Fall 2010 UCLA MECN applicants share your comments/concerns

Published

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?

The nursing epidemiology class is called Nursing 50. The schedule is Monday and Thursday 830am - 1050 am according to their schedule of classes at http://www.registrar.ucla.edu/schedule/schedulehome.aspx. Hope that helps :)

P.S. Congratulations!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hem/Onc/BMT.

Here's the link to UCLA epi100 class website, which I had posted before but I'll put it again in case you haven't seen it: http://www.ph.ucla.edu/epi/epi10010s.html

So basically there are two options. You attend the classes and declare option 1, in which your grade will be based on weekly quizzes and the final. If you declare option 2, you don't come to classes at all (but you can choose to) but study online, and then take the final exam.

What I did was option 1. I took the quizzes every week but did not attend all classes, but caught up with online materials.

The professor is very flexible, I think. He does not require you to declare the option until week 3, so you have some time to check out the course or see how you like listening to the lectures online before making the decision. He also lets you to postpone the final exam to December in case you cannot make it to the final. I was almost tempted to do it when I just felt that I wasn't ready. The professor talked me out of it, and I'm so grateful for that. Anyways, the professor is quite understanding and helpful when you ask for advice.

Anyhoo, check out the website where you'll meet the professor and more details on the course.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks Sandman/ Tokebi :-)

I had found the Epi 100 link but according to student services that class is much harder than the nursing school option. I didn't realise that it was also called Nursing 50, so that link REALLY helped because I need to schedule staff to cover me in advance :-)

Nursing 50 it is..... hope to meet some of you there :-)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Congratulations Musicgal, I'm so happy for you!!!!

I will be taking Nursing 50 as well, it will be great to meet you there.

I'm still looking for a summer Chem class. I heard that LA Trade Tech is offering a very limited summer session this year. Because their chem class is 5 units, it will likely not be offered.... I'm hoping that SMCC won't close up too quickly!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks vcib :-)

I took Chem at SMC. GREAT school! I just turned up at an evening class and got on no problem. Have you enrolled online? If you haven't, do it now. The earlier you enroll, the earlier your add date will be (I'm sure you know that already!) Even though the classes may be full by the time you get your add date, list every class that fits with your schedule and e-mail all of those professors asking for add codes (the SMC site is pretty easy to navigate - you can find most of their e-mail addresses on the faculty staff homepages). If you tell them your situation, I am sure that at least one professor will pony up an add code (you might have to wait until the week before class starts)! If they don't, turning up on the day (you might have to hit a couple of classes) should work.

Good luck... I have no doubt you will make it :-)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I also took chem (10, 11, and 12) at SMC and I can attest that almost everyone who wanted to crash the class and actually showed up got in no problem. This was a couple years ago but Im sure you have a good chance. As for epidemiology, im glad my link helped. I think I will be taking Nursing 50 also. Looking forward to meeting you all.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks Sandman and Musicgal for your advice and encouragement. I enrolled at SMC and will be able to register for classes next month. Sounds like from your experiences, it won't be a problem.

Looking forward to meeting you both in Nursing 50!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

For those who are sending UCLA transcripts for the prereqs they just finished, does anyone know if UCLA wants one copy or two? The email they sent said transcript (singular) but I remember when applying they wanted two copies.

Tried calling the office but no one answered.

Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hem/Onc/BMT.

Probably two.

I recently emailed her to ask if I needed to send the completed transcript with my degree on it, since I was still doing my undergrad when I applied. She wrote me back saying I need to send two official copies. I think it would be the same for prereq's.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi all, Congratulations to those of you who got into the program! I know how excited you must feel because I was there this time last year. I briefly looked over some of the posts and I just wanted to say that the Epi class over the summer with ----- is great. I would take that over the online class if at all possible. He is wonderful and it's a good way to get to know some of your classmates before the program starts. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

Other than that, I would just recommend really enjoying your summer! Good luck to all of you and I look forward to meeting you next Fall!

-2nd year MECN

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hem/Onc/BMT.

Hi musictonurse, thanks for the warm welcome.

Can I ask you some questions about the program?

1. I've been looking at the "Sample Course Sequence" over and over... that's how excited I am! :) My questions is, do students choose their own sequence, or is it pre-determined? Does one cohort move along the courses together, having the same classmates through the entire program?

2. How many days of the week do you have classes? I assume clinicals will vary, but for lecture classes? I'm asking this because I really hope that the classes are clustered together with fewer days of the week rather than having to go to school almost everyday just for a few hours of class each day.

3. How is the study load? Is it doable while keeping jobs? Do a lot of MECN students work while in the program?

Sorry to bombard you with questions... but I'm just so itching to know more about what is to come. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion