University of Calgary

jerwins · Feb 21, 2009

Same here I consider going to UofC for Fall 09' but for BNRT though. I have read a survey about the university on macleans.ca and it gives me a second thought on taking their nursing program. Read the article under 'oncampus'. It will give you a good idea what students think about the Univ.

CharmedJ7 · Feb 25, 2009

What section are you looking at? I didn't see anything specifically about their nursing program or insight from nursing students. I hear that the medical and nursing schools here are pretty highly regarded, and I was impressed with the facilities they have (they just opened a new simulation center that sounds neat), but I'd definitely like to hear from current students. Could you link me?

jerwins · Feb 25, 2009

I wasnt talking about the faculty itself but as an institution. Yes I agree that they have just recently updated their nursing clinical facility and as well as their course outline which will be effective in January 2010. I am not sure if the students who will be starting on fall 09' are the first batch who will experience the updated course outline.

Talking to current students is the best idea so you'll know what they have to say about the program. BTW this is the link about univ survey http://oncampus.macleans.ca/education/2009/02/04/2009-student-surveys/

you will notice that small schools excel the survey. That makes me think of considering Mount Royal College for Nursing. What do you think?

glim06 · Jul 7, 2011

Hi,

I'm wondering where you heard that U of C gaurantees acceptance at 3.0? Thanks.

Grace

RNStudent2013 · Jul 7, 2011

I don't think there is a 3.0 guarantee anymore. For the Transfer route intake this Fall, I was told they were looking at 3.85 as a competitive GPA due to the number of seats they expected to give to Transfer students. The January entry (either Transfer route or Degree Holder route) probably has a lower acceptance average, but even for last January I knew some people with above a 3.0 that were put on a wait list. But, the U of A was guaranteeing acceptance at 3.0 and above for their Fall 2011 After-Degree intake...

Also, is there anyone out there who is in this program now? I'm interested in hearing what you think of it so far!

glim06 · Jul 7, 2011

I don't think there is a 3.0 guarantee anymore. For the Transfer route intake this Fall, I was told they were looking at 3.85 as a competitive GPA due to the number of seats they expected to give to Transfer students.

Wow! 3.85 is really getting up there. I wish I'd been around when there was a 3.0 gaurantee. I'm applying to the degree holder route that starts in Jan 2012. I've got a 3.2 aGPA when the admissions advisor expected the competitive average to be 3.4. Hopefully, they look at my other qualifications as well!

Best of luck getting in this fall!

petethecanuck · Jul 7, 2011

I'm in the "last" BNAT class, Jan 2010 entry and can only speak to the old accelerated program. GPA admission was pretty competitive, (> 3.0 for sure) in my class with about 45 seats.

For the Sept 2009 BNAT class there was a 3.0 guarantee and it turned out to be a gong show.. 165+ students in that class. I actually stared in that class and transferred into the Jan 2010 entry due to the size.

The new revamped 2 year after degree program started this past January but I don't know their admission GPA. Haven't seen the new students around much actually but I know it's a relatively smaller class size too, ~ 74 seats.

My BNAT experience has been a mixed bag I'm glad it's coming to a close. I wish the new 2 year after degree program was in place a few years ago because on paper it looks very interesting. :)

glim06 · Jul 7, 2011

Hey Petethecanuck (I'm from Vancouver too btw =D),

Thanks for your answers! So are you in the 20 month program? Must be crazy but it's great that you're almost finished!

Do you remember if U of C looked at anything beyond your aGPA? Such as an essay, volunteerism, work experience, etc, etc. If so, how much of your application was weighted on these external factors?

Lastly, this may be jumping the gun but do you recall how long it took them to get back to people in terms of whether they were accepted, waitlisted, or rejected?

Cheers,

Grace

RNStudent2013 · Jul 7, 2011

Hi Grace,

As far as I know, they only look at GPA for admissions, but it's only the last 10 courses you took. And I don't think you need to worry yet about having a 3.2... I'm not 100% clear on what competitive average means, but I am guessing it means that if you have a 3.4, your chances of getting in are really good? I'm not sure. I just can't imagine everybody entering the Transfer route this September had a 3.85 or above...

Anyway, I'm going to be starting this September, so if you get in I think we will have classes together at some point! Good luck!

glim06 · Jul 7, 2011

Hey RNstudent2013,

I suppose 3.85 is the average rather than the minimum but even then, that's quite the GPA. CONGRATS on getting in with competition like that. =D =D

Good luck in September and with luck I'll be there soon too.

Cheers,

Grace

petethecanuck · Jul 7, 2011

@ Grace

Yeah the 20 month program was a meat grinder. For instance, we just finished up our senior 4th year course: Advanced Concepts in Nursing Practice (42 hour block course), in only 7 days.

I really hope the new revamped 2 year program is a success and the students aren't as bitter or burnt out like many of my colleagues.

Far as other criteria the U may look at besides GPA, you could try submitting your application under the Diverse Qualifications Admissions Policy. http://www.ucalgary.ca/admissions/diverse_qualifications

I was accepted within a few weeks after applying (applied in January 2009, accepted a few weeks later for Sept 2009 entry) but I have friends who didn't find out until a few weeks before classes started.

@ RNstudent Congrats on your acceptance! The transfer route will be a much more manageable (and enjoyable) journey for you. You'll probably be getting a lot of SIM labs as the faculty is fully embracing that teaching tool. They are quite fun and a great learning experience.

Good luck guys!

cheers :)