2016 Thank you for offering your help! I am taking you up on that haha. Ok here I go..

Was UCLA your top choice?

What is a typical day like? How often do you have rotations/class? Is it difficult for you to balance nursing school and life?

Any info that you can give us is really appreciated :)

Ms_Smiles · Feb 2, 2015

@ Ms_Smiles. Late February? i didn't think it would be that early. Did you call up the office? i thought it would be march or april.

I didn't either, but thats what they said when I called. We shall see =)

dcwang · Feb 2, 2015

@Ms_Smiles. did they say how many applications were received this year?

BruinMecn2016 · Feb 2, 2015

@BruinMecn2016 Thank you for offering your help! I am taking you up on that haha. Ok here I go..
Was UCLA your top choice?
What is a typical day like? How often do you have rotations/class? Is it difficult for you to balance nursing school and life?
Any info that you can give us is really appreciated :)

UCLA actually was not my top choice but only because of the drive and personal commitments. I got into a few other schools but realized the prestige of UCLA may help me in the long run especially if I go out of state. It took me awhile to really sit down and write pros and cons of all the schools to see which one fit into my life.

A typical day really depends on the day. With that said, this quarter we have a SIM lab (3 hours) and our clinicals rotation (6 hours this quarter... 12 hours thereafter) in the earlier part of the week. We have a full day Thursday in classes (from 8am-5pm) and two classes Friday (8am-3pm). And this quarter we have one physical assessment lab on Saturday.

It is definitely hard to balance both. I think every student in any nursing program will attest to that. BUT having others go through it with you does lighten the stress. I would take time now to prepare family and loved ones that you will be busy in class or studying all the time. Some family may be hurt but by letting them know now will help. Also if you are in a relationship with a significant other I would prepare them. :) It's hard but it's only for 2 years and then the benefits outweighs the sacrifices ten-fold!!

And no worries, I'm here to help! We are super busy with midterms so if any of us don't respond right away you know why

Oh and to attest to the admissions... I walk by "her" office all the time (nicest woman you will ever meet!) and she is up to her ears... literally box upon box of apps for all nursing programs. They are working very hard to get those decisions made! :)

Good luck ya'll! I hope I see you this fall!

xochrlstinaxo · Feb 3, 2015

Hello my future Nurses =),
I thought I should join the thread because this wait is killing me =( . I heard that this year we may hear in late Feb./Early March.

:woot: My heart just sank to my stomach. I think I'm going to be sick :sour:

I'm so nervous but at the same time I doubt I'm even going to be accepted since USD rejected me and UCLA is a better school.

BRUINS1990 · Feb 3, 2015

My heart just sank to my stomach. I think I'm going to be sick
I'm so nervous but at the same time I doubt I'm even going to be accepted since USD rejected me and UCLA is a better school.

stay hopeful! different schools look for different things.

freshprance · Feb 5, 2015

@bruinmecn2016

how hard are the classes? How much time per week do you spend studying? Is it more memorization or understanding concepts? Thanks!

BRUINS1990 · Feb 7, 2015

@BruinMECN2016

(1) Why did you choose UCLA over all the other schools? Did UCLA's MECN program live up to your expectations and what do you love about it? If you could elaborate on your experience there so far, that would be great.

(2) What would you say the estimated budget (everything included -- tuition, rent, books, etc.) is for the two years MECN program?

Thank you!

BruinMecn2016 · Feb 10, 2015

@bruinmecn2016
how hard are the classes? How much time per week do you spend studying? Is it more memorization or understanding concepts? Thanks!

Hi Hanabiwabi! The classes that are difficult so far are pathophysiology and pharmacology. I've also heard from the 2nd year MECNs that critical care was hard. I honestly don't know how many hours I am studying per week but it really depends on what your background is and your studying style. I need repetition so I am studying around 36 hours a week. I know that sounds like a lot but all nursing schools will require this commitment. Also, the fact that this is a master's program is pounded into your brain everyday by the professors to justify their high expectations :)

Also, it is mostly understanding the concepts. They want you to be able to apply your knowledge on the floor and when taking the NCLEX. I hope that helps!

BruinMecn2016 · Feb 10, 2015

@BruinMECN2016
(1) Why did you choose UCLA over all the other schools? Did UCLA's MECN program live up to your expectations and what do you love about it? If you could elaborate on your experience there so far, that would be great.
(2) What would you say the estimated budget (everything included -- tuition, rent, books, etc.) is for the two years MECN program?
Thank you!

Hi BRUINS1990!

Like I mentioned before I chose UCLA because I'm hoping the name and prestige of the university will help me land a job in California as well as if I were to relocate out of state (or out of the country). There are parts that have lived up to my expectations such as the speakers that we are in contact with. As well as many recruiters from top hospitals will come and speak to us. There are some downfalls as well that we are trying to address so they are not the same for the next class! So far it has been great! It is very hard but I know I will get through and so can you! Just staying grateful that I am here and in a place to learn is the constant reminder I need to give myself. I would say one big downfall to consider is that our cohorts are HUGE. I have many friends in other nursing schools that are under 30 and they rave about the professor investment into their students and guidance. For our university you have to reach out to the staff if you want that kind of mentorship. Some are very willing to take you under their wing though! But overall that is one thing I wish was different!

I honestly have NO idea about the budget. I think our tuition plus health insurance was about $7500 last quarter. Then parking is $222 a quarter I think. We also had to pay for our uniforms, lab bag (with stethoscope and supplies), online educational materials (MNL), etc. I want to say they have this info listed online?

Good luck! :)

ceecoxy · Feb 10, 2015

@charming_kitty Around 500 applied last year and 70 were accepted. I think around 30 from waitlist.

dcwang · Feb 10, 2015

@ceecoxy you mean of the 70, 30 were from the wait list?