Did anyone apply to UCLA's MECN Program for Fall 2009?

NP to be · Jan 30, 2009

Hi,

I will be applying to the program that starts in 2010. Can you tell me a little bit about your experience as a student there. The best the worst. What would you advice for me to strengthen my application? Where did you go to undergrad? What type of nurse are studying to be? Can you give me a description of a day in your life there?

Here is a little about me:

I have a BS in Exercise and Sports Science and a minor in neuroscience/ Pre-med

I have a 3.75 GPA

I have little experience working in a hospital but I am starting volunteering at San Francisco General and UCSF Children's

Thanks for time

nmh586 · Jan 30, 2009

I actually went to UCLA for undergrad which is why I applied there for grad school. I couldn't even imagine a better school to go to. I'm sure it's different as a grad student but I think the school offered a great balance of academics, extracurriculars, and social life. Even though it is a huge school, I always found someone to help me (counselors, career center, etc). I never felt like a number.

The area is nice, if you can deal with the traffic! You're in the middle of Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Hollywood. It's pretty amazing. The only downside really is the cost of living (fiarly expensive).

All in all I loved it and I will be excited if I get into grad school!

levoila · Jan 31, 2009

Hi, Everyone:

I also applied to the MECN program but I have some concerns about posts that I've read about the program in one of the previous year's cohort. Some people seemed frustrated that clinicals didn't begin right away as they do with some other programs.

What other programs are any of you considering?

I went to UCLA for my undergrad and would love to go back, but part of me is skeptical about this program.

My long-term goal is to become a NP, but I'm not sure if it is best to become an RN and get some experience first, or to go directly into a program with the ability to specialize built-in--such as CSULA or CSULB. Right now my first choice is CSULA but they only accept 20 students. I applied to 4 entry-level MSNs and two accelerated BSNs.

Is anyone else interested in becoming a nurse practitioner?

I hope these five weeks fly by! Good luck, everyone!

schmooper · Jan 31, 2009

Hey everybody, I emailed Shelli at UCLA and she said we should expect letters around the first week of march!

martinosa · Feb 3, 2009

Hello all!!! I am super nervous. This is bad, right? I graduated from a UC and graduated with two majors. I have completed all pre-reqs with A's, however, two with B's (not science classes, English ). I really like this program. I definitely think it would be a great fit for me as a person. I just wanted to wish you all good luck :) I applied to CSUF, CSULB, SFSU, however, UCLA is my first choice.

musictonurse · Feb 4, 2009

I just heard back from Shelli and there were 480 applicants and we should be hearing the decision in the first week of March. I hope this month flies by!

Good luck to all!

Does anyone know the differences between UCLA and USD's programs?

MisterSimba, BSN · Feb 4, 2009

480 applicants??? Wow! And there's how many spots? 40 or 50? Thankfully I already got into Azuza Pacific's nursing program (EENAP, in San Diego) .....such a relief knowing that I have a spot there if I don't get into UCLA....

Good luck everyone!!!

musictonurse · Feb 4, 2009

I know, the chances are so low. I think they take 50 or 55 which is about a 10-12% chance of getting in.

I have great grades, but I only have volunteer experience in the hospital and no real work experience in any medical field, which I'm thinking will count against me. I'm also scared that maybe my personal statement wasn't strong enough, even though I worked pretty hard on it. But I guess there's nothing we can do now, but wait...and wait...and wait. Yikes!

I have an interview at USD next week, but USD is so expensive! I really wanna get into this program.

Sarah7781 · Feb 4, 2009

wow 480?

My grades aren't fantastic cause I had family problems during my time studying, but I'm hoping having 5 years working experience within the medical industry will help my application :/

..saying that, i havent got my hopes up!

schmooper · Feb 5, 2009

Hey musictonurse, I also am interviewing at USD next week, and you are right, it is expensive! A public school like UCLA would be ideal because of the price. See you next week!

BerryGood30 · Feb 5, 2009

Good luck guys, I know exactly how you are feeling right now as I was in the same place a year ago. Just an FYI, the program costs approximately $13k for tuition and the financial aid package (including living expenses) cannot exceed around $35k each year, not including summer months. Graduate tuition has increased greater than 50% over the past five years and will continue to increase. The complete cost of financing MECN graduate program is around $70-80k but this does not include additional personal costs you might have like mortgage or childcare, etc. If you decide to go to UCLA, start putting away every dollar possible. A few students work but most cannot because of the intense academic load. Just be realistic about what financial demands you may have while in school! That being said, the MECN program is completely worth it.

musictonurse · Feb 7, 2009

Thanks so much for the info, BerryGood30!

Do you mean $70-80k including living expenses? Even though I don't want to, I'm planning on living at home while going to school there. My mom lives in the valley and I know it will be a tough commute but at least I can save some future debt.

Also, do the majority of people in the program have related experience in a health setting? I only have volunteer experience in the hospital and my other work experience is in media - totally unrelated. I'm thinking this would count against me, compared to others who already have experience in a related health or research field. What kinds of backgrounds do you currently have in the program?

Thanks so much for your insight!