CU Denver (UCD)vs. Regis University advice

[AubreyStewart]

Hi everyone! I am new to allnurses and am not entirely sure this is in the correct category. If not, please let me know of a better place to start this thread.

I am in need of advice regarding which university to attend (or try to attend). I am leaning toward CU Denver, but this is mostly because I haven't heard from many students that have attended Regis. I will be done with my prerequisites in Spring of 2012. I believe that I am allowed to apply at Regis in January or February, and UCD in June. I eventually would like to obtain a NP degree, and would like to get the best education possible, so these are the only two colleges I have entertained the idea of.

I have a 3.9 in my prerequisites and a 3.8 overall, but not much volunteer experience. I know volunteer experience may be important, I just have not found the time to do so. Can anyone give me advice regarding how to increase my odds of acceptance at either university? Also, I am hoping to hear from a few grads or current students at either university. I would like to know how they are enjoying their experience, if they feel they received an acceptable education, and did the college prepare them in the best way possible for their future. I am crossing my fingers that I will be accepted into one or the other, and I am terrified that I will be rejected from both. However, in the slim chance that I get a chance to choose which one I would like to attend, I want to be prepared to make that choice.

Thank you for any advice you can give!

Aubrey

[ren324]

Hi Aubrey, I started the Traditional BSN at CU this summer so I may not be the best to advise you, but I can offer some information. So far I'm loving the program, and I think this was the perfect fit for me. We have already had a clinical (albeit 6 hours, but still helped get us acquainted) and the plan is to have over 750 hours of clinical experience before graduating. With each clinical rotation you get close to 100 hours, plus tons of lab time. For the last semester, you get to follow a preceptor for 150 hours on a unit of your choice (you give 3 options and the school picks one). I know from my undergraduate degree the significance of clinical experience in terms of applying knowledge to real world situations and how many nursing programs can be more "theory based." This program has a base in theory, but with a large emphasis on the clinical component so that when you start as an RN, you should be pretty comfortable. A high GPA is very important, so that's great you have that. In terms of helping your application, it seems as though the majority of students in the program have some type of health care experience, myself included. If you are able to find the time to even just volunteer/work a few times a month, I think it would be beneficial to your application. As for the odds of getting in, they said for June 2011 they had close to 1000 applicants for 130 spots, which I think is pretty standard for CU. I don't know anything about Regis so I can't really help you there, but good luck with your search!

[Ally1833]

Hi Aubrey,

I am currently in the Regis Accelerated BSN program and graduate in December. I was also accepted to CU Denver but ended up choosing Regis. I agree with REN324's reply and the Regis program is set up similarly albeit, at a much faster pace for the accelerated program. I personally do not have a healthcare background, but I did volunteer in a hospital for a short time. I do think volunteering helped me get accepted to both programs, so if you have a few hours a week, I'd encourage you to volunteer. It's actually pretty fun! As far as which is the "better" school? It's probably a toss up. They are both great schools and where one school inches above in one area, the other school inches above in another. For me, I preferred the smaller class size, the environment, and the less competitiveness of Regis. You'll definitely earn a top notch nursing education at Regis...and also at CU.

-Ally1833