Fall 2010 UCLA MECN applicants share your comments/concerns

[Amy2020]

Just a reminder for whoever interested in applying to fall 2010 UCLA MECN program, the deadline is Nov. 2, 2009.

Let me share my story. I mailed my application to UCLA SON two weeks ago via certified mail. I thought I could track my package on USPS website. However, it only showed that the postal service received my package and there was no more further info regarding the arrival at UCLA. I panicked and called the USPS three times with three different phone #s. And I went to my local postal office to recall my package. NO LUCK. They told me to call PO with 90095 zip code. Finally, I talked to the right person who worked in the Village postal in Westwood. He said UCLA had its own postal service system and it did not conform any kind of mailing. I was sort of relief that knowing my package was with UCLA SON. This is my first time applying to MECN. Anyone who is re-applicant out here, do you mind share your previous experience with UCLA-MECN?

[roborant]

i checked the prereq list and you're right. CHEM 51 is listed on there. And it does introduce organic and biochemistry. Nice.

[NP to be]

Hey All newly accepted MECN students. I cant wait to meet you all. I live in San Francisco now, anyone whos in my area thats going to be starting the program? Also, I had some back and forth conversations about full-filling Epidemiology. Im going to try to take it at UC Berkley Extension. Anyone out there with the same plan? I cant wait to meet you all at the end of July for orientation!

Bests!

[viajeraNP]

Hi NP to be ...

I was accepted into the MECN and USF's program, and I'm anguishing over my decision because my significant other lives in the Bay area (I live in LA right now). I'll be moving up to the Bay area regardless of where I end up going for the next few months (or few years, depending on my decision) and am looking to complete Epi through UCB extension, too (again, if I go with MECN).

[NP to be]

Viaj..-

Congratulations! That would be great to already know someone in the class for Epi at UC B. Do you know the location of the classes? SF? Berkley? Let me know if you enroll. Enrollment begins for summer session on April 12th. Ill be online bright and early to try to make sure I can enroll in the class.

Making a decision can be really hard, especially if you have a person or people staying in the bay area that you really care about. I know that UCLA is a far better program. You will probably get a better clinical experience at UCLA. In SF you are competing with all the other nursing programs to get clinicals: UCSF, SFSU, City College...Im not sure the other schools but I know your more likely to be placed at a better hospitals in LA than SF. After all, the UCSF nursing students will get the first priority at the UCSF hospitals. Also, USF is so so so expensive. I went to USF for undergrad and the real benefit I had was the small class sizes. I was able to get to know many of my professors which seem to help me.

Best of luck to you with your decision process and please let me know if you enroll in Epi.

Looking forward to hearing back from you,

Ali

[viajeraNP]

Hi NP to be,

Thanks for the insights - you've hit upon a lot of my concerns with USF. I'm considering attending UCLA and possibly relocating to the bay area after graduation, just contemplating how challenging that might be (as you mention) competing with UCSF students. I'd love to connect with you about this, I could go on and on about this dilemma Hmm, wondering if there's an easy, confidential way to convey my email to you? I'm new to this site.

Yes, I'll be online early bird style on the 12th too. It would be great to take the class with a MECN bound student.

[musicgal]

Hey ViajeraNP

In the interests of full disclosure, let me first say that I am on the waiting list for UCLA!!!! But I think another consideration is that a lot of graduates I have spoken to have ended up working where they did their clinicals becasue they made great contacts there. I live in LA, with my boyfriend, and I would rather do an associates degree here (at SMC for example) then a masters program out of state because they place so many graduates with UCLA hospitals and I can do night school later. Ultimately i just need a batchelors degree and a year of experience to get into an NP or Anesthetist program, and I can do those simultaneously.

I'm also considering 3 year Cal State programs as they are cheaper and a faster route to NP

Just some (possibly biased!) thoughts :-)

Good luck, I'm sure you will do well wherever you go.

[tokebi]

Does anyone plan on working while doing MECN program? I know it's intensive but I've been wondering if it's unrealistic to work part time during the program?

[vicb]

I'm planning on working part time, at least through December. Once clinicals start it might be too much, but I'm hoping that it's doable.

Is anyone taking Epi at UCLA this summer? I'll probably end up taking Nursing 50 (instead of Epi 100) in the first summer session.

[NP to be]

Viajera-

I would love to talk with you more about decisions, as I had to decide between Boston College and UCLA. Also, it would be great to meet a possible classmate!

I think there is a way to send private messages on this blog, just not sure how to begin that process.

Bests!

[dianah, ASN]

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--- dianah

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[Sandman2855]

Just wondering who will be joining me in MECN for sure. I just said no to UCSF (ouch) for various reasons and will be attending UCLA! I can't wait for it to start and to meet all of you.

[tokebi]

Hi Sandman, I will see you there.

I was on the wait-list, not one of those 60. I was recently notified that I was accepted and UCLA being the only school I applied, of course I humbly accept the offer. I am so excited, I can't wait for the fall quarter to begin, and meet my classmates who will share the tears and laughter for the next two years. :)